Physiotherapist salary in Australia: the award minimum by years of experience, public hospital pay scales in NSW Health and Queensland Health, and what physiotherapists actually earned according to the ATO, with take-home pay in 2026–27.
A first-year physiotherapist 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 physiotherapists was $76,527 in 2023-24.
Physiotherapists assess and treat movement problems after injury, surgery or illness. Most work in private clinics and sports practices; public hospitals employ them in wards, outpatients and rehabilitation, and the NDIS and aged care are growing employers.
Award minimum pay
From 1 October 2026, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award pays physiotherapists 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 physiotherapist salary
Queensland Health employs physiotherapists 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 physiotherapist salary
NSW Health pays physiotherapists 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 physiotherapists 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapist | 32,906 | $76,527 | $75,302 | $85,749 | $71,360 |
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.
Physiotherapist pay compared with other allied health jobs
| Job | ATO median 2023-24 | Award entry level |
|---|---|---|
| Psychologist | $77,858 | AQF 9 |
| Physiotherapist | $76,527 | AQF 7 |
| Occupational therapist | $72,861 | AQF 7 |
NDIS price limit for physiotherapists
The NDIS caps what a provider can charge participants for a physiotherapist's time (line item 15_055_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 physiotherapists usually earn a fraction of it per hour worked.
| Area | Price limit per hour |
|---|---|
| Most of Australia | $183.99 |
| Remote | $257.59 |
| Very remote | $275.99 |
Source: NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026-27 (Therapy Supports, Direct Service line items).
Qualifications and registration
The award lists physiotherapists at AQF Level 7, which means a bachelor degree is the usual minimum qualification. Physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia through Ahpra to practise.
Most physiotherapists work in private practice, where pay is set by the employer above the award minimum; public hospital scales are the clearest published benchmark.
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: Sonographer · Speech pathologist · Occupational therapist · 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 physiotherapist earn in Australia?
Pay depends on the employer. The award minimum for a first-year physiotherapist 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 physiotherapists was $76,527 in 2023-24.
What is a graduate physiotherapist'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 physiotherapist 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 physiotherapists?
The Health Professionals and Support Services Award, which lists the Physiotherapist profession at AQF Level 7. Public hospital staff are paid under state agreements instead, which pay more.
How much can an NDIS physiotherapist charge?
Up to $183.99 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 physiotherapists need to be registered?
Yes. Physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapy 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.