Speech Pathologist Salary in Australia: Award Rates and What to Expect

What is a speech pathologist salary in Australia?

If you're reading a job ad for a speech pathologist, you'll want to know how the pay stacks up. The keyword "speeth pathologist salary" (a common misspelling of speech pathologist) points to a profession that is in demand but has limited public earnings data. This guide uses the Salary Index to compare speech pathologist pay against the national line, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (annualised $108,352).

Award minimums: the floor for speech pathologist pay

Most speech pathologists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (Fair Work Ombudsman). This award sets minimum weekly rates based on the employee's AQF qualification level and years of experience. The rates below are from the award as at 1 October 2026, after the Fair Work Commission's gender undervaluation review.

Entry-level speech pathologist (Level 1, AQF Level 5)

• 1st year: $1,232.70 per week ($32.44 per hour) – index 59
• 2nd–3rd year: $1,308.80 per week ($34.44 per hour) – index 63
• 4th–6th year: $1,426.00 per week ($37.53 per hour) – index 68
• 7th year+: $1,541.30 per week ($40.56 per hour) – index 74

With a higher qualification (Level 1, AQF Level 6)

• 1st year: $1,232.70 per week – index 59
• 2nd–3rd year: $1,308.80 per week – index 63
• 4th–6th year: $1,483.30 per week ($39.03 per hour) – index 71
• 7th year+: $1,659.30 per week ($43.67 per hour) – index 80

Senior speech pathologist roles (Levels 2–4)

• Level 2.1: $1,945.40 per week ($51.19 per hour) – index 93
• Level 2.2: $1,983.20 per week ($52.19 per hour) – index 95
• Level 3: $1,983.20 per week – index 95
• Level 4: $2,499.10 per week ($65.77 per hour) – index 120

These are minimums. Many employers, especially in private practice or in high-demand areas, pay above award. The award also allows for classification at higher levels if the role involves supervision, complex caseloads, or management.

Where does speech pathologist pay sit on the index?

The Salary Index compares any salary to the national line. For a speech pathologist on the award:

• Entry-level (1st year, AQF 5): index 59 – well below the national line of 100.
• Experienced (7th year, AQF 5): index 74 – still below the national average.
• Senior (Level 4): index 120 – above the national line.

But these are award minimums. Actual salaries can be higher. The Jobs and Skills Australia occupation profile notes that median weekly earnings are not available for speech pathologists at the 6-digit level, so we rely on award data and market reports.

Factors that affect speech pathologist salary

Experience and qualifications

As shown in the award, more years of experience and higher AQF levels lead to higher minimum rates. A speech pathologist with a master's degree (AQF 9) may be classified at a higher level than one with a bachelor's degree.

Location

State indices from the states page show how average earnings vary across Australia. For example:

• Western Australia: index 106.9 (annualised $115,825)
• New South Wales: index 101.2 ($109,658)
• Victoria: index 98.0 ($106,137)
• Tasmania: index 88.6 ($96,008)

A speech pathologist in Perth may earn more than one in Hobart, reflecting both market conditions and cost of living.

Industry

Speech pathologists work mainly in Health Care and Social Assistance (index 97.8) and Education and Training (index 105.5). The industries page shows that Education and Training pays above the national line, while Health Care is slightly below. However, within health care, private practice may pay more than public hospitals.

Full-time vs part-time

Only 56% of speech pathologists work full-time, according to the 2021 Census. The average full-time hours are 40 per week, slightly below the national average of 44. Part-time workers will have lower weekly pay but may have higher hourly rates if they are classified at a higher award level.

Superannuation and tax considerations

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of your salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So a speech pathologist earning $80,000 would receive $9,600 in super.

For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare) are:

• Nil up to $18,200
• 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
• 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
• 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
• 45% above $190,000

Plus a 2% Medicare levy. Take-home pay for a speech pathologist on $80,000 (index 74) would be roughly $62,500 after tax and Medicare, assuming no HELP debt or salary sacrifice.

How to compare job offers

When reading a job ad for a speech pathologist, look for:

• The classification level (e.g., Level 1, Level 2)
• Whether the role is covered by the award or an enterprise agreement
• The hours (full-time, part-time, casual)
• Any allowances (e.g., for working in remote areas)

Use the pay guides to check the award minimums for your experience level. Then compare the offered salary to the national line using the index. For example, a job offering $90,000 (index 83) is above the award minimum for an experienced Level 1 but below the national average.

The bottom line

Speech pathologist salary is not a single number. Award minimums start at around $64,000 per year (index 59) for a new graduate and can exceed $130,000 (index 120) for senior roles. Actual pay depends on qualifications, experience, location, and employer. The Salary Index helps you see where any offer sits against the national line.