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Occupational Therapist Salary in Adelaide

Healthcare

Occupational therapists help people develop or recover skills needed for daily living and working.

Average Salary
$79,200
per year
Take-Home Pay
$63,068
after tax (no HECS)
Salary Range
$59-108k
$79K
$59K$108K

Job Market Outlook

Low AI Risk

Physical or high-touch work with limited AI automation potential

In Demand

More jobs than qualified candidates in Australia

+22% growth

Strong projected employment growth over 5 years

Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List

Occupational Therapist Take-Home Pay Breakdown in Adelaide

Based on the average Occupational Therapist salary of $79,200 in Adelaide, here's what you can expect to take home after tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation.

ComponentWithout HECSWith HECS
Gross Salary$79,200$79,200
Income Tax-$14,548-$14,548
Medicare Levy (2%)-$1,584-$1,584
HELP/HECS Repayment$0-$2,376
Superannuation (11%)+$8,712+$8,712
Annual Take-Home$63,068$60,692
Monthly Take-Home$5,256$5,058
Fortnightly Take-Home$2,426$2,334

Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay

Enter your actual salary to see a personalized breakdown including your specific tax situation, HECS debt, and family status.

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Your salary
$79,000
Take-home$63,068
Tax-$14,548
Super+$8,712

How to Become a Occupational Therapist

Everything you need to know about breaking into a career as a Occupational Therapist in South Australia.

Qualifications Required

Essential Requirements
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy
  • Registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (AHPRA)
  • Current Working with Children Check
  • National Police Check
Preferred Qualifications
  • Postgraduate specialization in pediatrics, mental health, or hand therapy
  • NDIS provider experience
  • Driver's license for community-based roles
Relevant Certifications
Sensory Integration certificationHand therapy certificationNDIS provider certification

Career Progression

Salary Growth Trajectory
$59KEntry$79KMid$99KSenior$119KLead
Entry Level

Graduate OT

$59,400
estimated in Adelaide
0-2 years
Mid Level

Occupational Therapist

$79,200
estimated in Adelaide
2-5 years
Senior Level

Senior Occupational Therapist

$99,000
estimated in Adelaide
5-10 years
Leadership

OT Manager / Practice Owner

$118,800
estimated in Adelaide
10+ years

Skills in Demand

NDIS service deliveryPediatric assessmentMental health interventionAssistive technologyHome modification assessment

Tips for Breaking In

  1. 1NDIS work offers excellent earning potential
  2. 2Develop pediatric skills for high-demand area
  3. 3Consider rural placements for experience and loan forgiveness
  4. 4Build expertise in assistive technology
  5. 5Private practice or contracting often pays better than public sector

Career information is general guidance based on industry standards. Requirements may vary by employer and location.

Occupational Therapist Hourly Rate in Adelaide

Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):

Entry Level
$30/hr
Average
$40/hr
Senior
$55/hr

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Occupational Therapist earn in Adelaide?

The average Occupational Therapist salary in Adelaide is $79,200 per year, or approximately $40 per hour. Salaries range from $58,500 to $108,000 depending on experience.

What is the take-home pay for a Occupational Therapist in Adelaide?

A Occupational Therapist earning $79,200 in Adelaide takes home approximately $63,068 per year after tax, or $5,256 per month. With a HECS debt, take-home drops to $60,692 per year.

How much do Occupational Therapists make per hour in Adelaide?

Occupational Therapists in Adelaide earn approximately $40 per hour on average, based on a 38-hour work week. Entry-level rates start around $30/hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $55/hour.

Is Adelaide a good place to work as a Occupational Therapist?

Adelaide offers Occupational Therapist salaries around average in Australia at $79,200. The city has a cost of living index of 82 (Sydney = 100), meaning living costs are lower than Sydney.

About Occupational Therapist Salaries in Adelaide

The average Occupational Therapist in Adelaide, South Australia earns $79,200 per year, or approximately $40 per hour. Salaries typically range from $58,500 for entry-level positions to $108,000 for senior roles with extensive experience.

After income tax, Medicare levy, and other deductions, a Occupational Therapist earning the average salary in Adelaide can expect to take home approximately $63,068 per year, or $5,256 per month.

Adelaide is home to approximately 1.4 million people and has a cost of living index of 82 (where Sydney = 100). This means living costs in Adelaide are lower Sydney.

Key Factors Affecting Occupational Therapist Salaries

  • Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $58,500, while senior roles can reach $108,000.
  • Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Occupational Therapist roles.
  • Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
  • Location: Adelaide's cost of living influences salary expectations.
  • Hourly Rate: Based on a 38-hour week, Occupational Therapists earn $$30-$55 per hour.

Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.