Osteopath Salary in Australia
Osteopaths diagnose and treat tissue strains, stresses and dysfunctions that impede normal neural, vascular and biochemical mechanisms. In Australia, around 2,300 osteopaths are employed, with a median age of 35 and a female share of 55% (Jobs and Skills Australia). Only 48% work full-time hours, and those who do work an average of 41 hours per week.
Where the figures come from
The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for osteopaths as a specific 6-digit occupation. The most authoritative source for minimum pay is the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which covers osteopaths employed in clinics, hospitals, and other health settings. The award sets minimum weekly rates based on the employee's qualification level (AQF) and years of experience.
For a typical osteopath with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in their 4th to 6th year, the minimum weekly rate is $1,565.30, or about $81,395 a year on a 38-hour week. More experienced osteopaths (7th year+) earn at least $1,689.50 per week ($87,854 a year). Those with honours or a graduate diploma (AQF Level 8) start slightly higher.
How this compares to the national average
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). This is the figure used as the reference line on this site. The award minimum for a mid-level osteopath is about 25% below that average. Even the highest award rate for a Level 4 health professional ($2,499.10 per week) is above the national average, but such roles are uncommon for osteopaths.
It is important to note that the award rates are minimums. Many osteopaths in private practice or with specialised skills earn more. However, without a published median, it is not possible to say exactly where the typical osteopath sits relative to the national average.
A resident take-home sketch
To give a sense of take-home pay, consider a single resident osteopath earning the award minimum for a mid-level practitioner ($81,395 a year). Using the 2026–27 tax rates:
- Nil tax on first $18,200
- 15% on $26,800 ($4,020)
- 30% on $36,395 ($10,918.50)
- Total income tax: $14,938.50
- Medicare levy (2%): $1,627.90
- Total deductions: $16,566.40
- Take-home pay: about $64,829 per year
For comparison, someone earning the national average of $108,352 would take home about $83,159 after tax and Medicare. The osteopath's take-home is about 22% lower.
Part-time work and hours
Only 48% of osteopaths work full-time, compared to 64% across all occupations. The average full-time hours for osteopaths are 41 per week, slightly below the all-occupations average of 44. This means many osteopaths earn less than the full-time equivalent figures suggest. Part-time work is common, especially among the 55% female workforce.
State and territory comparisons
The national average varies by state. For example, the full-time average in New South Wales is about $109,658, in Victoria $106,137, and in Western Australia $115,825. Osteopaths in higher-paying states may still find their award minimums below the local average. See state averages for more detail.
How the figures are set
The national average comes from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, released twice a year for May and November. The award rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and updated annually. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Award minimums for health professionals rose by 4.75% in that update.
What this means for your salary
If you are an osteopath, your pay will depend on your qualifications, experience, and whether you work full-time or part-time. The award provides a safety net, but many osteopaths negotiate above-award rates. To see where your salary sits against the national average, place your salary on the line. You can also compare with industry medians or job medians for other health professions.
Summary
- No official median earnings for osteopaths are published by the ABS.
- Award minimums for a mid-level osteopath (AQF Level 7, 4th–6th year) are about $1,565 per week ($81,395 a year).
- This is well below the national full-time average of $2,084 per week ($108,352 a year).
- Only 48% of osteopaths work full-time, and average full-time hours are 41 per week.
- Take-home pay for an osteopath on the award minimum is roughly $64,829 per year after tax and Medicare.
For more detailed information on how salaries are calculated and compared, see How the figures are set and About this site.