Speech pathologist salary in Australia: the award minimum by years of experience, public hospital pay scales in NSW Health and Queensland Health, and what speech pathologists actually earned according to the ATO, with take-home pay in 2026–27.
A first-year speech pathologist 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 speech pathologists was $69,507 in 2023-24.
Speech pathologists treat communication and swallowing difficulties in children and adults. Large numbers work in paediatric private practice, schools and the NDIS, as well as hospitals (especially for swallowing assessment after stroke).
Award minimum pay
From 1 October 2026, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award pays speech pathologists at Level 1 by AQF Level 7 to 9, depending on the qualification held and years of experience. Levels 2 to 4 are senior clinicians, advanced clinicians and managers.
| Classification | Hourly | Per year | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1, AQF 7, 1st year | $34.44 | $68,058 | $2,145 |
| Level 1, AQF 7, 2nd-3rd year | $37.08 | $73,268 | $2,281 |
| Level 1, AQF 7, 4th-6th year | $41.19 | $81,396 | $2,493 |
| Level 1, AQF 7, 7th year+ | $44.46 | $87,854 | $2,662 |
| Level 1, AQF 8, 1st year | $35.19 | $69,529 | $2,183 |
| Level 1, AQF 8, 2nd-3rd year | $38.02 | $75,135 | $2,330 |
| Level 1, AQF 8, 4th-6th year | $41.71 | $82,415 | $2,520 |
| Level 1, AQF 8, 7th year+ | $45.30 | $89,513 | $2,706 |
| Level 1, AQF 9, 1st year | $38.02 | $75,135 | $2,330 |
| Level 1, AQF 9, 2nd-3rd year | $40.66 | $80,350 | $2,466 |
| Level 1, AQF 9, 4th-6th year | $43.67 | $86,284 | $2,621 |
| Level 1, AQF 9, 7th year+ | $46.18 | $91,260 | $2,751 |
| Levels 2 to 4 (senior clinician to manager) | $51.19 to $65.77 | $101,161 to $129,953 | $3,010 |
Full-time 38 hours; per year is the weekly rate × 52. Casuals get 25% more an hour.
Queensland Health speech pathologist salary
Queensland Health employs speech pathologists 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 speech pathologist salary
NSW Health pays speech pathologists 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 speech pathologists 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech pathologist | 12,880 | $69,507 | $67,622 | $80,125 | $69,083 |
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.
Speech pathologist pay compared with other allied health jobs
| Job | ATO median 2023-24 | Award entry level |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational therapist | $72,861 | AQF 7 |
| Speech pathologist | $69,507 | AQF 7 |
| Dietitian | $69,128 | AQF 7 |
NDIS price limit for speech pathologists
The NDIS caps what a provider can charge participants for a speech pathologist's time (line item 15_622_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 speech pathologists 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 speech pathologists at AQF Level 7 to 9, depending on the qualification held, which means a bachelor degree is the usual minimum qualification; holders of higher qualifications start at a higher AQF level and are paid more in their first years. Speech pathology is a self-regulated profession: there is no Ahpra registration, but employers usually expect Certified Practising membership of Speech Pathology Australia.
Many speech pathologists work for the NDIS, schools or private practices, which set their own pay 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 · 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 speech pathologist earn in Australia?
Pay depends on the employer. The award minimum for a first-year speech pathologist 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 speech pathologists was $69,507 in 2023-24.
What is a graduate speech pathologist's salary?
At least $68,058 a year under the award (AQF Level 7 to 9, depending on the qualification held). 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 speech pathologist 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 speech pathologists?
The Health Professionals and Support Services Award, which lists the Speech Pathologist profession at AQF Level 7 to 9, depending on the qualification held. Public hospital staff are paid under state agreements instead, which pay more.
How much can an NDIS speech pathologist 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 speech pathologists need to be registered?
Speech pathology is a self-regulated profession: there is no Ahpra registration, but employers usually expect Certified Practising membership of Speech Pathology Australia.
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.