What is the average optometrist salary in Australia?

According to the ATO's 2023–24 tax statistics, optometrists reported an average taxable income of $107,824 and a median taxable income of $100,818. For those paid a salary or wage, the median was $92,133. These figures include part-time and full-time workers, so the full-time equivalent hourly rate is higher.

Is there an award that covers optometrists?

No modern award specifically names optometrists. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027] lists orthoptists but not optometrists. However, the award may still cover employed optometrists through its clause for unlisted health professions. The Fair Work Ombudsman can confirm coverage for your specific job.

How much super do optometrists get paid on top of their salary?

The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary or wages. For an optometrist earning the median salary of $92,133, that adds about $11,056 in superannuation per year, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830.

Optometrist Salary Australia 2026: Hourly, Annual, Fortnightly and Take-Home Pay

Based on ATO 2023–24 data, optometrists earned a median salary or wage of $92,133, which equates to about $46.63 per hour for a 38-hour week.

Understanding Optometrist Pay in Australia

If you're looking at an optometrist salary Australia and want to convert an hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, or weekly figures, the standard method is to multiply the hourly rate by the number of hours worked per week and then by 52 weeks. For full-time work, the common assumption is 38 hours per week, which is the base for the National Minimum Wage and many awards. This article uses that assumption unless stated otherwise.

The National Minimum Wage and Award Coverage

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. This is the legal floor for employees not covered by an award or enterprise agreement. For optometrists, the situation is less clear. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides list the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027], but that award does not name optometrists—only orthoptists appear in its schedule. The award does have a clause for unlisted health professions, so an employed optometrist may still be covered. If no award applies, the National Minimum Wage is the minimum. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour.

ATO Data on Optometrist Earnings

The most reliable source for actual optometrist earnings is the Australian Taxation Office's tax statistics. For the 2023–24 income year, 5,540 optometrists reported an average taxable income of $107,824 and a median of $100,818. Those who were paid a salary or wage had a median of $92,133. These figures include part-time workers and practice owners, so the full-time equivalent hourly rate is higher. To convert the median salary or wage to an hourly rate for a 38-hour week: $92,133 ÷ (38 × 52) = about $46.63 per hour. That is well above the National Minimum Wage, reflecting the professional nature of the role.

Converting Hourly to Annual, Fortnightly and Weekly

The formula is simple: annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For a full-time optometrist on $46.63 per hour:

Annual: $46.63 × 38 × 52 = $92,133 (matches the ATO median)
Weekly: $46.63 × 38 = $1,771.79
Fortnightly: $1,771.79 × 2 = $3,543.58

If you have an hourly rate from a job offer, you can use the same calculation. Remember that this assumes no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. For casual optometrists, the 25% loading applies on top of the base rate, so a casual rate of $58.29 per hour would yield an annual gross of $115,166 (before loading is removed for leave entitlements).

Take-Home Pay After Tax and Medicare

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates (nil up to $18,200, 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, 45% above) and the 2% Medicare levy, take-home pay can be estimated. For the median salary or wage of $92,133:

Income tax: about $18,160
Medicare levy: $1,843
Take-home annually: $72,130
Fortnightly: $2,774

If the optometrist has a HELP debt, an additional repayment of about $3,391 per year would be withheld. These figures are estimates; the take-home pay page provides a more detailed breakdown.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Employers must pay super guarantee at 12% of ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026) on top of the salary or wage. For the $92,133 median salary, that adds $11,056 per year in super, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is not deducted from the employee's pay; it is an additional cost to the employer. See super and packaging for more.

Casual Loading and Award Rates

If an optometrist is employed casually under the National Minimum Wage or a potential award, the 25% casual loading is added to the base hourly rate. For example, on the National Minimum Wage of $26.44, the casual rate is $33.05. But optometrists typically earn much more. The casual loading page explains how loading interacts with penalty rates and leave.

Using the Hourly to Annual Calculator

Our hourly conversion tool lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add the 25% casual loading. It then calculates annual, weekly, and fortnightly gross pay, plus estimated tax and super. The calculator assumes a 38-hour week and uses the latest tax and super rates. It does not include penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice.

Summary

For an optometrist salary Australia, the ATO's median salary or wage of $92,133 equates to about $46.63 per hour for a 38-hour week. After tax and Medicare, take-home pay is around $2,774 per fortnight. Super of 12% is paid on top. While no award specifically covers optometrists, the National Minimum Wage sets a floor, and the Health Professionals Award may apply. Always check with the Fair Work Ombudsman for your specific situation.