Occupational therapist salary Australia: what you take home after tax

Understanding your occupational therapist salary in Australia

If you are an occupational therapist or considering the career, you want to know what actually lands in your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy. This guide uses the latest public data to help you estimate your take-home pay. The keyword occupational therapist salary Australia is what we focus on here.

Where the pay figures come from

Jobs and Skills Australia, a government agency, publishes detailed occupation profiles. For occupational therapists (ANZSCO 2524), the most recent survey shows median full-time weekly earnings of $1,913. That is the middle point for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. The data also shows that 63% of occupational therapists work full-time, the median age is 33, and 92% are female. These figures are a reliable benchmark for your salary planning.

From gross to net: estimating your take-home pay

To work out what you take home, start with the annual equivalent of the median weekly figure. Multiply $1,913 by 52 weeks to get about $99,476 per year. Then apply the 2026–27 resident tax rates and the Medicare levy.

• Income tax: For $99,476, the tax is $4,020 plus 30c for each dollar over $45,000. That works out to $20,363.
• Medicare levy: The full 2% applies because your income is well above the single-person thresholds of $28,011 and $35,013. That adds $1,990.
• Low Income Tax Offset (LITO): At $99,476 you do not qualify for any LITO.

Total deductions: $22,353. Your estimated annual take-home is $77,123. Per fortnight, that is about $2,966. Remember this is an estimate – it excludes HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, and any salary packaging arrangements.

What about superannuation?

The median earnings figure is base salary before super. Under the 2026–27 rules, your employer must contribute 12% super on top of your ordinary time earnings. So your total remuneration package is higher, but super is not part of your take-home pay. For more on how super affects your overall compensation, see our Super guide.

Medicare thresholds and the levy

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income, but there are reduced rates for low earners. The latest single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If you earn between those amounts, you pay a shaded rate of 10c per dollar over the lower threshold. Full-time occupational therapists will almost always pay the full 2%. For a detailed breakdown, visit Tax and Medicare.

Comparing to other benchmarks

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week. The median occupational therapist earnings are well above that. The all-employees average weekly total earnings (including part-time) is $1,579.20, and full-time adult ordinary time earnings average $2,083.70 per week. Occupational therapists sit between those averages, reflecting the skilled nature of the profession.

Factors that change your take-home

Your actual take-home pay can vary depending on:

• Hours worked: Part-time occupational therapists (37% of the workforce) earn proportionally less.
• Experience and location: Senior roles in hospitals or private practice may pay more.
• Salary packaging: Some employers offer packaging for cars, laptops, or other benefits, which can reduce taxable income.
• HELP/HECS debts: If you have a student loan, repayments are deducted from your pay at a rate based on your income.

For a personalised estimate, use our Clearance tool to input your exact salary and deductions.

Final thoughts

The occupational therapist salary in Australia offers solid earning potential, especially given the strong demand in health care. By understanding the tax system and Medicare, you can plan your finances with confidence. Remember that the figures here are a guide, not a tax assessment. Always consult a tax professional for your specific situation.