
Occupational therapists in Australia have a positive job market, with a consistent demand in areas such as aged care, rehabilitation, and mental health services. The average salary for an occupational therapist in Australia is $89,201 per year, while some sources place it at $96,861 per year or $49.67 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $64,951 per year, while experienced therapists can make up to $115,717 per year. Salary can be influenced by factors such as level of education, years of experience, type of employer, and location of practice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $96,861 per year or $49.67 per hour |
| Entry-level Salary | $85,063 per year |
| Experienced Worker Salary | $115,717 per year |
| Entry-level Salary (less than 1 year of experience) | $64,951 per year |
| Early Career Salary (1-4 years of experience) | $75,735 per year |
| Highest Salary | $110,000 per year |
| Lowest Salary | $63,000 per year |
| Average Salary (as of December 2024) | $89,201 per year |
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What You'll Learn

Average salary for OTs in Australia
The average salary for occupational therapists in Australia varies depending on experience level, location, and other factors. According to sources, the average yearly salary for OTs in Australia is between $64,951 and $96,861, with an hourly rate of $49.67. Entry-level positions start at around $64,951 to $85,063 per year, while experienced therapists can earn up to $115,717 annually.
Some factors that can influence an OT's salary in Australia include level of education, qualifications, years of experience, type of employer (public vs private sector), location of practice, area of specialization, and additional skills or certifications. For example, one source mentions that OTs in NSW health can earn around 110k per year, while another source mentions that a resident OT with 15 years of experience should be earning at least $90,000.
It's worth noting that the job market for OTs in Australia is generally positive, with consistent demand in areas such as aged care, rehabilitation, mental health services, pediatrics, and disability support. So, while the salary range for OTs in Australia is quite broad, it seems that there are opportunities for career progression and salary increases with experience and specialization.
Additionally, it's important to consider that full-time versus part-time work can also impact an OT's salary in Australia, and changing employers or gaining advanced degrees may also increase income potential and opportunities for promotion.
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Entry-level OT pay
The average salary for an entry-level occupational therapist (OT) in Australia varies depending on the source. According to PayScale, the lowest pay for a registered occupational therapist in Australia in 2025 is AU$63,000 per year. Another source states that entry-level positions start at $85,063 per year. The average salary for an OT in Australia is reported to be between $75,223, $89,201, and $96,861 per year, or $49.67 per hour.
There are several ways to increase your pay as an entry-level OT in Australia. One way is to consider changing employers and moving to a new organization that is willing to pay higher wages for your skills. Gaining advanced degrees and qualifications can also increase income potential and make you eligible for promotions. Additionally, overseeing and managing more junior OTs can enhance your earning capacity.
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Salary by experience
The salary of an occupational therapist in Australia varies based on several factors, including experience level, education, qualifications, type of employer, location, specialisation, and additional skills or certifications.
An entry-level occupational therapist with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of AU$64,951 per year. This includes tips, bonuses, and overtime pay. The salary for early career therapists with 1-4 years of experience increases to an average of AU$75,735 per year. The average salary for occupational therapists in Australia is reported to be between AU$89,201 and AU$96,861 per year, with experienced therapists earning up to AU$115,717 annually.
Some occupational therapists with 10 years of experience have reported salaries of AU$110,000 per year, plus a travel allowance of AU$14,000. Others with 15 years of experience have reported salaries of AU$110,000 while working in NSW health LV 3, and AU$95,000 while working for a private company.
It is important to note that salary can be influenced by various factors, and therapists can increase their earning potential by gaining advanced degrees, managing more junior therapists, or considering career moves to employers who value their skills.
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Highest and lowest OT salaries
The salary of an occupational therapist in Australia varies depending on experience and seniority. Entry-level occupational therapists tend to have the lowest salaries, while senior occupational therapists with more than 20 years of experience enjoy the highest pay.
An entry-level occupational therapist with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of AU$64,951 per year. This includes tips, bonuses, and overtime pay. With 1 to 4 years of experience, an early career occupational therapist's average total compensation increases to AU$75,735 per year.
The average salary for an occupational therapist in Australia is reported to be anywhere between AU$67,500 and AU$96,861 per year, or AU$49.67 per hour. This average salary can be higher in certain cities or regions within Australia.
The highest salary for an occupational therapist in Australia can exceed AU$100,000 per year, with some sources citing figures of up to AU$108,400 and AU$115,717. Senior occupational therapists, who typically have over 10-20 years of experience, earn, on average, AU$79,650 per year.
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Factors influencing OT pay
The salary of an occupational therapist in Australia varies based on several factors. An early career occupational therapist with 1-4 years of experience can expect to earn an average of AU$75,735 per year. The lowest pay for an occupational therapist is reported to be A$63k per year, while the highest is A$91k per year. Some occupational therapists with 10 years of experience have reported salaries of 110k plus a 14k travel allowance.
- Experience: Entry-level positions start at around $65,000 per year, while experienced therapists can earn up to $115,000 per year. The more experience you have, the higher your earning potential.
- Level of Education: Advanced degrees and qualifications can increase income potential and qualify you for promotions.
- Employer: Changing employers can lead to higher pay. Private companies may offer higher salaries than public sector jobs.
- Location: The demand for occupational therapists can vary by region, with more job openings often in rural and regional areas.
- Specialization: Different areas of specialization, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health, may have varying salary ranges.
- Full-time vs Part-time: Full-time and part-time work can impact salary, with full-time positions generally offering higher pay.
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Frequently asked questions
The average occupational therapist salary in Australia is $96,861 per year or $49.67 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $64,951 per year, while most experienced workers make up to £115,717 per year.
Unfortunately, I do not have enough information to compare the salaries of occupational therapists in Australia with those in other countries.
An occupational therapist's salary in Australia can be influenced by several factors, including level of education and qualifications, years of experience, type of employer (public vs. private sector), location of practice, area of specialisation, and additional skills or certifications.






















