Osteopath salary: what you take home after tax and Medicare
The typical annual osteopath salary in Australia ranges from $85,000 to $90,000, but actual take-home pay depends on hours worked, tax brackets, and the Medicare levy.
Osteopath salary: gross pay, package, and what lands in your bank
If you’re an osteopath or considering the career, you’ve probably seen salary figures quoted as “$85,000 to $90,000 a year”. But what does that actually mean for your weekly pay after tax and the Medicare levy? The mix-up between a gross salary, a total package, and take-home pay is common. This guide breaks down the numbers so you know exactly what to expect.
Where the salary figures come from
Osteopathy Australia reports that the average working week for an osteopath is 35 hours and the average annual salary is $85,000 to $90,000. The Jobs and Skills Australia occupation profile for Osteopaths (ANZSCO 252112) notes that median weekly earnings are not available, but the occupation has a high part-time share (52%) and a female share of 55%. That means many osteopaths work fewer than 35 hours a week, so actual earnings vary widely.
Gross salary vs take-home pay
Your gross salary is the amount agreed in your employment contract before any deductions. For a full-time osteopath earning $87,500 (the midpoint of the typical range), the annual gross is $87,500. But you don’t get to keep all of it. The Australian Taxation Office requires you to pay income tax and the Medicare levy.
Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:
- First $18,200: tax-free
- $18,201 to $45,000: 15c per dollar over $18,200
- $45,001 to $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c per dollar over $45,000
On $87,500, the tax calculation is:
- Tax on first $45,000: $4,020
- Tax on remaining $42,500 ($87,500 – $45,000): $12,750 (30c × $42,500)
- Total income tax: $16,770
Then add the Medicare levy. Since $87,500 is well above the upper threshold of $35,013, the full 2% applies: $1,750.
Total deductions: $18,520. Your annual take-home pay would be about $68,980. That’s roughly $5,748 per month or $1,326 per week (assuming 52 weeks).
But remember: this is a resident estimate only. It excludes HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll rounding. Use our Take-home pay tool for a more precise calculation.
The Medicare levy explained
The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income, but there are lower thresholds for singles. The latest published thresholds are $28,011 (lower) and $35,013 (upper). If your taxable income is between those amounts, you pay 10c per dollar over the lower threshold. Above $35,013, you pay the full 2%. For a full-time osteopath, you’ll almost always pay the full 2%.
Superannuation is extra
When you see an osteopath salary advertised, it’s usually “plus super”. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. That means on a $87,500 salary, your employer should add $10,500 into your super fund each year. That money is not available as take-home pay until you retire, but it’s part of your total remuneration package.
Part-time and casual work
Because 52% of osteopaths work part-time, many earn less than the full-time range. If you work 20 hours a week at an hourly rate equivalent to the typical salary (say $48 per hour), your annual gross might be around $50,000. After tax and Medicare, your take-home would be roughly $40,000. The Minimum wage is $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week, so even part-time osteopaths earn well above that.
Salary packaging and other deductions
Some osteopaths working in public hospitals or community health may be eligible for salary packaging, which can reduce your taxable income. This is common under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. If you have a salary package, your take-home pay could be higher than the standard estimate. Check with your employer or a tax professional.
How to compare job offers
Always look at the total package: base salary plus super plus any bonuses or allowances. Then calculate your estimated take-home using the Tax and Medicare guide. Don’t confuse the gross figure with what you’ll actually receive each fortnight. A job advertising “$90,000 package” might mean $80,357 salary plus $9,643 super (at 12%). Your take-home on $80,357 would be about $64,500, not $90,000.
Final thoughts
The osteopath salary range of $85,000 to $90,000 is a solid benchmark, but your personal take-home depends on hours, tax brackets, and whether you have deductions. Use the resources on this site to get a clear picture of your net pay.
Questions
What is the average osteopath salary in Australia?
Based on industry data from Osteopathy Australia, the average annual salary for an osteopath is between $85,000 and $90,000. However, many osteopaths work part-time (52% of the workforce), so individual earnings vary. The median weekly earnings are not published by the ABS for this occupation, so the range is a useful guide.
How much tax and Medicare levy will I pay on an osteopath salary?
For the 2026–27 tax year, resident tax rates apply. On a gross salary of $87,500 (midpoint of the range), you would pay approximately $4,020 plus 30c for each dollar over $45,000, plus the 2% Medicare levy. The Medicare levy has a shading threshold: if your taxable income is between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay 10c per dollar over the lower threshold. Above $35,013, the full 2% applies. Use our Take-home pay tool for a personalised estimate.
Is superannuation included in the osteopath salary figures?
No. The $85,000–$90,000 range is typically a gross salary excluding employer superannuation. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% on top of your salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. When comparing job offers, check whether the advertised figure is 'plus super' or 'including super'.