Allied health assistant salary overview
Allied health assistants work alongside physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and other health professionals. Their pay is not published as a single national figure by the ABS, but it is governed by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (MA000027). The award sets minimum weekly and hourly rates for support services employees, which include allied health assistants. These rates vary by classification level, from Level 1 (entry-level) to Level 9 (senior or specialised roles).
Weekly pay under the award
As of the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026, the award minimum weekly rates for full-time support services employees are:
- Level 1: $1,024.70
- Level 2: $1,065.20
- Level 3: $1,106.20
- Level 4: $1,119.10
- Level 5: $1,157.20
- Level 6: $1,219.50
- Level 7: $1,241.40
- Level 8 (pay point 1): $1,283.50
- Level 8 (pay point 2): $1,317.20
- Level 8 (pay point 3): $1,409.70
- Level 9 (pay point 1): $1,435.00
- Level 9 (pay point 2): $1,485.90
- Level 9 (pay point 3): $1,497.80
These are minimums; many employers pay above the award. The classification an allied health assistant falls into depends on their duties, qualifications, and experience. For example, a new assistant might be Level 3, while a senior assistant with specialised skills could be Level 8 or 9.
Hourly rates and penalty rates
The award also specifies hourly rates for full-time and part-time employees. For a 38-hour week, the hourly rates range from $26.97 (Level 1) to $39.42 (Level 9 pay point 3). Penalty rates apply for shiftwork, weekends, and public holidays. For instance, Saturday work is paid at 150% of the ordinary rate, Sunday at 150%, and public holidays at 250%. Overtime rates are also set out in the award.
How it compares to the national average
The national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings is $2,083.70, according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026. That works out to about $108,352 per year. Even the highest award classification for an allied health assistant ($1,497.80 per week) is well below this average. The full-time median earnings are about $90,532 per year, and the all-employees median is about $74,100. Allied health assistants at mid-level classifications (Level 4–6) earn roughly $58,000 to $63,000 per year at award minimums, which is below the median.
State and territory comparisons
The national average hides regional differences. The highest full-time average is in the Australian Capital Territory ($119,090), followed by Western Australia ($115,825) and New South Wales ($109,658). The lowest is in Tasmania ($96,008). Allied health assistants in higher-cost states may see slightly higher pay above the award, but the award rates are national minimums.
Minimum wage context
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week on a 38-hour week. The lowest allied health assistant award rate (Level 1 at $26.97) is just above that. Award rates rose by 4.75% in the 2026 Annual Wage Review, consistent with the increase to the minimum wage.
Tax considerations
For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. The Medicare levy of 2% applies, with possible reductions for low-income earners. An allied health assistant earning $60,000 per year would pay about $8,788 in tax plus $1,200 Medicare levy, leaving around $50,012 take-home.
Where to find more information
For a deeper look at how salaries are calculated, see How the figures are set. If you want to see where your own salary compares, Place a salary on the line. For state-by-state breakdowns, visit States and territories.
Summary
Allied health assistant salaries are not a single published figure, but the award provides a clear minimum range. Most assistants earn between $1,024.70 and $1,497.80 per week, depending on their level. This is below the national full-time average and median, but above the minimum wage. Actual pay can be higher with experience, in private practice, or in areas with higher demand.