What is the typical exercise physiologist salary in Australia?

Exercise physiologist salaries depend on the award classification and experience. Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and updated each July. For a full-time employee at 38 hours per week, annual gross pay equals hourly rate × 38 × 52. The ABS average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time adults is $2,083.70 (May 2026), but exercise physiologist rates may differ. Always check the specific award or agreement.

How do I calculate my annual salary from an hourly rate?

Multiply your hourly rate by 38 hours (the standard full-time week) and then by 52 weeks. For example, $30 per hour × 38 × 52 = $59,280 per year before tax and super. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of ordinary earnings, up to the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Use [the timesheet](/) to see weekly, fortnightly, and annual figures with and without casual loading.

Does casual loading apply to exercise physiologists?

Yes, if you are employed casually under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, you receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For example, if the base rate is $30 per hour, the casual rate is $37.50 per hour. The loading compensates for lack of paid leave. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading into a calculator; use the base rate and toggle the casual loading option. See [casual loading](/topics/casual-loading) for more.

Understanding the Exercise Physiologist Salary: Hourly to Annual Conversion

For a full-time exercise physiologist working 38 hours per week, the annual gross salary is the hourly rate multiplied by 38 and 52, with super paid on top.

Introduction

If you are an exercise physiologist or considering the profession, understanding how your hourly rate translates into an annual salary is essential for budgeting, negotiating, and planning your career. This guide explains the conversion using the standard 38-hour week, award rates from the Fair Work Commission, casual loading, superannuation, and tax. We rely on official sources such as the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and the Australian Taxation Office.

The Basic Formula: Hourly × Hours × 52

The simplest way to estimate your annual gross salary is to multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week and then by 52 weeks. For full-time employees, the standard week is 38 ordinary hours under the National Employment Standards. The formula is:

Annual gross salary = hourly rate × 38 hours × 52 weeks

For example, if your hourly rate is $35.00, your annual gross pay would be $35.00 × 38 × 52 = $69,160. This figure does not include superannuation, which is paid on top, nor does it account for unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. It is a starting point for comparison.

Fortnightly and Weekly Pay

You can also calculate your weekly pay by multiplying the hourly rate by 38. Fortnightly pay is simply weekly pay multiplied by two. For the example above, weekly pay is $35.00 × 38 = $1,330, and fortnightly pay is $2,660. These figures help with budgeting and understanding your payslip.

National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours, as set by the Fair Work Commission. However, most exercise physiologists are covered by an award, which typically provides higher minimum rates. The relevant award is the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains the latest classification rates, allowances, and penalty rates for this award. For example, a Health Professional employee at a certain level may have a minimum hourly rate above the national minimum wage. Always check the specific classification in the award or use the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman to find the correct rate.

Casual Loading

If you work as a casual exercise physiologist, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave such as annual leave and sick leave. For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is $26.44 × 1.25 = $33.05 per hour. For award-covered employees, the casual loading is included in the minimum pay rates published by the Fair Work Commission. When using the timesheet tool, enter your base hourly rate (without loading) and check the casual loading box to see the correct annual and fortnightly figures.

Superannuation

Superannuation is a mandatory contribution paid by your employer on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. This means if your annual gross salary is $69,160, your employer must contribute an additional $8,299.20 to your super fund, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is not part of your take-home pay but is a valuable long-term benefit. For more details, see super and packaging.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Your annual gross salary is subject to income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are:

Nil on income 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% on income above $190,000

The Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. Using the example of $69,160 annual gross, the estimated tax (using the 2026–27 rates and the full tax-free threshold) would be approximately $11,067, plus Medicare of $1,383, leaving a take-home pay of around $56,710 per year. This is an estimate; your actual tax may vary based on deductions, HELP repayments, or the Medicare levy surcharge. Use the take-home pay tool for a personalised calculation.

Comparing Exercise Physiologist Salary to Averages

The Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes Average Weekly Earnings. For May 2026, full-time adult ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, which equates to approximately $108,352 annually. All employees total earnings (including part-time) averaged $1,579.20 per week. An exercise physiologist salary may be below or above these averages depending on experience, location, and whether you work in a hospital, private practice, or sports organisation. The average pay page provides context for various occupations.

Using the Timesheet Tool

Our the timesheet tool lets you enter your base hourly rate and instantly see annual, weekly, and fortnightly gross pay. You can toggle casual loading to see the effect. For award-specific rates, refer to the pay guides or reference tables. Remember that the tool assumes a consistent 38-hour week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. It is an estimate, not a determination of your actual pay.

Important Disclaimer

Annual pay here is hourly rate × hours per week × 52. It assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax is the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

Conclusion

Understanding your exercise physiologist salary conversion from hourly to annual is straightforward with the formula hourly × 38 × 52. Always check the relevant award or enterprise agreement for your exact minimum rate, and remember that super and tax significantly affect your total remuneration. Use the official sources and our tools to make informed decisions about your earnings.