Chiropractor Salary: Hourly Rates, Annual Pay, and Casual Loading Explained
Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, the minimum hourly rate for a chiropractor at Level 1 (AQF5) is $32.44, with annual pay based on 38 hours per week for 52 weeks.
Understanding the chiropractor salary landscape
A chiropractor salary in Australia is typically governed by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), which sets minimum pay rates for employees in private chiropractic practices. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides that outline these rates, which are updated each year following the Annual Wage Review. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, and the National Minimum Wage rose to $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week.
Chiropractors are classified as Health Professional employees under the award. The minimum hourly rate for a Level 1 Health Professional with an AQF Level 5 qualification (e.g., a diploma) is $32.44. Chiropractors with a bachelor’s degree or higher may be classified at a higher level, with rates reaching up to $39.42 per hour at Level 9 (pay point 3). The award also covers support services employees, but chiropractors fall under the professional stream.
Converting hourly rates to annual chiropractor salary
To estimate an annual chiropractor salary from an hourly rate, use the formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. This assumes a standard 38-hour week, which is the ordinary hours for a full-time employee under the award. For example, a chiropractor earning the minimum Level 1 rate of $32.44 per hour would have an annual salary of approximately $32.44 × 38 × 52 = $64,101.44. If they are paid a higher rate, such as $40.00 per hour, the annual figure becomes $40.00 × 38 × 52 = $79,040.
It is important to note that this calculation assumes the same rate every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. The award allows for overtime payments at 150% for the first two hours and 200% thereafter for full-time employees, but these are not included in the base annual estimate. For part-time employees, the same hourly rate applies but with fewer hours per week.
Casual loading and its impact
Many chiropractors work on a casual basis, especially in private practices. Under the award, casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. This loading is paid instead of entitlements such as annual leave, sick leave, and public holiday pay. For a casual chiropractor at Level 1 (AQF5), the casual rate is $32.44 × 1.25 = $40.55 per hour. The annual estimate for a casual working 38 hours per week would be $40.55 × 38 × 52 = $80,126.80, but actual hours may vary.
Our casual loading page explains how to apply the loading correctly. When using the timesheet tool, you can check a box to add 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading.
Superannuation is paid on top
Superannuation is a separate contribution from your salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary earnings, and it is paid by the employer on top of the hourly rate. For a chiropractor earning $32.44 per hour, the employer contributes an additional $3.89 per hour to super, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. This means the total cost to the employer is higher than the hourly rate, but the employee’s take-home pay is based on the base rate before super. Learn more on our super and packaging page.
Tax considerations for chiropractor salary
The Australian Taxation Office’s 2026–27 resident tax rates apply: tax-free threshold up to $18,200, then 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000, 30% from $45,001 to $135,000, 37% from $135,001 to $190,000, and 45% above $190,000. The Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. For a chiropractor earning $64,101 per year, the estimated tax would be approximately $5,092 plus 30% of the amount over $45,000, plus Medicare levy. Our take-home pay page provides more detail.
Using the timesheet to estimate your chiropractor salary
Our the timesheet tool allows you to enter your base hourly rate and see the annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures. For a chiropractor, start with the award minimum or your agreed rate. If you are casual, check the casual loading box. The tool will calculate gross annual pay as hourly rate × hours per week × 52, assuming 38 hours unless you change it. It also estimates tax and super, but remember that super is paid on top and not deducted from your pay. The reference tables include the latest award rates from the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database.
Summary
A chiropractor salary depends on classification, experience, and employment type. The minimum hourly rate under the award is $32.44 for Level 1 (AQF5), with higher rates for more senior roles. Casual loading adds 25%, and superannuation is paid on top at 12%. Use the formula hourly × 38 × 52 to get a rough annual figure, and consult the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides for exact rates. Always check your specific award classification and any enterprise agreement that may apply.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.