What is the minimum hourly rate for an occupational therapist in Australia?

The minimum hourly rate depends on the classification under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. For a Health Professional employee at Level 1 with an AQF Level 5 qualification, the rate ranges from $32.44 (1st year) to $40.56 (7th year+). Occupational therapists with a bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) may be classified at a higher level, but the award does not list those rates in the table provided. Actual earnings often exceed award minimums.

How is casual loading and casual overtime affect pay?

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, a casual occupational therapist at $32.44/hour would receive $40.55 per hour including loading. Overtime for casuals is paid at 187.5% for the first 2 hours and 250% after that on Monday to Saturday. These rates are calculated by adding the casual loading to the base rate before applying overtime multipliers.

What is the annual salary for an occupational therapist working 38 hours per week?

Using the award minimum hourly rate of $32.44, annual gross pay is $32.44 × 38 × 52 = $64,100. At the top of the AQF Level 5 range ($40.56), annual pay is $80,200. Many occupational therapists earn higher, with ABS Average Weekly Earnings for full-time adults at $2,083.70 per week (about $108,350 annually). Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of ordinary earnings.

Occupational Therapist Salary Australia: Award Rates, Annual Pay, and Tax Guide

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, an occupational therapist at Level 1 with AQF Level 5 qualification earns between $32.44 and $40.56 per hour, equating to $64,100 to $80,200 annually for a 38-hour week.

Understanding the occupational therapist salary Australia landscape

When researching an occupational therapist salary Australia, the starting point is the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which covers most occupational therapists in private practice and public health settings. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides minimum rates for full-time, part-time, and casual employees under this award. For a Health Professional employee at Level 1 with an AQF Level 5 qualification (Diploma), the hourly rate ranges from $32.44 for a first-year employee to $40.56 for a seventh-year employee. Occupational therapists with a bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) may be classified at a higher level, but the award table only lists AQF Level 5. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database includes updated rates from the 2026 Annual Wage Review and the gender-based undervaluation review, effective 1 October 2026.

How to calculate annual pay from an hourly rate

To convert an hourly rate to annual gross pay, use the formula:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time occupational therapist working 38 ordinary hours per week (the standard under the award), the calculation is straightforward. For example, at $32.44 per hour:

Weekly: $32.44 × 38 = $1,232.72
Fortnightly: $1,232.72 × 2 = $2,465.44
Annual: $32.44 × 38 × 52 = $64,100.48

This assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. The award also allows averaging of 38 hours per week over a fortnight or 4-week period. The pay guides from Fair Work Ombudsman provide official pay guides with all minimum rates.

Award rates vs typical earnings

The award minimums are a floor. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports Average Weekly Earnings for full-time adult ordinary time at $2,083.70 per week (May 2026), which equates to about $54.83 per hour for 38 hours. This suggests many occupational therapists earn well above the award. For a more personalised estimate, use the hourly conversion tool on this site.

Casual loading and overtime

Casual employees under the award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, a casual occupational therapist at $32.44 per hour would be paid $40.55 per hour including loading. The loading replaces entitlements like annual leave and sick leave. Overtime for casuals is paid at 187.5% for the first 2 hours and 250% after that on Monday to Saturday. See the casual loading page for more details.

Tax and super considerations

Superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of the gross pay. For an annual salary of $64,100, super contributions would be $7,692 per year, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. The Australian Taxation Office tax scale for 2026–27: tax-free up to $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, 45% above that. Medicare levy generally 2%. Use the take-home pay calculator to estimate net pay.

Using the timesheet tool

Our the timesheet tool lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add 25% casual loading. It calculates weekly, fortnightly, and annual gross pay, then estimates tax and super. Remember that super is paid on top, not deducted from your gross. The tool uses the 2026–27 tax rates and the 2025–26 Medicare reduction thresholds. It does not account for HELP, Medicare levy surcharge, or salary packaging.

For a full breakdown of award rates, allowances, and penalty rates, refer to the reference tables on this site.