What is the typical dietitian salary under the Health Professionals Award?

A dietitian is usually classified as a Health Professional under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The minimum hourly rate for Level 2 (common entry point) is $28.03 per hour as of 1 July 2026. For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week, that equates to $1,065.20 per week and an annual gross of approximately $55,390.40. More experienced dietitians at higher levels earn more, up to Level 9 at $39.42 per hour.

How does casual loading affect a dietitian's pay?

Casual employees under the award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a Level 2 dietitian, that adds $7.01 per hour, making the casual rate $35.04 per hour. This loading is paid instead of entitlements like annual leave and sick leave. When calculating annual pay, use the casual rate × hours per week × 52, but remember that casual hours may vary.

How is superannuation calculated for a dietitian?

Superannuation is paid on top of ordinary earnings at the super guarantee rate of 12% (from 1 July 2026). For a full-time dietitian earning $55,390.40 per year, the employer would contribute an additional $6,646.85 into super, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is not deducted from the employee's pay; it is an extra cost for the employer.

Dietitian Salary Guide: Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, a Level 2 dietitian earns $28.03 per hour, or $1,065.20 per week for 38 hours, giving an annual gross of about $55,390.

Understanding a Dietitian Salary from Hourly Award Rates

If you're a dietitian or considering the profession, knowing how to convert an hourly award rate into a weekly, fortnightly, or annual salary is essential. This guide uses the latest Fair Work Ombudsman rates under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 to show you exactly what a dietitian salary looks like, and how it compares to the National Minimum Wage.

The Formula: Hourly × Hours per Week × 52

The standard calculation for annual gross pay is:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

We assume a full-time employee works 38 ordinary hours per week, as defined in the award. For part-time or casual roles, the same formula applies but with fewer or variable hours. Always use the base hourly rate (before casual loading) for full-time and part-time employees.

Dietitian Salary Under the Award

Dietitians are classified as Health Professionals under the award. The minimum rates from 1 July 2026 are set out in the award. A common entry level for a graduate dietitian is Level 2, with a minimum hourly rate of $28.03. Here's how that translates:

Weekly: $28.03 × 38 hours = $1,065.20
Fortnightly: $1,065.20 × 2 = $2,130.40
Annual gross: $1,065.20 × 52 = $55,390.40

More experienced dietitians at Level 8 or Level 9 earn significantly more—up to $39.42 per hour (Level 9, pay point 3), giving an annual salary of about $77,900.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rate

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. The award rate for a Level 2 dietitian is $1.59 per hour higher, reflecting the specialised skills required. Employers must pay at least the award rate, not the lower National Minimum Wage, for award-covered employees.

Casual Loading and Its Effect

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For a Level 2 dietitian:

Casual rate: $28.03 × 1.25 = $35.04 per hour
Weekly (if working 38 hours): $35.04 × 38 = $1,331.52
Annual: $1,331.52 × 52 = $69,239.04

Note that casual loading is paid instead of paid leave entitlements. When using the timesheet, you can check the box to add 25% casual loading on top of the base rate—never type a rate that already includes loading.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Super guarantee is currently 12% of ordinary earnings, paid by the employer on top of your salary. For a full-time dietitian earning $55,390.40:

Super contribution: $55,390.40 × 12% = $6,646.85
Total cost to employer: $62,037.25

The super guarantee applies up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Super is not deducted from your pay; it's an additional benefit.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

Tax-free threshold: $0 – $18,200
15%: $18,201 – $45,000
30%: $45,001 – $135,000
37%: $135,001 – $190,000
45%: above $190,000

Plus Medicare levy of 2% (single reduction thresholds from 2025–26 apply). For a $55,390.40 annual gross, estimated tax is about $7,468 and Medicare $1,108, leaving a take-home of around $46,814 per year. Use take-home pay for a detailed breakdown.

Fortnightly Pay Periods

Many employers pay fortnightly. For a full-time dietitian at Level 2:

Fortnightly gross: $1,065.20 × 2 = $2,130.40
Fortnightly after tax (approx): $1,800.50

This helps with budgeting and aligns with the award's provision for weekly or fortnightly pay.

Key Points to Remember

Always use the award rate for your classification, not the National Minimum Wage, if you're covered by the Health Professionals Award.
The formula hourly × 38 × 52 gives annual gross, but actual hours may vary for part-time or casual roles.
Super is paid on top at 12%.
Casual loading is 25% extra but replaces leave entitlements.
For personalised calculations, refer to pay guides or reference tables.

This guide is an estimate. Your actual pay may differ due to overtime, penalties, allowances, or enterprise agreements. Always check your award or consult the Fair Work Ombudsman.