Allied Health Pay Rates April 2026: New Rates by Classification Level

From 1 April 2026, the Fair Work Commission increased minimum pay rates under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award as part of the gender-based undervaluation review. Roles affected include:

• Physiotherapists
• Occupational therapists
• Speech pathologists
• Psychologists
• Social workers
• Dietitians and nutritionists
• Podiatrists
• Dental hygienists and therapists
• Medical laboratory technicians
• Radiographers
• Pharmacy technicians
• Health support services workers

If you work in private practice, a community health centre, or any organisation covered by this award, you're likely affected. Check your classification with our pay rate lookup.

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award uses a classification structure based on qualifications, experience, and responsibility level:

• Health Professional Level 1: New graduate or entry-level qualified professional
• Health Professional Level 2: Experienced professional working with more autonomy
• Health Professional Level 3: Senior professional, may supervise others
• Health Professional Level 4: Advanced practitioner or specialist
• Support Services Levels 1-9: Support workers, assistants, technicians, admin staff

The April 2026 changes include updated classification descriptions — some workers may find their role now fits a higher level. Review the updated descriptions carefully.

The increases vary by classification level, with the FWC applying larger increases to classifications it found most undervalued. Generally:

• Increases range from roughly 3% to 8% above previous rates
• Lower-paid classifications (support services) received proportionally larger increases
• Some workers benefit from reclassification — a bigger jump if your role description now matches a higher level

These increases are in addition to any annual wage review increase from July. They stack.

For exact current rates, check the updated pay guide on the Fair Work website or use our pay calculator.

The new rates are legally mandatory from the first full pay period on or after 1 April 2026. If your payslip still shows the old rate:

• Check your payslip carefully — compare your hourly rate to the new minimum for your classification
• Email your employer referencing the FWC decision and the specific pay increase for your level
• Ask for back-pay — if they're late updating, they owe you the difference from when the new rate started
• Contact Fair Work on 13 13 94 if your employer refuses to update your pay

Use our underpayment checker to calculate exactly how much you may be owed.

Yes — this is just the first tranche. The FWC's gender undervaluation review is ongoing, and further increases are expected as the Commission works through its findings. Additionally:

• The Annual Wage Review decision in June will apply a percentage increase on top of the April rates
• Other awards covering health and care workers (Nurses Award, SCHADS, Children's Services) are also under review
• The aged care sector has already received a 15% increase and may get more

If you work in allied health, your pay is moving in the right direction for the first time in years. Make sure your employer keeps up.