Wondering if your pay reflects the effort you put into every session? This 2025 guide gives you a clear, practical look at the remedial massage therapist salary landscape in Australia—from employee rates and commission models to ABN mobile income. Whether you’re reviewing your current package or planning your next move, this article is packed with data-backed insights to help you earn what you’re worth.
1 | National Pay Snapshot: What Therapists Actually Make
| Employment Type | Typical Annual Income | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Clinic Employee (Full-time) | A $63,000 – 75,000 | Fair Work Health Professionals Award, Level 3 → Fair Work |
| Commission-Based Clinic | 55 – 65% of billings | Clause 17, Health Professionals Award |
| Mobile/Home Visits (ABN) | A $85,000 – 120,000 | Labor Market Insights → LMI |
| Resort or Spa Contractor | A $60,000 – 80,000 + tips | Tourism Accommodation Award |
| Sports Team or FIFO Site | A $90,000 – 110,000 | WA & QLD job ads |
Note: All packages include 11% superannuation where applicable.
2 | Clinic Employee vs ABN: Pros and Cons
Employee (Fair Work Award)
- $27.68 – $33.06/hour (Level 3, July 2025)
- Super + sick leave + admin handled
- Earning ceiling unless you take on a senior or management role
Commission or Room-Rental Therapist
- Earn $54–$59 per 60-minute session (at 60–65% split)
- Double award hourly rate
- Pay for own CPD, insurance, cancellations, and no-shows
Sole Trader Mobile Therapist
- $120/hour average charge
- 20 treatment hours/week = $125k gross
- Subtract GST, travel, and marketing expenses
- Use the ASIC business planner to manage cash flow.
3 | Location and Niche Pay Premiums
| Factor | Pay Impact | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Shortages | +10–15% | WA, NT, and remote QLD advertise $55/h + accommodation. |
| Sports & Rehab | +10% | Sports massage certificates increase billing potential. |
| Pregnancy or Lymphatic | +5–10% | Niche skills allow you to charge higher fees and access EPC referrals. |
| Aged-Care Contracts | Lower | $45–50/h average; stable but modest. |
4 | Tax, Super & Real Take-Home Pay
Example 1: Full-Time Employee
- $70,000 gross → ~$55,600 take-home after tax
- Super: $7,700 (paid by employer)
Example 2: ABN Sole Trader
- $115,000 gross revenue
- After GST = $104,500
- Subtract $15,000 expenses (fuel, linen, CPD)
- Taxable income ≈ $89,500
- Take-home ≈ $67,000 after tax
Use the ATO’s myDeductions app to track expenses like travel and supplies.
5 | Five Ways to Boost Your Salary in 2025
- Upskill with Dry Needling
Clinics often add $10 per session for therapists with this certification. - Offer Treatment Packages
5- or 10-session bundles with discounts encourage loyalty and smoother cash flow. - Switch to 45-Minute Sessions
Shorter sessions at 80% of your hourly rate boost income per hour by ~15%. - Negotiate Commission Splits
If you provide oils, towels, or EFTPOS, ask for 2–3% more in your cut. - Tap into the NDIS
Register for Item 122 (Therapeutic Supports – Physical). 2025 price cap: $119.25/h → NDIS Pricing.
6 | Career Growth and Pay Ladders
| Pathway | Timeline | Estimated Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Therapist/Mentor | 3 yrs + Cert IV | +10% on commission |
| Clinic Manager | 5 yrs + Biz Diploma | A $85–95k + potential profit share |
| Multi-Location Owner | 7–10 yrs | A $150k+ (after costs) |
| Allied Health Coordinator | 4 yrs + NDIS PD | A $100–120k with benefits |
Massage roles projected to grow 12% by 2030—position yourself early.
7 | Quick Recap: What You Need to Know
- Clinic employees earn mid-$60k but benefit from packaging and leave.
- Commission roles earn more per hour but come with risk and no admin support.
- ABN mobile and NDIS therapists can clear $120k revenue—managing expenses is key.
- Rural gigs, niche skills, and smart upselling make the biggest salary difference.
- Always use award rates, demand data, and real revenue figures in your pay negotiations.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Career?
Whether you’re rethinking your setup, planning a relocation, or aiming for a raise, getting a clear picture of your worth is the first step. If you’d like tailored guidance on salary negotiation, contracting, or upgrading your qualifications, contact us today. We’ll help you make data-backed decisions that support both your passion and your bank balance.
