What is the typical hourly rate for an orthoptist in Australia?

Orthoptist hourly rates are set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). The award contains classification levels for health professionals, with minimum rates that increase with experience and qualifications. As of 1 October 2026, the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide for this award lists the minimum hourly rates for each level. For example, a Level 1 health professional (graduate) earns a minimum rate that is higher than the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour. Actual orthoptist salaries may be higher depending on the employer and enterprise agreements. You can check the exact rates in the [pay guides](/blog) on our site.

How do I calculate annual pay from an orthoptist hourly rate?

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 orthoptist working 38 hours per week, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52. For example, at $35 per hour, annual gross pay would be $35 × 38 × 52 = $69,160. This assumes no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For part-time or casual roles, adjust the weekly hours accordingly. Casual employees also receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate, but the loading is not included in the base rate you enter. Use our [hourly conversion](/topics/hourly-conversion) tool to switch between hourly and annual figures.

What tax and super apply to an orthoptist salary?

For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on income up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. A Medicare levy of 2% generally applies. Superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For example, on a $70,000 annual salary, super would be an additional $8,400 per year. Tax and Medicare are deducted from your gross pay, while super is an employer contribution not taken from your pocket. Use our [take-home pay](/topics/take-home) calculator for a detailed estimate.

Orthoptist Salary: Hourly Rates, Annual Pay, Tax and Super in Australia (2026–27)

An orthoptist salary under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award starts at award classification rates above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, with annual pay calculated as hourly rate × 38 hours × 52 weeks.

Understanding an Orthoptist Salary: From Hourly Rate to Annual Pay

If you are an orthoptist or considering the profession, knowing how to convert your hourly rate into an annual salary is essential for budgeting, tax planning, and comparing job offers. In Australia, orthoptist salaries are governed by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), which sets minimum hourly rates for different classification levels. This article explains how to calculate annual pay from an hourly rate, the role of the National Minimum Wage, and what to expect for tax and superannuation.

The National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, or $1,004.90 per week. However, orthoptists are covered by a modern award, so their minimum pay is higher than the National Minimum Wage. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award includes classification levels for health professionals, with rates that increase with experience. For example, a Level 1 health professional (graduate) has a minimum hourly rate above $26.44, while more senior levels earn more. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for each award, including the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. These guides list the exact minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates.

Calculating Annual Gross Pay from an Hourly Rate

The standard formula for annual gross pay is:

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

For full-time orthoptists, we assume 38 ordinary hours per week, as per the National Employment Standards. For example, if your orthoptist hourly rate is $35.00:

Weekly pay = $35.00 × 38 = $1,330.00
Fortnightly pay = $1,330.00 × 2 = $2,660.00
Annual gross pay = $1,330.00 × 52 = $69,160.00

This calculation assumes the same rate every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. If you work part-time, adjust the weekly hours. Casual orthoptists receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate, but the loading is not included in the base rate you enter. Use our hourly conversion tool to quickly switch between hourly and annual figures.

Tax on an Orthoptist Salary

Once you have your annual gross pay, you can estimate tax using the 2026–27 resident tax rates. The tax-free threshold is $18,200. Income above that is taxed at progressive rates: 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above $190,000. Additionally, a Medicare levy of 2% applies to most taxpayers. For example, on an annual orthoptist salary of $69,160:

Tax on first $18,200: $0
Tax on next $26,800 (up to $45,000): $26,800 × 15% = $4,020
Tax on remaining $24,160 (up to $69,160): $24,160 × 30% = $7,248
Total tax = $4,020 + $7,248 = $11,268
Medicare levy (2%) = $69,160 × 2% = $1,383.20
Total tax and Medicare = $12,651.20
After-tax annual pay = $69,160 – $12,651.20 = $56,508.80
Fortnightly take-home = $56,508.80 ÷ 26 ≈ $2,173.42

Note: The Medicare levy reduction thresholds for 2026–27 were not confirmed at the time of this estimate, so we use the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds. The levy may be reduced for low-income earners. For a detailed estimate including HELP repayments or the Medicare levy surcharge, use our take-home pay calculator.

Superannuation Guarantee

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Super is not deducted from your salary; it is an additional payment. For an orthoptist earning $69,160 annually, super would be $69,160 × 12% = $8,299.20 per year. This amount is paid into your super fund and is not included in your take-home pay. Learn more about super and salary packaging on our super and packaging page.

Casual Loading and Award Variations

If you work as a casual orthoptist, you are entitled to a 25% loading on the base hourly rate. The loading compensates for not receiving paid leave. When using our calculator, enter the base hourly rate without the loading, then check the casual loading box to add 25% on top. For example, if the award rate is $35.00 per hour, the casual rate would be $35.00 × 1.25 = $43.75 per hour. This loading applies to all ordinary hours. The National Minimum Wage for casual employees is $33.05 per hour ($26.44 × 1.25).

Using the Timesheet Calculator

Our timesheet calculator lets you enter your base hourly rate and choose whether to include casual loading. It then shows your weekly, fortnightly, and annual gross pay, along with estimated tax and super. Remember that the annual figure is an estimate based on 38 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, and does not account for unpaid leave, overtime, or salary sacrifice. For award-specific rates, refer to the pay guides or the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool.

Summary

An orthoptist salary in Australia is determined by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, with minimum rates above the National Minimum Wage. To convert an hourly rate to annual pay, use the formula hourly × 38 × 52. Tax is calculated using the progressive resident rates plus Medicare levy, and super is an additional 12% paid by the employer. For a personalised estimate, use our hourly conversion and take-home pay tools.