Physiotherapist Salary Australia: Your Take-Home Pay After Tax and Medicare

Understanding Physiotherapist Salary Australia

When you research physiotherapist salary Australia, the most reliable benchmark is the median full-time weekly earnings published by Jobs and Skills Australia. As of the latest data, the median full-time physiotherapist earns $1,888 per week before tax, or about $50 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) and above the award minimums for health professionals.

However, your actual take-home pay depends on your classification under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, your experience, and the tax system. This guide walks through the award rates, the median benchmark, and how income tax and the Medicare levy shape your fortnightly pay.

Award Minimums for Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The minimum rates are set by AQF level and years of experience. For a physiotherapist with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7), the minimum weekly rates from 1 October 2026 are:

• 1st year: $1,308.80 per week ($34.44 per hour)
• 2nd–3rd year: $1,409.00 per week ($37.08 per hour)
• 4th–6th year: $1,565.30 per week ($41.19 per hour)
• 7th year+: $1,689.50 per week ($44.46 per hour)

These are the legal minimums. Many physiotherapists earn above these rates, especially in private practice or specialised roles. The median figure of $1,888 per week reflects the broader market.

From Gross to Net: Tax and Medicare

Your take-home pay is what lands in your bank account after the Australian Tax Office deducts income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 tax year, the tax brackets are:

• $0 – $18,200: Nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15 cents per $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30 cents per $1 over $45,000
• $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37 cents per $1 over $135,000
• $190,001+: $51,370 plus 45 cents per $1 over $190,000

The Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) can reduce tax for incomes up to $66,667, but at the median physiotherapist income of $98,176, the offset phases out completely.

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income for most full-time workers. The latest published single-person thresholds are $28,011 (lower) and $35,013 (upper). If your income exceeds $35,013, you pay the full 2%. At $98,176, that’s $1,963.52 per year.

Example: Median Physiotherapist Take-Home Pay

Let’s calculate for a full-time physiotherapist earning the median $1,888 per week. Annual salary: $1,888 × 52 = $98,176.

• Income tax: $4,020 + 0.30 × ($98,176 – $45,000) = $4,020 + $15,952.80 = $19,972.80
• Medicare levy: 2% × $98,176 = $1,963.52
• Total deductions: $21,936.32
• Net annual: $76,239.68
• Fortnightly take-home: $76,239.68 ÷ 26 = $2,932.30

This is an estimate only. It excludes HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll rounding. Use our Take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.

How Superannuation Fits In

Employer super contributions are 12% of your ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2026, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. This is paid on top of your salary, not deducted from your take-home. If your salary is quoted as “$98,176 plus super”, your employer adds $11,781.12 to your super account each year. Your take-home is based on the $98,176. Learn more about Super and how it affects your total compensation.

Fortnightly Pay: What Changes It

Your fortnightly pay can vary due to:

• Tax brackets: If you earn overtime or bonuses, the marginal rate (30% or 37%) applies to the extra income.
• Medicare levy: Full 2% applies above $35,013.
• Salary packaging: Some employers offer packaging for cars or other benefits, which reduces taxable income.
• HELP/HECS: If you have a student loan, compulsory repayments start at $54,435 (2026–27 threshold) and are deducted from your pay.

For most physiotherapists, the fortnightly take-home will be in the range of $2,700 to $3,200, depending on experience and location.

Summary

Physiotherapist salary Australia varies by experience and setting, but the median full-time wage provides a solid benchmark. After income tax and the Medicare levy, you can expect around $2,932 per fortnight. Award minimums start lower but increase with experience. Always check your pay against the award and consider using our Tax and Medicare guide to understand your deductions.