What hourly rate should I use for a physiologist salary under the award?

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a physiologist is typically classified as a Health Professional employee. For a Level 1 employee with an AQF Level 5 qualification (e.g., a bachelor degree), the minimum hourly rate from 1 July 2026 is $32.44 in the first year, rising to $40.56 after seven years. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and published in the Modern Awards Pay Database.

How does casual loading affect a physiologist salary?

If you are employed as a casual physiologist, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, the casual rate for a Level 1 first-year physiologist would be $32.44 × 1.25 = $40.55 per hour. This loading compensates for entitlements casuals do not receive, such as paid leave. Use our [casual loading](/topics/casual-loading) page to calculate the loaded rate.

What tax and super will I pay on my physiologist salary?

For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates apply: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above that. You also pay a 2% Medicare levy. Superannuation guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. Use our [take-home pay](/topics/take-home) tool for an estimate after tax and Medicare.

Understanding Your Physiologist Salary: Hourly to Annual Conversion and Tax Guide

A physiologist earning the Health Professional Level 1 AQF Level 5 first-year rate of $32.44 per hour would have an annual gross salary of approximately $64,109 based on 38 hours per week.

How to Convert an Hourly Physiologist Salary to Annual

If you are a physiologist working in Australia, your pay is likely covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027]. This award sets minimum hourly rates for health professionals, including exercise physiologists, cardiac physiologists, and other allied health roles. Understanding how to convert your hourly physiologist salary to an annual figure is essential for budgeting, comparing job offers, and planning your tax.

The standard formula is simple: annual gross salary = hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For full-time employees under the award, ordinary hours are 38 per week (or an average of 38 over a fortnight or four-week period). We always assume 38 hours unless stated otherwise. For example, a physiologist at the Health Professional Level 1, AQF Level 5, first-year rate of $32.44 per hour earns:

$32.44 × 38 × 52 = $64,109 per year (rounded).

This matches the minimum annual salary for that classification. You can also calculate the fortnightly pay: weekly pay ($32.44 × 38 = $1,232.72) times two gives $2,465.44 per fortnight.

Award Rates and the National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. However, award rates for physiologists are higher. The Fair Work Commission publishes the Modern Awards Pay Database with all minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman also provides pay guides for each award. For the Health Professionals Award, the pay guide includes the rates we used above. Always check the award that applies to your specific role, as some physiologists may fall under different classifications.

Casual Loading for Physiologists

If you work as a casual physiologist, you receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. This is paid instead of entitlements like annual leave and sick leave. For the same Level 1 first-year rate, the casual rate is $32.44 × 1.25 = $40.55 per hour. When converting to annual, use the loaded rate: $40.55 × 38 × 52 = $80,127 per year. However, remember that casual hours may vary, so your actual annual income could differ. See our casual loading page for more details.

Tax on Your Physiologist Salary

Once you have your annual gross salary, 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: 30% on excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: 37% on excess over $135,000
$190,001+: 45% on excess over $190,000

Plus a Medicare levy of 2% (using the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed). For a physiologist earning $64,109, the tax would be approximately:

Tax on first $18,200: $0
Tax on $18,201 to $45,000: ($45,000 - $18,200) × 15% = $4,020
Tax on $45,001 to $64,109: ($64,109 - $45,000) × 30% = $5,732.70
Total tax: $9,752.70
Medicare levy: $64,109 × 2% = $1,282.18
Total tax and Medicare: $11,034.88
Net annual take-home: $53,074.12

Use our take-home pay calculator for a more precise estimate.

Superannuation on Top

Your employer must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% of your ordinary earnings, on top of your salary. This is not deducted from your pay. For a $64,109 salary, the super contribution would be $64,109 × 12% = $7,693.08, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is paid on top of your gross salary, so your total employment cost is higher. Learn more on our super and packaging page.

Comparing with Average Earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports average weekly earnings. For May 2026, full-time adult ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year. All employees total earnings (including part-time) averaged $1,579.20 per week, or $82,118 per year. A physiologist salary at award rates may be below these averages, especially in early career stages. However, many physiologists progress to higher classifications or work in private practice where earnings can exceed award rates. See our average pay page for more context.

Important Notes

This conversion assumes you work the same rate every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. It is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax. Always refer to the award or your enterprise agreement for your exact entitlements. For more tools, visit the timesheet to calculate your own hourly to annual conversion, or browse our pay guides for award summaries.