Speech Pathologist Salary Guide 2026-27: Award Rates and Take-Home Pay
Speech pathologist pay varies by classification and experience; the Health Professionals Award sets minimum rates starting at $32.44 per hour for Level 1 (AQF5), but most speech pathologists hold a bachelor’s degree and are classified at higher levels with higher minimums.
Speech Pathologist Salary Under the Health Professionals Award
If you are a speech pathologist in Australia, your pay is covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes minimum rates for each classification level. For a Health Professional employee at Level 1 with an AQF Level 5 qualification (e.g., a diploma), the minimum hourly rate is $32.44 in the first year, increasing to $40.56 after seven years . Most speech pathologists hold a bachelor’s degree (AQF7) and are classified at a higher level, so the actual minimum is higher than these figures.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, speech pathologists are a predominantly female profession (97%) with a median age of 33. About 56% work full-time, averaging 40 hours per week . The median weekly earnings are not published for this occupation, so the award minimums are the best benchmark for entry-level pay.
What Changes Your Fortnightly Take-Home Pay
Your take-home pay depends on three main factors: tax brackets, the Medicare levy, and superannuation. Here is how they work for a full-time speech pathologist earning the minimum Level 1 rate.
Tax Brackets (2026–27)
For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week at $32.44 per hour, the annual salary is $64,100.40 (38 hours × 52 weeks). Using the resident tax rates:
- Up to $18,200: nil
- $18,201 to $45,000: 15 cents per $1 over $18,200
- $45,001 to $135,000: $4,020 plus 30 cents per $1 over $45,000
On $64,100.40, the tax before offsets is $9,750.12. The Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) reduces this to $9,711.63. Tax and Medicare explains the full calculation.
Medicare Levy
The Medicare levy is 2% of taxable income. For $64,100.40, that is $1,282.01. The latest single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013; full-time salaries always pay the full 2%.
Superannuation
Super is not deducted from your pay. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid on top of your salary. So your take-home is based on the base pay, and super is additional. Super has more details.
Example Take-Home Calculation
Using the minimum Level 1 rate:
- Annual salary: $64,100.40
- Tax after LITO: $9,711.63
- Medicare levy: $1,282.01
- Total deductions: $10,993.64
- Annual take-home: $53,106.76
- Fortnightly take-home: $2,042.57
This is an estimate only. Actual pay depends on your classification, experience, and whether you work part-time. Use the Take-home pay tool to see your own figures.
Where to Find Current Rates
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s award summary provides the latest minimum weekly and hourly rates for health professionals. For speech pathologists, the relevant classification is Health Professional employee. Check the award for Level 2 or higher if you hold a bachelor’s degree. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile shows industry and hours data but no median earnings, so the award is your best guide for base pay.
Remember: job advertisements often quote a salary plus super. Always check whether the figure includes super or is the base rate. Your take-home is the base pay after tax and Medicare, and super is an extra benefit.
Questions
What is the minimum hourly rate for a speech pathologist under the award?
Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, a Health Professional employee at Level 1 with AQF Level 5 qualification earns at least $32.44 per hour (1st year), rising to $40.56 per hour after 7 years. Speech pathologists with a bachelor’s degree (AQF7 or higher are typically classified at a higher level, so the actual minimum is higher.
How does the Medicare levy affect my take-home pay?
The Medicare levy is 2% Medicare levy applies to all taxable income. For a full-time speech pathologist earning $64,100.40 (based on the minimum rate), the annual income is $1,282.01. The latest single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013; full-time salaries pay the full 2%.
Is super included in the speech pathologist salary figures?
No. The award rates are base pay before super. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid on top of the salary. Job ads often state 'plus super', so your take-home is from the base pay, and super is additional retirement savings.