Occupational therapist salary in Australia: the award minimum by years of experience, public hospital pay scales in NSW Health and Queensland Health, and what occupational therapists actually earned according to the ATO, with take-home pay in 2026–27.
A first-year occupational therapist gets at least $68,058 a year under the award. In public hospitals, Queensland Health pays $83,824 to $124,314 at HP3 and NSW Health starts graduates at $79,419. The ATO median for occupational therapists was $72,861 in 2023-24.
Occupational therapists help people do everyday tasks after injury, illness or disability, from home modifications to hand therapy and mental health. The NDIS is now one of the biggest sources of OT work, alongside hospitals and community health.
Award minimum pay
From 1 October 2026, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award pays occupational therapists at Level 1 by AQF Level 7 and years of experience. Levels 2 to 4 are senior clinicians, advanced clinicians and managers.
Full-time 38 hours; per year is the weekly rate × 52. Casuals get 25% more an hour.
Queensland Health occupational therapist salary
Queensland Health employs occupational therapists on the Health Practitioner (HP) scale. New graduates usually start at HP3; HP4 covers senior clinicians and small-team managers, and HP5 to HP8 are advanced, specialist and management roles. Rates from 1 September 2026.
Every pay point is on the Queensland Health pay rates page.
NSW Health occupational therapist salary
NSW Health pays occupational therapists under the Health Professionals (State) Award, from 1 July 2026. New graduates start at Level 1, Year 1.
Every step is on the NSW Health pay rates page.
What occupational therapists actually earn
The ATO's tax statistics for 2023-24 show what people in the occupation were actually paid, including part-timers, so full-time pay is usually higher than the median:
| Occupation (ATO) | People | Median | Average | Median, men | Median, women |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational therapist | 25,828 | $72,861 | $72,306 | $83,578 | $71,646 |
Salary or wage from ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24, Table 15A. Averages are pulled up by a few high earners, so the median is the better guide.
Occupational therapist pay compared with other allied health jobs
| Job | ATO median 2023-24 | Award entry level |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapist | $76,527 | AQF 7 |
| Occupational therapist | $72,861 | AQF 7 |
| Speech pathologist | $69,507 | AQF 7 |
NDIS price limit for occupational therapists
The NDIS caps what a provider can charge participants for a occupational therapist's time (line item 15_617_0128_1_3). This is a price paid to the business, not a wage: it has to cover the clinician's pay, super, rent, admin and time that can't be billed, so private and NDIS occupational therapists usually earn a fraction of it per hour worked.
| Area | Price limit per hour |
|---|---|
| Most of Australia | $193.99 |
| Remote | $271.59 |
| Very remote | $290.99 |
Source: NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026-27 (Therapy Supports, Direct Service line items).
Qualifications and registration
The award lists occupational therapists at AQF Level 7, which means a bachelor degree is the usual minimum qualification. Occupational therapists must be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia through Ahpra to practise.
Many occupational therapists work in the NDIS and private practice, where pay is set above the award minimum.
Take-home pay: after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27, before super and HELP.
Other allied health jobs: Physiotherapist · Sonographer · Speech pathologist · Radiographer · Psychologist · Podiatrist · Audiologist · Dietitian. See also NSW Health pay rates, Queensland Health pay rates and the salary packaging calculator.
Common questions
How much does a occupational therapist earn in Australia?
Pay depends on the employer. The award minimum for a first-year occupational therapist is $34.44 an hour, about $68,058 a year. Queensland Health pays $83,824 to $124,314 at HP3, NSW Health starts graduates at $79,419, and the ATO median salary or wage for occupational therapists was $72,861 in 2023-24.
What is a graduate occupational therapist's salary?
At least $68,058 a year under the award (AQF Level 7). In Queensland Health most new graduates start at HP3 ($83,824); in NSW Health at Level 1, Year 1 ($79,419).
How much does a senior occupational therapist earn?
Senior clinicians in Queensland Health (HP4) earn $132,689 to $142,315. Under the award, Level 2 senior clinicians get at least $51.19 an hour.
Which award covers occupational therapists?
The Health Professionals and Support Services Award, which lists the Occupational Therapist profession at AQF Level 7. Public hospital staff are paid under state agreements instead, which pay more.
How much can an NDIS occupational therapist charge?
Up to $193.99 an hour in most of Australia in 2026-27 (more in remote areas). That's the provider's fee, not the clinician's wage.
Do occupational therapists need to be registered?
Yes. Occupational therapists must be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (Ahpra) to practise.
Is super included?
No. All figures are before super, which is paid on top.
Sources: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide for the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027] (clause B.3 for the profession's AQF level); Queensland Health health practitioner wage rates; NSW Health Service Health Professionals (State) Award; ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24. Checked 2026-10-23. General information only.