What changes in the Health Professionals Award on 1 October 2026?

From the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026, the HPSS Award's health professional classifications are restructured (determination PR814029, [2026] FWCFB 231): Level 1 pays by your profession's AQF qualification level (5-9) and years of experience, with Levels 2.1, 2.2, 3 and 4 for senior and appointed roles. Level 1 starts at $32.44/hr (AQF 5 or 6, 1st year). It's stage one of five, with further increases on 30 June 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.

How much more will psychologists earn under the new HPSS structure?

Psychologists are an AQF 9 profession under Schedule B. From 1 October 2026 a first-year psychologist's minimum is $1,444.90 a week ($38.02/hr), compared with $1,317.20 ($34.66/hr) for the old masters-entry pay point it replaces, rising to $1,755.00 ($46.18/hr) from the 7th year. Further increases follow from 30 June 2027.

Can my pay go down when the new classification starts?

No. Clause J.4 translates every existing health professional to the new structure, and clause J.4.3 says anyone classified on 30 September 2026 keeps their previous minimum rate where it's higher than the new one.

Are receptionists, practice managers and dental assistants included?

Not in the October 2026 change. Support services classifications (reception, admin, practice managers) are unchanged by this stage, and dental assistants and pathology collectors are on their own track — reclassified from 1 April 2026, with a further increase for some from 1 January 2027.

HPSS Award New Classification Calculator (October 2026)

Find your new Health Professionals Award classification and minimum rate under the 1 October 2026 restructure — AQF stream, experience level and the five-stage pay rise.

Last verified: 8 October 2026Jump to calculator ↓

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HPSS Award New Classification Calculator (October 2026)

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