Physiotherapist Pay Rate Australia 2026-27
Physiotherapists in Australia earn at least $34.44/hr (Level 1 (Year 1)), $43.05/hr casual — about $1,309 a week full-time — under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Rates from 1 October 2026.
Physiotherapist — Minimum Pay Rate
Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027)
$34.44
Base rate/hr
$43.05
Casual rate/hr
Physiotherapists assess, diagnose, and treat movement disorders and physical conditions. They work in hospitals, private practices, sports clinics, and aged care facilities.
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Minimum Hourly Rates — Physiotherapist
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $34.44/hr | $1,308.72 | $68,053.44 |
| Part-time (adult) | $34.44/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $43.05/hr | Varies | Varies |
Penalty Rates — Physiotherapist
$51.66/hr
$51.66/hr
$86.10/hr
Classification Levels — Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (Year 1) | Graduate physiotherapist (AQF 7, 1st year) | $34.44 | $43.05 | $68,053.44 |
| Level 1 (Years 2–3) | Physiotherapist, 2nd–3rd year of experience | $37.08 | $46.35 | $73,270.08 |
| Level 1 (Years 4–6) | Physiotherapist, 4th–6th year of experience | $41.19 | $51.49 | $81,391.44 |
| Level 1 (Year 7+) | Physiotherapist, 7th year of experience and beyond | $44.46 | $55.58 | $87,852.96 |
| Level 2.1 | Senior clinician / specialist / supervisor / educator | $51.19 | $63.99 | $101,151.44 |
| Level 3 | Advanced clinician / section manager (appointed) | $52.19 | $65.24 | $103,127.44 |
Am I Being Underpaid as a Physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists in private practice are sometimes underpaid through sham contracting arrangements or flat-rate pay that doesn't account for weekend and evening clinics.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Physiotherapist Pay Rates by State
Award pay rates are set nationally, but state-specific public holidays and long service leave rules may affect your total entitlements.
Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistant | $29.11/hr | $36.39/hr | $43.67/hr |
| Psychologist | $38.02/hr | $47.53/hr | $57.03/hr |
| Dental Receptionist | $28.03/hr | $35.04/hr | $42.05/hr |
| Lab Technician | $30.45/hr | $38.06/hr | $45.68/hr |
More on the Health Professionals Award
Health Professionals Award (MA000027) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in health
- St Giles Allied Health Enterprise Agreement 2026
- North West Support Services Inc. Enterprise Agreement 2023
- Application for approval of the Karuna Hospice Services Nurses Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Housing for the Aged Action Group Inc. Agreement 2026
- The Mary Ogilvy Homes Society Nursing & General Staff Agreement 2026
- Nurses (Mercy Palliative Care Ltd) Enterprise Agreement 2024-2028
Employer pay guides under the Health Professionals Award
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a physiotherapist get paid per hour in Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a physiotherapist in Australia is $34.44/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $43.05/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 (Year 1) adult rate under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), effective from 1 October 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a physiotherapist?
The minimum wage for a physiotherapist is $34.44 per hour ($1,308.72 per week for a 38-hour week, or $68,053.44 per year). This is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers physiotherapists?
Physiotherapists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do physiotherapists get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, physiotherapists receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($51.66/hr) and 1.5x on Sundays ($51.66/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($86.10/hr).
What is the casual rate for a physiotherapist?
The casual rate for a physiotherapist is $43.05/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $34.44/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old physiotherapist get paid?
Physiotherapists are degree-qualified professionals and are not subject to junior rates. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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