Salary guide
Occupational therapist salary in Australia: what the award sets
The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 lists occupational therapists at AQF level 7. An occupational therapist in a level 1 role at AQF level 7 must be paid at least $1,308.80 a week ($34.44 an hour) in the first year, rising to $1,689.50 a week ($44.46 an hour) from the seventh year. Level 2.1 starts at $1,945.40 a week ($51.19 an hour). Rates apply from 1 October 2026.
Key facts
- Level 1, AQF level 7, 1st year
- $1,308.80 a week ($34.44 an hour) Source: Fair Work Ombudsman: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], clause 17.1(c)
- Level 1, AQF level 7, 7th year or more
- $1,689.50 a week ($44.46 an hour) Source: Fair Work Ombudsman: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], clause 17.1(c)
- Level 2.1 (senior clinician)
- $1,945.40 a week ($51.19 an hour) Source: Fair Work Ombudsman: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], clause 17.2
- Level 4 (manager)
- $2,499.10 a week ($65.77 an hour) Source: Fair Work Ombudsman: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], clause 17.2
- Occupational therapist in Schedule B
- AQF level 7 Source: Fair Work Ombudsman: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], Schedule B
Health professional level 1, AQF level 7
Schedule B of the award lists occupational therapists at AQF level 7.
| Level | Classification | Minimum weekly rate | Minimum hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQF Level 7 | AQF Level 7—1st year | $1,308.80 | $34.44 |
| AQF Level 7 | AQF Level 7—2nd – 3rd year | $1,409.00 | $37.08 |
| AQF Level 7 | AQF Level 7—4th – 6th year | $1,565.30 | $41.19 |
| AQF Level 7 | AQF Level 7—7th year+ | $1,689.50 | $44.46 |
Source: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], clause 17.1(c). Full-time weekly rates from the first pay period starting on or after 1 October 2026. Checked 3 October 2026.
Health professional levels 2 to 4
Senior clinician, advanced clinician and manager roles.
| Classification | Minimum weekly rate | Minimum hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2.1 | $1,945.40 | $51.19 |
| Level 2.2 | $1,983.20 | $52.19 |
| Level 3 | $1,983.20 | $52.19 |
| Level 4 | $2,499.10 | $65.77 |
Source: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], clause 17.2. Full-time weekly rates from the first pay period starting on or after 1 October 2026. Checked 3 October 2026.
How does the award classify occupational therapists?
Occupational therapists are a listed health professional in Schedule B, which matches each profession to the AQF level of its standard minimum qualification (AQF level 7). At level 1 the rate steps up with experience: 1st year, 2nd to 3rd year, 4th to 6th year and 7th year or more. Level 2 covers senior clinicians, specialists, supervisors and educators, level 3 advanced clinicians and section managers, and level 4 managers.
Do occupational therapists need to be registered?
Registration is required before practising or using the title occupational therapist. Overseas-qualified OTs are usually assessed by the Occupational Therapy Council first. The registration body is the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (via Ahpra).
What is not included in these figures?
The tables show ordinary-hours minimums for full-time employees. Penalty rates, overtime and allowances are extra, employers can pay above the award, and public sector and community sector jobs may be covered by other awards or enterprise agreements. Superannuation is paid on top of these rates. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2025 (Australian Taxation Office: Super guarantee).
Occupational therapist pay questions
What is the minimum pay for a occupational therapist in Australia?
Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a full-time occupational therapist in a level 1 role at AQF level 7 must be paid at least $1,308.80 a week ($34.44 an hour) in the first year, from 1 October 2026. The rate rises with experience and at levels 2 to 4.
Which award covers occupational therapists?
Occupational therapists in private practice, aged care, disability services and private hospitals are commonly covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027]. Other jobs are covered by a different award or an enterprise agreement, so check the one that applies to the job.
Do I need to be registered to work as a occupational therapist?
Registration is required before practising or using the title occupational therapist. Overseas-qualified OTs are usually assessed by the Occupational Therapy Council first.
Can an employer pay more than the award?
Yes. The award sets minimum pay. Employers can pay more, and employees covered by an enterprise agreement are paid under that agreement, which must leave them better off overall than the award. Check the award or agreement that covers the job, and use the Fair Work Pay Calculator for a specific shift.
Related
Hiring occupational therapists? CrossNation recruits for employers across Australia. Fee is 12% of the candidate's annual salary, with a 90-day placement guarantee.
Sources (accessed 3 October 2026)
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