What award covers osteopaths in Australia?

Osteopaths are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027]. Minimum rates depend on the employee's classification, Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level, and years of experience. The award provides specific hourly and weekly rates for Health Professional employees.

How is casual loading applied to an osteopath salary?

Casual employees under the award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, a Level 1 Health Professional (1st year) at $32.44 per hour would be paid $40.55 per hour as a casual. This loading compensates for entitlements casuals do not receive, such as paid leave.

What is the tax on an osteopath salary in 2026-27?

For the 2026-27 financial year, resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200, 15% from $18,201 to $45,000, 30% from $45,001 to $135,000, 37% from $135,001 to $190,000, and 45% above $190,000. A 2% Medicare levy generally applies. Tax is calculated on annual gross income after the tax-free threshold.

Understanding the Osteopath Salary: Award Rates, Annual Pay, and Tax in 2026

An osteopath salary under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 starts from $32.44 per hour (Level 1, AQF 5, 1st year) for a 38-hour week, equating to about $64,118 annually before tax and super.

How to Calculate an Osteopath Salary from Hourly Award Rates

If you are an osteopath in Australia, your pay is regulated by the Health Professionals and the Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027]. This award sets minimum hourly and weekly rates for Health Professional employees. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the official rates, which are updated each year after the Annual Wage Review. For 2026, the rates incorporate the 2026 review decision.

To work out your annual pay, use the formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52. We assume a standard full-time week of 38 ordinary hours, as defined in the award. For example, a Health Professional employee at Level 1, AQF Level 5, first year, earns $32.44 per hour. Multiply that by 38 hours and 52 weeks gives an annual gross salary of approximately $64,118. If you are paid fortnightly, your gross pay would be about $2,466 (weekly rate × 2).

Award Rates for Osteopaths

The award includes a specific table for Health Professional employees. Rates increase with AQF level and years of experience. For instance:

AQF Level 5, 1st year: $32.44 per hour ($1,232.70 per week)
AQF Level 5, 2nd–3rd year: $34.44 per hour ($1,308.80 per week)
AQF Level 5, 4th–6th year: $37.53 per hour ($1,426.00 per week)
AQF Level 5, 7th year+: $40.56 per hour ($1,541.30 per week)

Osteopaths typically hold a bachelor’s degree (AQF 7) or master’s degree (AQF 9), so you may be classified at a higher level. The award also has Level 8 and Level 9 classifications with rates up to $39.42 per hour. Always check your classification with your employer or refer to the Modern Awards Pay Database from the Fair Work Commission for the complete schedule.

Casual Loading for Osteopaths

If you work as a casual osteopath, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. This is paid instead of benefits like annual leave and sick leave. For example, a casual at the $32.44 rate would receive $40.55 per hour. The loading applies to all ordinary hours and overtime is calculated on the loaded rate.

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). This is the floor for award/agreement-free employees. However, osteopaths covered by the award must be paid at least the award rate, which is higher. The award rates for Health Professional employees start well above the national minimum wage.

Superannuation on Top of Your Osteopath Salary

Under the Superannuation Guarantee, your employer must contribute 12% of your ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary. For the 2026-27 year, the maximum contribution base is $270,830. Super is calculated on your ordinary time earnings (the base hourly rate, not including overtime or casual loading). For a full-time osteopath earning $64,118 annually, the super contribution would be about $7,694 per year, added to your super fund.

Tax on Your Annual Osteopath Pay

Once you have your annual gross figure, you can estimate your tax using the 2026-27 resident tax rates:

$0 – $18,200: Nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% on excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: $4,027 plus 30% on excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: $31,027 plus 37% on excess over $135,000
$190,001+: $51,377 plus 45% on excess over $190,000

A Medicare levy of 2% generally applies. For a $64,118 annual salary, the tax would be approximately $10,563 plus Medicare levy of $1,282, leaving a take-home pay of about $52,273. Use our take-home pay guide for more details.

Fortnightly Pay and Budgeting

If you are paid fortnightly, your gross pay is your weekly rate multiplied by two. For the $1,232.70 weekly rate, that is $2,465.40 per fortnight. After tax and Medicare, your net fortnightly pay would be around $2,010. This can help with budgeting and comparing job offers.

Using the Timesheet Calculator

Our the timesheet tool lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add casual loading. It calculates annual, monthly, fortnightly, and weekly pay, along with estimated tax and super. Remember: the calculator assumes a consistent 38-hour week, no unpaid overtime, and no penalty rates. Always consult your award for exact conditions.

Summary

An osteopath salary under the award is determined by classification and experience. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s award rates as your minimum. Convert hourly to annual by multiplying by 38 and 52. Add super at 12% on top, and apply the tax scale for your net income. For casual work, include the 25% loading. Check our reference tables for the latest award rates and tax brackets.

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.