How to estimate your exercise physiologist salary after tax in Australia

Understanding your exercise physiologist salary

If you are an exercise physiologist in Australia, knowing what lands in your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy is essential for budgeting. Your exercise physiologist salary depends on your qualifications, experience, and whether you work under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award or a workplace agreement. This guide walks you through the key figures and how to estimate your take-home pay.

What the data shows

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are about 5,100 exercise physiologists employed nationally. The workforce is relatively young (median age 29) and 52% are female. Around 38% work part-time, and full-time employees average 41 hours per week. Median weekly earnings are not published for this occupation, so award rates and market surveys are your best reference.

Award minimum rates

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027) sets minimum pay for health professional employees, including exercise physiologists. Your classification depends on your AQF qualification level and years of experience. For example:

• AQF Level 7 (bachelor degree), 1st year: $34.44 per hour
• AQF Level 7, 7th year and over: $44.46 per hour
• AQF Level 9 (masters), 1st year: $38.02 per hour
• Level 4 (senior practitioner): $65.77 per hour

These rates are updated from 1 October each year. Your actual salary may be higher if you have negotiated above-award pay or work in a private practice.

From hourly rate to annual salary

To estimate your annual salary, multiply your hourly rate by 38 hours per week (the standard full-time week under the award) and then by 52 weeks. For instance:

• $34.44/hour × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $68,054 per year (before tax and super)

If you work part-time, adjust the weekly hours accordingly.

Tax and Medicare levy for 2026–27

Once you have your gross annual salary, you can estimate your take-home pay using the resident tax rates for 2026–27:

• Up to $18,200: nil
• $18,201 to $45,000: 15c for each $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 to $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000
• $135,001 to $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000
• Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000

You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO), which reduces tax by up to $700 for incomes up to $37,500, then phases out.

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. If you are single and earn between $28,011 and $35,013, a shading rule applies (10c per $1 over the lower threshold). Full-time salaries above $35,013 pay the full 2%.

Example take-home calculation

Take a full-time exercise physiologist earning $70,000 per year (above the award minimum but realistic for an experienced practitioner).

• Tax: $4,020 + 0.30 × ($70,000 – $45,000) = $4,020 + $7,500 = $11,520
• LITO: $325 – 0.015 × ($70,000 – $45,000) = $325 – $375 = $0 (LITO fully phases out at $66,667)
• Medicare levy: 2% × $70,000 = $1,400
• Total deductions: $11,520 + $1,400 = $12,920
• Take-home pay: $70,000 – $12,920 = $57,080 per year, or about $2,195 per fortnight

Remember, this is an estimate. Your actual tax may differ if you have HELP/HECS debt, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.

Superannuation

From 1 July 2026, your employer must contribute 12% super on your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. If your salary is quoted as "$70,000 plus super", the super is on top and does not reduce your take-home pay. If quoted as "$70,000 including super", your before-tax salary is lower. Always clarify.

Using our tools

To get a personalised estimate, visit our Take-home pay guide and enter your salary. You can also check the Tax and Medicare page for the latest rates and thresholds. For award rates, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide.

Key takeaways

• Your exercise physiologist salary varies by AQF level and experience; award minimums start at $32.44 per hour.
• Full-time work is 38 hours per week; part-time is common (38% of workers).
• Take-home pay after tax and Medicare is roughly 75–80% of your gross salary for typical earnings.
• Super is additional and not deducted from your pay if quoted as "plus super".

Use the information here as a starting point, and always confirm your specific pay rate with your employer or the award.