Practice Manager Salary: How It Compares to Awards and the National Minimum Wage

What Does "Practice Manager Salary" Mean?

A practice manager organises and controls the functions and resources of professional practices, such as administrative systems, personnel, and records. In Australia, this occupation falls under ANZSCO 5122, which includes health practice managers and other practice managers. When we talk about a "practice manager salary", we are referring to the typical earnings for this role, which can vary by industry, location, and experience.

Where Does the Practice Manager Salary Sit on the Salary Index?

The Salary Index compares gross annual earnings to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line, where 100 equals $108,352 (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for practice managers is $1,655. Annualised (52 weeks), that is about $86,060, giving an index of approximately 79.4. This means the typical practice manager earns about 79% of the national average full-time wage.

For context, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week (index 48.2). So a practice manager on the median earns nearly double the minimum wage. However, the median is still below the all-occupations median of $1,852 per week (index 88.9).

Awards Versus the National Minimum Wage

Practice managers are often employed in health care and social assistance, where modern awards like the Health Professionals and Support Services Award may apply. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for these awards, which set minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates. From 1 July 2026, award rates increased by 4.75%, following the Annual Wage Review. For example, an entry-level health professional under that award might earn around $25.74 per hour, well below the practice manager median of $46 per hour.

It is important to note that the national minimum wage is the legal floor for all employees not covered by an award or agreement. Practice managers covered by an award must be paid at least the award rate for their classification. However, the median earnings suggest that many practice managers are paid above award, either through enterprise agreements or market rates.

Factors That Influence Practice Manager Pay

Several factors affect where a practice manager’s salary sits on the index:

Industry

Most practice managers work in health care and social assistance (index 97.8) or professional, scientific and technical services (index 114.7). Those in professional services may earn closer to the national average, while those in health care may be slightly below.

Location

State indices vary, as shown on our states page. For example, New South Wales has an index of 101.2, while Tasmania is 88.6. A practice manager in Sydney may earn more than one in Hobart, reflecting local labour markets.

Gender and Age

The occupation is 86% female, with a median age of 44. Female-dominated roles often have lower median pay, and the practice manager median is below the all-occupations median. This may reflect part-time work or industry mix.

Take-Home Pay and Superannuation

For a practice manager earning $86,060 annually, the estimated take-home pay (2026–27 tax rates, including 2% Medicare levy) is around $68,000. This calculation excludes HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge. Employers must also contribute superannuation at 12% from 1 July 2026, adding about $10,327 to the employee’s retirement savings. The super guarantee does not affect the Salary Index, which uses gross ordinary-time earnings.

How the Index Helps You Compare

The how the index works page explains that the index is a ratio of annual gross earnings to the national line, multiplied by 100. A practice manager on $86,060 has an index of 79.4, meaning they earn 79.4% of the benchmark. This is useful for comparing roles across industries and locations. For instance, a practice manager in mining (industry index 154.7) would likely earn more, while one in retail (index 75.9) might earn less.

Conclusion

The practice manager salary in Australia sits comfortably above the national minimum wage and award floors, but below the average full-time wage. Understanding where this role fits on the Salary Index helps both employers and employees benchmark pay. For the latest award rates, refer to the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman. For industry comparisons, see our industries page.