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Occupational Therapist Salary in Melbourne

Healthcare

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

Average Salary
$92,400
per year
Take-Home Pay
$72,044
after tax (no HECS)
Salary Range
$68-126k
$92K
$68K$126K

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 Melbourne

Based on the average Occupational Therapist salary of $92,400 in Melbourne, here's what you can expect to take home after tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation.

ComponentWithout HECSWith HECS
Gross Salary$92,400$92,400
Income Tax-$18,508-$18,508
Medicare Levy (2%)-$1,848-$1,848
HELP/HECS Repayment$0-$3,234
Superannuation (11%)+$10,164+$10,164
Annual Take-Home$72,044$68,810
Monthly Take-Home$6,004$5,734
Fortnightly Take-Home$2,771$2,647

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
$92,000
Take-home$72,044
Tax-$18,508
Super+$10,164

How to Become a Occupational Therapist

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

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
$69KEntry$92KMid$116KSenior$139KLead
Entry Level

Graduate OT

$69,300
estimated in Melbourne
0-2 years
Mid Level

Occupational Therapist

$92,400
estimated in Melbourne
2-5 years
Senior Level

Senior Occupational Therapist

$115,500
estimated in Melbourne
5-10 years
Leadership

OT Manager / Practice Owner

$138,600
estimated in Melbourne
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 Melbourne

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

Entry Level
$35/hr
Average
$47/hr
Senior
$64/hr

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Occupational Therapist earn in Melbourne?

The average Occupational Therapist salary in Melbourne is $92,400 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. Salaries range from $68,250 to $126,000 depending on experience.

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

A Occupational Therapist earning $92,400 in Melbourne takes home approximately $72,044 per year after tax, or $6,004 per month. With a HECS debt, take-home drops to $68,810 per year.

How much do Occupational Therapists make per hour in Melbourne?

Occupational Therapists in Melbourne earn approximately $47 per hour on average, based on a 38-hour work week. Entry-level rates start around $35/hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $64/hour.

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

Melbourne offers Occupational Therapist salaries among the highest in Australia at $92,400. The city has a cost of living index of 95 (Sydney = 100), meaning living costs are lower than Sydney.

About Occupational Therapist Salaries in Melbourne

The average Occupational Therapist in Melbourne, Victoria earns $92,400 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. Salaries typically range from $68,250 for entry-level positions to $126,000 for senior roles with extensive experience.

After income tax, Medicare levy, and other deductions, a Occupational Therapist earning the average salary in Melbourne can expect to take home approximately $72,044 per year, or $6,004 per month.

Melbourne is home to approximately 5.1 million people and has a cost of living index of 95 (where Sydney = 100). This means living costs in Melbourne are lower Sydney.

Key Factors Affecting Occupational Therapist Salaries

  • Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $68,250, while senior roles can reach $126,000.
  • Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Occupational Therapist roles.
  • Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
  • Location: Melbourne's cost of living influences salary expectations.
  • Hourly Rate: Based on a 38-hour week, Occupational Therapists earn $$35-$64 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.