Podiatrist salary guide 2026–27: take-home pay after tax and Medicare
Podiatrist pay depends on employer; the award minimum is $68,058, public hospitals start at $79,419–$83,824, and the ATO median was $77,928 in 2023-24.
How much does a podiatrist earn?
Your podiatrist salary in Australia depends on where you work. The minimum under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award is $68,058 a year for a first-year graduate. Public hospitals pay more: Queensland Health starts at $83,824 (HP3) and NSW Health at $79,419 (Level 1). According to the Australian Taxation Office, the median salary or wage for podiatrists was $77,928 in 2023-24. That figure includes part-timers, so full-time pay is typically higher.
Award minimum pay
From 1 October 2026, the award sets these minimum rates for a full-time podiatrist (38 hours per week):
| Classification | Annual salary | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1, 1st year | $68,058 | $2,145 |
| Level 1, 2nd–3rd year | $73,268 | $2,281 |
| Level 1, 4th–6th year | $81,396 | $2,493 |
| Level 1, 7th year+ | $87,854 | $2,662 |
| Levels 2–4 (senior to manager) | $101,161–$129,953 | $3,010–$3,800 |
Casual employees get 25% loading. All figures are before super. Source: .
Public hospital salaries
Queensland Health pays podiatrists on the HP scale. New graduates enter at HP3, with nine pay points from $83,824 to $124,314. Senior clinicians at HP4 earn $132,689 to $142,315. Advanced roles HP5–HP8 range up to $253,611.
NSW Health uses the Health Professionals (State) Award. Level 1 starts at $79,419 and progresses to $92,801. Level 2 goes to $113,301, Level 3 to $125,507, and Level 4 to $134,775. Level 5 caps at $144,756.
These public sector rates are typically higher than the award and include annual increments.
What podiatrists actually earn
The ATO’s 2023-24 tax statistics show 3,928 podiatrists reported a median salary or wage of $77,928. The average was $76,858. Men earned a median of $87,214, women $71,550. Remember, this includes part-time workers, so full-time podiatrists often earn more.
Jobs and Skills Australia reports that 75% of podiatrists work full-time, averaging 42 hours per week. Median weekly earnings data were not available due to high standard error.
Take-home pay explained
Your take-home pay is what reaches your bank account after income tax and the Medicare levy. Super is paid on top by your employer and does not reduce your take-home.
Tax brackets (2026–27)
| Taxable income | Tax on this income |
|---|---|
| $0 – $18,200 | Nil |
| $18,201 – $45,000 | 15c for each $1 over $18,200 |
| $45,001 – $135,000 | $4,020 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000 |
| $135,001 – $190,000 | $31,020 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000 |
| Over $190,000 | $51,370 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000 |
You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) of up to $700, which phases out between $37,500 and $66,667.
Medicare levy
The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. If you earn below $28,011, you pay no levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013, the levy is 10c per $1 over the lower threshold. Above $35,013, you pay the full 2%. These are the latest single-person thresholds published by the ATO.
For a podiatrist earning $77,928, the Medicare levy is $1,559. Combined with tax of about $13,898, total deductions are $15,457, leaving take-home of $62,471 per year or $2,403 per fortnight.
Super
Super is not deducted from your salary. From 1 July 2026, your employer must contribute 12% on top of your base salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. When you see a job ad for a podiatrist salary, check whether it says “plus super” or “including super”.
Summary
Your podiatrist salary will vary by employer and experience. The award minimum is $68,058, public hospitals start around $79,000–$84,000, and the typical median is $77,928. After tax and Medicare, take-home pay ranges from about $2,145 to $2,500 per fortnight for entry-level roles, and higher for experienced clinicians.
For more on how tax and Medicare affect your pay, see our Tax and Medicare guide. To estimate your own take-home, use the Take-home pay calculator.
Questions
How much tax and Medicare levy will I pay on a podiatrist salary?
For 2026–27, the tax brackets are: nil up to $18,200, then 15c per $1 to $45,000, then 30c to $135,000. The Medicare levy is 2% of taxable income, but you may be exempt if your income is below the single threshold of $28,011 (full exemption) or $35,013 (shading out). For a $77,928 salary, tax is about $13,898 and Medicare $1,559, leaving take-home around $62,471 annually or $2,403 per fortnight.
Is super included in the podiatrist salary figures?
No. All salary figures quoted are before super. Employers must pay 12% super on top from 1 July 2026. Job advertisements often say 'plus super', meaning the salary is exclusive of super contributions.
What is the take-home pay for a first-year podiatrist under the award?
The Health Professionals and Support Services Award minimum for a first-year podiatrist is $68,058 per year. After income tax and the Medicare levy, the estimated take-home pay is $2,145 per fortnight, based on the 2026–27 rates.