What is the minimum wage for a dietitian in Australia?

The minimum wage for a dietitian depends on their classification under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. For a Health Professional Level 1 with an AQF Level 5 qualification (e.g., a diploma) in the first year, the minimum hourly rate is $32.44, or $1,232.70 per week for a 38‑hour week. Most dietitians hold a bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) or higher, which attracts higher rates. The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, but award rates for dietitians are higher.

How do I calculate my annual salary from my hourly rate as a dietitian?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then multiply by 52. For a full‑time dietitian working 38 hours per week, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52. For example, at $32.44 per hour, annual gross pay is $32.44 × 38 × 52 = $64,148. If you work part‑time, use your actual weekly hours. Remember that superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid on top of this amount, not deducted from it.

Do dietitians get casual loading, and how does it affect pay?

Yes, casual dietitians covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, a casual Level 1 dietitian at $32.44 per hour would be paid $40.55 per hour ($32.44 × 1.25). This loading compensates for entitlements casuals do not receive, such as paid leave. When converting to annual pay, use the loaded rate in the same formula: $40.55 × 38 × 52 = $80,126 per year (before tax and super).

Dietitian Salary Australia: Award Rates, National Minimum Wage, and How to Calculate Your Pay

A full-time dietitian covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award earns at least $32.44 per hour (Level 1, AQF 5, 1st year), or $64,148 per year based on 38 hours per week, with higher rates for higher qualifications and experience.

Understanding the Dietitian Salary in Australia

If you are searching for a dietitian salary Australia guide, the most reliable figures come from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission, not from recruiter surveys. Dietitians are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This award sets minimum hourly rates, allowances, and penalty rates. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, but award rates for dietitians are significantly higher.

Award Minimum Rates for Dietitians

Under the Health Professionals Award, a Health Professional employee at Level 1 is paid according to their Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and years of experience. For example, a dietitian with an AQF Level 5 qualification (e.g., a diploma) in their first year earns $32.44 per hour or $1,232.70 per week for a 38‑hour week. Most dietitians hold a bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) or a master’s degree (AQF Level 9), which attract higher minimum rates. The award also lists rates for higher levels (Level 2 through Level 9) for more senior roles. To find your exact classification, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides or the reference tables on this site.

How to Convert Hourly Pay to Annual Salary

The standard formula for annual gross pay is:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full‑time dietitian working 38 ordinary hours per week (as defined in the award), the calculation is straightforward. Using the Level 1, AQF 5, 1st‑year rate:

$32.44 × 38 × 52 = $64,148 per year

If you work part‑time, use your actual weekly hours. For example, a part‑time dietitian working 20 hours per week at the same rate would earn $32.44 × 20 × 52 = $33,738 per year. The award allows full‑time employees to work an average of 38 hours per week over a fortnight or four‑week period, so your weekly hours may vary slightly.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. To estimate your gross fortnightly pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2. For the full‑time example above, weekly pay is $1,232.70, so fortnightly gross is $2,465.40.

Casual Loading

If you work as a casual dietitian, you receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. This loading is paid for each ordinary hour worked and compensates for entitlements like paid leave. Do not include the loading in the base rate you type into a calculator; instead, check the “casual loading” checkbox if using the timesheet. For the Level 1 rate, the casual hourly rate is $32.44 × 1.25 = $40.55 per hour. Annual gross for a casual full‑time dietitian would be $40.55 × 38 × 52 = $80,126.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). However, award‑covered employees must be paid at least the award rate, which is higher. For dietitians, the award minimum is well above the NMW. If you are award‑free (very rare for dietitians), the NMW applies. Always check your award coverage using the Fair Work Ombudsman’s tools.

Tax and Superannuation

Superannuation: From 1 July 2026, the Super Guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of your gross pay. For the full‑time dietitian earning $64,148, the employer would contribute an additional $7,698 per year, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is not deducted from your pay; it is an extra benefit.

Income Tax (2026–27 resident rates):

Nil on the first $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% on income above $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (based on 2025–26 single reduction thresholds). For a gross salary of $64,148, the estimated tax plus Medicare is roughly $10,500, leaving a take‑home pay of about $53,600 per year. Use the take-home pay tool for a more precise estimate.

Average Earnings for Dietitians

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports Average Weekly Earnings for full‑time adult ordinary time earnings at $2,083.70 per week (May 2026). This is a broad measure across all industries. Dietitians’ earnings vary by experience, location, and sector (public vs private). The award minimums provide a floor; many dietitians earn above award through enterprise agreements or individual contracts.

Key Points to Remember

Always use the award rate that applies to your classification, not the National Minimum Wage.
Full‑time ordinary hours are 38 per week (or an average of 38 over a fortnight or four weeks).
Casual loading is 25% on top of the base rate.
Super is 12% paid on top of your gross earnings.
Tax is calculated on your gross income after the tax‑free threshold.

For more details, see the minimum wage page or the hourly conversion guide. If you are comparing job offers, the job pay section can help you evaluate total remuneration including super.