Rates current as at 11 October 2026. Support services rates apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026. The new health professional structure and rates apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 October 2026. Source: FWO HPSS Award pay guide (published 26 August 2026) and the award as consolidated to 1 October 2026. Already scheduled: further increases for some dental assistants and pathology collectors from 1 January 2027, and health professional increases on 30 June 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030. The Fair Work Commission has published the staged health professional rates before future Annual Wage Review increases (set out below); the operative rates will be published in the FWO pay guide. The next Annual Wage Review generally applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2027.
Health practices have two pay changes in 2026-27:
- Award rates rose 4.75% from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.
- From the first full pay period starting on or after 1 October 2026, health professionals moved to a new classification structure with new minimum rates. This is the first of five phases, with further increases on 30 June each year from 2027 to 2030.
Support services rates run from $26.97 to $39.42 an hour across Levels 1 to 9. Under the new structure, health professional rates start at $32.44 an hour.
Who this applies to: employees of private health businesses covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), both health professionals and support services staff. Who it doesn't: genuine independent contractors (although they can raise payroll tax questions), and employees covered by another award or an enterprise agreement.
What Is the HPSS Award?
The award covers two streams:
- Health professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians, psychologists and sonographers. Schedule B lists common professions and the AQF level of their standard minimum qualification.
- Support services, such as receptionists, administrators, dental assistants, pathology collectors and cleaners.
Contractors are a separate question. See medical contractor payroll tax by state.
Support Services Pay Rates
These rates apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026, and are unchanged by the 1 October 2026 health professional changes. Weekly rates are for a 38-hour week. Casual rates include the 25% loading.
- Level 1: Weekly: $1,024.70; Hourly: $26.97; Casual hourly: $33.71
- Level 2: Weekly: $1,065.20; Hourly: $28.03; Casual hourly: $35.04
- Level 3: Weekly: $1,106.20; Hourly: $29.11; Casual hourly: $36.39
- Level 4: Weekly: $1,119.10; Hourly: $29.45; Casual hourly: $36.81
- Level 5: Weekly: $1,157.20; Hourly: $30.45; Casual hourly: $38.06
- Level 6: Weekly: $1,219.50; Hourly: $32.09; Casual hourly: $40.11
- Level 7: Weekly: $1,241.40; Hourly: $32.67; Casual hourly: $40.84
- Level 8, pay point 1: Weekly: $1,283.50; Hourly: $33.78; Casual hourly: $42.23
- Level 8, pay point 2: Weekly: $1,317.20; Hourly: $34.66; Casual hourly: $43.33
- Level 8, pay point 3: Weekly: $1,409.70; Hourly: $37.10; Casual hourly: $46.38
- Level 9, pay point 1: Weekly: $1,435.00; Hourly: $37.76; Casual hourly: $47.20
- Level 9, pay point 2: Weekly: $1,485.90; Hourly: $39.10; Casual hourly: $48.88
- Level 9, pay point 3: Weekly: $1,497.80; Hourly: $39.42; Casual hourly: $49.28
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Guide MA000027, published 26 August 2026; HPSS Award cl 16.2(a). These rates have applied from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.
Weekend rule (cl 26.1): full-time and part-time employees are paid 150% of the minimum hourly rate for ordinary hours between midnight Friday and midnight Sunday (Level 1: $40.46). Casuals are paid 175% for Saturday or Sunday work, instead of the 25% casual loading. This is different from the Clerks Award, so don't copy payroll settings across awards.
Dental assistants and pathology collectors
Rule: dental assistants and pathology collectors were reclassified from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 April 2026, under translation rules in Schedule J.1–J.3. Their current rates in cl 16.2(b) and (c) apply until 31 December 2026, with a further change from 1 January 2027. Each employee keeps the higher of their translated rate or their 31 March 2026 rate.
Current rates for dental assistants (cl 16.2(b)): Level 3 $1,106.20, Level 5 $1,107.80, Level 6 $1,163.90 and Level 7 $1,203.50 a week. Pathology collectors (cl 16.2(c)): Level 5 $1,157.20, Level 6 $1,163.90, Level 7 $1,203.50 (unqualified and not previously Level 6) or $1,241.40 (qualified or previously Level 6).
The dental assistant and pathology collector tables in cl 16.2(b) and (c) apply only until 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027 the second stage of the increases takes effect, moving these employees to the full rates for their new levels ([2025] FWCFB 297, paragraph 44). The FWO will publish the January 2027 rates in its HPSS pay guide. Check it before your first pay run in January 2027.
Health Professional Pay Rates
1 July to 30 September 2026 (old structure)
- Level 1, pay point 1: Weekly: $1,174.00; Hourly: $30.89
- Level 1, pay point 2: Weekly: $1,219.50; Hourly: $32.09
- Level 1, pay point 3: Weekly: $1,273.40; Hourly: $33.51
- Level 1, pay point 4: Weekly: $1,317.20; Hourly: $34.66
- Level 1, pay point 5: Weekly: $1,435.00; Hourly: $37.76
- Level 1, pay point 6: Weekly: $1,485.90; Hourly: $39.10
- Level 2, pay point 1: Weekly: $1,493.90; Hourly: $39.31
- Level 2, pay point 2: Weekly: $1,548.30; Hourly: $40.74
- Level 2, pay point 3: Weekly: $1,607.40; Hourly: $42.30
- Level 2, pay point 4: Weekly: $1,671.40; Hourly: $43.98
- Level 3, pay point 5: Weekly: $1,983.20; Hourly: $52.19
- Level 4, pay point 4: Weekly: $2,705.10; Hourly: $71.19
Source: HPSS Award Schedule J.4.3(b) (rates as at 30 September 2026). J.4.3(b) lists one retained rate for each of the old Levels 3 and 4.
Watch the old Level 4 rate. A health professional classified at Level 4, pay point 4 on 30 September 2026 keeps a minimum rate of $2,705.10 a week under J.4.3, which is higher than the new Level 4 rate of $2,499.10 from 1 October 2026. An old Level 3 at pay point 5 ($1,983.20) keeps that minimum, which equals the new Level 2.2 and Level 3 rates.
From 1 October 2026 (new structure)
Rule (cl 17.1): a Level 1 health professional is paid by the AQF level of the standard minimum qualification for their profession (Schedule B) and their years of experience in the profession. Levels 2, 3 and 4 are set by role and duties, such as senior clinician, specialist, supervisor, educator, advanced clinician or section manager.
- AQF Level 5 (weekly): 1st year: $1,232.70; 2nd–3rd year: $1,308.80; 4th–6th year: $1,426.00; 7th year+: $1,541.30
- AQF Level 5 (hourly): 1st year: $32.44; 2nd–3rd year: $34.44; 4th–6th year: $37.53; 7th year+: $40.56
- AQF Level 6 (weekly): 1st year: $1,232.70; 2nd–3rd year: $1,308.80; 4th–6th year: $1,483.30; 7th year+: $1,659.30
- AQF Level 6 (hourly): 1st year: $32.44; 2nd–3rd year: $34.44; 4th–6th year: $39.03; 7th year+: $43.67
- AQF Level 7 (weekly): 1st year: $1,308.80; 2nd–3rd year: $1,409.00; 4th–6th year: $1,565.30; 7th year+: $1,689.50
- AQF Level 7 (hourly): 1st year: $34.44; 2nd–3rd year: $37.08; 4th–6th year: $41.19; 7th year+: $44.46
- AQF Level 8 (weekly): 1st year: $1,337.10; 2nd–3rd year: $1,444.90; 4th–6th year: $1,584.90; 7th year+: $1,721.40
- AQF Level 8 (hourly): 1st year: $35.19; 2nd–3rd year: $38.02; 4th–6th year: $41.71; 7th year+: $45.30
- AQF Level 9 (weekly): 1st year: $1,444.90; 2nd–3rd year: $1,545.20; 4th–6th year: $1,659.30; 7th year+: $1,755.00
- AQF Level 9 (hourly): 1st year: $38.02; 2nd–3rd year: $40.66; 4th–6th year: $43.67; 7th year+: $46.18
- Level 2.1: Weekly: $1,945.40; Hourly: $51.19; Casual hourly: $63.99
- Level 2.2: Weekly: $1,983.20; Hourly: $52.19; Casual hourly: $65.24
- Level 3: Weekly: $1,983.20; Hourly: $52.19; Casual hourly: $65.24
- Level 4: Weekly: $2,499.10; Hourly: $65.77; Casual hourly: $82.21
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Guide MA000027, published 26 August 2026, operative from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 October 2026; HPSS Award cl 17 (PR814029). Level 1 casual rates are 125% of the hourly rate (for example, AQF 7 4th–6th year: $51.49).
Examples of AQF levels in Schedule B.3: occupational therapist, physiotherapist, podiatrist and exercise physiologist are AQF Level 7. Sonographer is AQF Level 8. Psychologist, chiropractor, osteopath and audiologist are AQF Level 9. Some professions list several AQF levels. In that case the level of the qualification the employee holds applies, or the level the employer requires if that is higher (Schedule B.2).
Staged rates published for 2027 to 2030
Rule: the Fair Work Commission has published weekly rates for each later stage in the appendix to its statement of 14 August 2026 ([2026] FWCFB 216). Stages 2 to 5 are stated "less AWR", meaning before any Annual Wage Review increase between now and each date, so the rate actually payable on each date will be higher once those reviews are applied. These staged rates are not yet written into the award, and the Commission confirmed the 30 June timetable in its 26 May 2026 decision ([2026] FWCFB 123, paragraph 80).
- Level 1, AQF 5, 1st year: 30 June 2027: $1,244.40
- Level 1, AQF 5, 2nd–3rd year: 30 June 2027: $1,309.50
- Level 1, AQF 5, 4th–6th year: no further staged rate listed
- Level 1, AQF 5, 7th year+: no further staged rate listed
- Level 1, AQF 6, 1st year: 30 June 2027: $1,269.70; 30 June 2028: $1,307.80; 30 June 2029: $1,344.30
- Level 1, AQF 6, 2nd–3rd year: 30 June 2027: $1,348.10; 30 June 2028: $1,388.50; 30 June 2029: $1,415.00
- Level 1, AQF 6, 4th–6th year: 30 June 2027: $1,527.80; 30 June 2028: $1,540.90
- Level 1, AQF 6, 7th year+: 30 June 2027: $1,665.40
- Level 1, AQF 7, 1st year: 30 June 2027: $1,374.40; 30 June 2028: $1,440.00; 30 June 2029: $1,505.60; 30 June 2030: $1,571.10
- Level 1, AQF 7, 2nd–3rd year: 30 June 2027: $1,470.30; 30 June 2028: $1,531.60; 30 June 2029: $1,592.90; 30 June 2030: $1,654.30
- Level 1, AQF 7, 4th–6th year: 30 June 2027: $1,624.20; 30 June 2028: $1,683.10; 30 June 2029: $1,742.00; 30 June 2030: $1,801.00
- Level 1, AQF 7, 7th year+: 30 June 2027: $1,754.10; 30 June 2028: $1,818.70; 30 June 2029: $1,883.30; 30 June 2030: $1,947.70
- Level 1, AQF 8, 1st year: 30 June 2027: $1,407.50; 30 June 2028: $1,477.90; 30 June 2029: $1,548.30; 30 June 2030: $1,618.80
- Level 1, AQF 8, 2nd–3rd year: 30 June 2027: $1,509.70; 30 June 2028: $1,574.50; 30 June 2029: $1,639.30; 30 June 2030: $1,704.00
- Level 1, AQF 8, 4th–6th year: 30 June 2027: $1,652.50; 30 June 2028: $1,720.10; 30 June 2029: $1,787.70; 30 June 2030: $1,855.20
- Level 1, AQF 8, 7th year+: 30 June 2027: $1,792.60; 30 June 2028: $1,863.80; 30 June 2029: $1,935.00; 30 June 2030: $2,006.20
- Level 1, AQF 9, 1st year: 30 June 2027: $1,515.60; 30 June 2028: $1,586.30; 30 June 2029: $1,657.00; 30 June 2030: $1,727.70
- Level 1, AQF 9, 2nd–3rd year: 30 June 2027: $1,613.60; 30 June 2028: $1,682.00; 30 June 2029: $1,750.40; 30 June 2030: $1,818.70
- Level 1, AQF 9, 4th–6th year: 30 June 2027: $1,721.80; 30 June 2028: $1,784.30; 30 June 2029: $1,846.80; 30 June 2030: $1,909.10
- Level 1, AQF 9, 7th year+: 30 June 2027: $1,832.10; 30 June 2028: $1,909.20; 30 June 2029: $1,986.30; 30 June 2030: $2,063.40
- Level 2.1: 30 June 2027: $2,003.80; 30 June 2028: $2,063.90; 30 June 2029: $2,094.30
- Level 2.2: 30 June 2027: $2,043.10; 30 June 2028: $2,104.40; 30 June 2029: $2,167.50; 30 June 2030: $2,222.70
- Level 3: 30 June 2027: $2,085.00; 30 June 2028: $2,186.80; 30 June 2029: $2,288.60; 30 June 2030: $2,390.40
- Level 4: 30 June 2027: $2,574.10; 30 June 2028: $2,651.30; 30 June 2029: $2,711.10
Source: [2026] FWCFB 216, Appendix: Health professionals—Staged rates of pay (full-time weekly rates, stages 2 to 5 shown less AWR). Where the appendix shows no figure for a later stage, it lists no further staged rate for that classification. Use the FWO pay guide for the operative rate on each date.
What Changed on 1 October 2026
Decisions: the Fair Work Commission's Expert Panel finalised the health professional changes on 26 May 2026 ([2026] FWCFB 123). On 7 September 2026 it issued the phase 1 determination (PR814029), which came into operation on 1 October 2026 (FWC).
- New classifications. Level 1 is set by AQF level and years of experience. Levels 2 to 4 are set by role and duties.
- Translation and retained rates. An employee classified as a health professional on 30 September 2026 is translated under Schedule J.4. They must be paid the higher of the new rate for their translated classification or their 30 September 2026 rate (J.4.3). For some translations the old rate is higher, and the FWO pay guide says not to use its tables for those employees. Existing annualised wage arrangements for former Level 2 employees continue (J.4.4).
- Progression by experience for health professionals. The 1,824-hour rule for part-time and casual health professionals no longer drives progression: Level 1 now turns on years of experience. Note: the 1,824-hour rule in cl 16.1 still applies to support services classifications with pay points (Levels 8 and 9).
- Staged increases. Further increases apply on 30 June 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030, on top of any Annual Wage Review increases (FWC news, 24 September 2026). The staged rates the Commission has published are listed above.
Hypothetical Example: The Part-Time Clinician Catch-Up
Assumptions: a part-time occupational therapist (AQF Level 7) works 22.8 hours a week. She has 5 years' professional experience and was on old Level 1 pay point 4 ($34.66) on 30 September 2026.
- Under the old hours rule, 1,824 hours at 22.8 hours a week took 80 weeks (about 18 months) per pay point.
- From 1 October 2026, 5 years' experience places her at AQF Level 7, 4th–6th year: $41.19 an hour.
- Increase: $41.19 − $34.66 = $6.53 an hour × 22.8 = $148.88 a week (about $7,742 a year before super and on-costs).
- The retained-rate rule doesn't change this result, because her new rate is higher than her old one.
For long-serving part-timers, the October change can be much larger than the 4.75% July increase. Model each clinician individually using our employee cost calculator.
Hypothetical Example: Front Desk Support Staff
Assumption: a full-time receptionist classified at Support Services Level 3, not a shiftworker.
- Annual wage: $1,106.20 × 52 = $57,522.40
- Super at 12%: $6,902.69
- Annual leave loading: 4 × $1,106.20 × 17.5% = $774.34 (cl 27.3: 17.5% of the minimum rate for non-shiftworkers)
- Super on leave loading: $92.92
- Minimum cost before payroll tax and workers compensation: $65,292.35
Common HPSS Payroll Mistakes
- Classifying by title. "Practice coordinator" can sit at several support services levels depending on duties, autonomy and responsibilities. See award classification errors.
- Ignoring the AQF level. Under the new structure, the profession's AQF level in Schedule B drives the Level 1 rate.
- Not applying the retained-rate rule. Some translated employees must keep a higher 30 September 2026 rate.
- Assuming above-award pay absorbs each increase. Check above-award rates against the new minimum at each phase to 2030.
- Super timing. Under Payday Super, contributions must be received by the fund within 7 business days after payday. See Payday Super is now live.
Practice Owner Checklist
- List every award-covered employee, split into health professionals and support services.
- Confirm July 2026 rates were loaded from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.
- Confirm dental assistants and pathology collectors were translated from 1 April 2026, and diarise 1 January 2027.
- Record each health professional's profession, qualification (AQF level) and years of experience, with evidence.
- Translate each health professional under Schedule J.4, and apply the higher of the new rate or the 30 September 2026 rate.
- Calculate the cost increase per clinician and per site.
- Diarise the 30 June increases for 2027 to 2030.
- Update contracts that state a rate or pay point, in writing.
Scale Suite's outsourced payroll services and HR services can help with reclassification letters and payroll changes.
FAQ
What are the HPSS support services rates for 2026-27?
From the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026, from $26.97 an hour (Level 1) to $39.42 an hour (Level 9, pay point 3).
What changed for health professionals on 1 October 2026?
A new classification structure began. Level 1 is set by AQF level and years of experience, and Levels 2 to 4 by role and duties. New minimum rates apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 October 2026, with further increases on 30 June each year from 2027 to 2030. The Commission has published the staged weekly rates for those dates, before future Annual Wage Review increases, in [2026] FWCFB 216.
What happens to an employee whose old rate was higher?
Employees classified on 30 September 2026 are paid the higher of their new translated rate or their 30 September 2026 rate (Schedule J.4.3).
Does the 1,824-hour rule still apply?
Not for health professional progression, which is now based on years of experience. It still applies to support services pay points (cl 16.1).
Are psychologists covered?
Employed psychologists in private health businesses are commonly covered. Psychologist is listed at AQF Level 9, so the Level 1 rate starts at $1,444.90 a week.
About Scale Suite
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Disclaimer
General information only, current as at 11 October 2026. Scale Suite is a registered BAS Agent, not a licensed tax, financial or legal adviser. Check the award, the FWO pay guide and the FWO Pay and Conditions Tool for individual translations.
Sources
- Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], consolidated to 1 October 2026: https://awards.fairwork.gov.au/MA000027.html
- Fair Work Ombudsman, Pay Guide – HPSS Award [MA000027], published 26 August 2026: https://calculate.fairwork.gov.au/Download/AwardSummary?awardCode=ma000027&effectiveDate=&fileType=pdf&krn=
- Fair Work Commission, Gender-based undervaluation – priority awards review: https://www.fwc.gov.au/hearings-decisions/major-cases/gender-based-undervaluation-priority-awards-review
- Fair Work Commission, Minimum wage increases for health professional employees (24 September 2026): https://www.fwc.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/news/minimum-wage-increases-health-professional-employees
- Fair Work Commission, Annual Wage Review 2026 – announcement of decision: https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/resources/annual-wage-review-2026-decision-announcement.pdf
- Fair Work Commission, Statement [2026] FWCFB 216, 14 August 2026 (Appendix: staged rates of pay): https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/decisionssigned/pdf/2026fwcfb216.pdf
- Fair Work Commission, Decision [2026] FWCFB 123, 26 May 2026: https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/decisionssigned/pdf/2026fwcfb123.pdf
- Australian Taxation Office, Payment deadlines for Payday Super: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/super-for-employers/paying-super-on-payday/payment-deadlines-for-payday-super
