What is the minimum hourly rate for an occupational therapist under the Health Professionals Award?

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, an occupational therapist classified as a Health Professional Level 1 with an AQF Level 7 qualification (bachelor degree) has minimum hourly rates: 1st year $35.19, 2nd–3rd year $38.02, 4th–6th year $41.71, and 7th year+ $45.30. These rates apply to full-time employees working 38 ordinary hours per week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of these rates.

How do I convert an occupational therapy hourly rate to an annual salary?

To estimate annual gross pay, multiply the hourly rate by the number of hours worked per week, then by 52 weeks. For a full-time occupational therapist working 38 hours per week, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52. For example, a 1st-year therapist at $35.19/hour gives approximately $69,511 per year. This assumes consistent hours, no overtime, and no penalty rates. Use our [hourly conversion](/topics/hourly-conversion) tool for quick calculations.

Does the occupational therapy salary include superannuation and casual loading?

Superannuation is paid on top of the base salary. The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830). For casual employees, the award requires a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate instead of paid leave entitlements. The loading is added to the base rate before any overtime calculations. See our [super and packaging](/topics/super-and-packaging) page for more details.

Occupational Therapy Salary: Award Rates, Hourly Conversion, and Tax Guide

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, an occupational therapist (Health Professional Level 1, AQF Level 7) earns a minimum hourly rate ranging from $35.19 (1st year) to $45.30 (7th year+), based on 38 ordinary hours per week.

Understanding the Occupational Therapy Salary Landscape

Occupational therapy is a regulated health profession in Australia, and salaries are typically governed by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027) from the Fair Work Ombudsman. This award sets minimum pay rates for health professional employees, including occupational therapists, based on their qualification level and years of experience. Understanding these rates is essential whether you are negotiating a job offer, budgeting as a self-employed practitioner, or evaluating a salary package.

Award Rates for Occupational Therapists

Under the award, an occupational therapist is classified as a Health Professional Employee at Level 1 if they hold a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or higher. The minimum hourly rates from 1 July 2026 are:

1st year: $35.19 per hour
2nd–3rd year: $38.02 per hour
4th–6th year: $41.71 per hour
7th year+: $45.30 per hour

These rates apply to full-time employees working an average of 38 ordinary hours per week. Part-time employees are paid the same hourly rate but work fewer hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate (see casual loading).

For more experienced occupational therapists, the award includes Level 2 classifications with higher rates (e.g., Level 2.1 at $51.19/hour). Always check the specific classification in your employment contract against the award.

Converting Hourly to Annual Pay

To estimate your annual gross salary from an hourly rate, use the formula:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time occupational therapist working 38 hours per week, the calculation is:

1st year: $35.19 × 38 × 52 = $69,511
4th–6th year: $41.71 × 38 × 52 = $82,419
7th year+: $45.30 × 38 × 52 = $89,513

If you are paid fortnightly, multiply your weekly pay by 2. For example, a 1st-year therapist earning $1,337.22 per week (38 hours × $35.19) receives $2,674.44 per fortnight before tax and super.

This conversion assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. Use our hourly conversion tool to experiment with different hours.

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). Award rates for occupational therapists are significantly higher because the award reflects the skill and qualification requirements of the profession. If you are award/agreement-free, the national minimum wage applies, but most occupational therapists are covered by the Health Professionals Award or an enterprise agreement.

Tax and Superannuation Considerations

Your occupational therapy salary is subject to Australian 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

Plus a Medicare levy of 2% (single reduction thresholds not confirmed for 2026–27; use 2025–26 thresholds for estimates).

Superannuation is paid on top of your salary. The super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For example, a 1st-year therapist earning $69,511 would receive $8,341 in super contributions (12% of $69,511), making total remuneration $77,852. See our super and packaging page for more.

Comparing with Average Earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports average weekly earnings for full-time adult ordinary time at $2,083.70 (May 2026). For a 38-hour week, that equates to about $54.83 per hour. Many occupational therapists earn above the award minimum, especially in private practice or with experience. However, the award provides a reliable floor for negotiations.

Final Tips

Always confirm your classification under the award.
If you are casual, remember the 25% loading is added to the base rate—do not include it in the hourly rate you type into a calculator.
Use our minimum wage page to compare with other awards.
For take-home pay estimates, see take-home pay.

This guide is based on the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 and the Fair Work Commission’s National Minimum Wage Order 2026. For precise figures, consult your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman.