Occupational Therapist Salary in Canberra (2026)

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Occupational Therapists in Canberra earn a median salary of $100,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $80,000 and $120,000. That sits 23% below Canberra's all-roles median of $130,000. Figures are based on 21 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Canberra in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 50th percentile by listing volume in Canberra
💰 Occupational Therapist · Canberra
ADVERTISED RANGE
$80,000 – $120,000
Median: $100,000
Mid level $86,500 – $118,500
Overall $80k–$120k Mid $86k–$118k $77k $86k $96k $105k $114k $123k
⚠ Low confidence 21 listings · 01/06/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation. Sample size is small — treat figures as indicative.

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Bottom 10%  $80,000 Median  $100,000 $120,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Canberra Market

Occupational Therapists in Canberra earned $100,000 at the median in May, sitting 23.1% below the city's all-roles median. Prior month data is unavailable. The sample is small at 21 listings, so treat the figure as directional. Canberra's all-roles median is one of the highest in the country, driven by the public service, which inflates the comparison base. The OT median itself is consistent with all other capital cities, but Canberra's cost base means the purchasing power is lower than the same salary in Adelaide or Brisbane.

Take Home Pay (based on median $100,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,443
Monthly (net)
~$6,253
Annual (net)
~$75,033
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $111,500

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Occupational Therapist in Canberra?
Occupational Therapists starting in Canberra earn around $86,500 at the p10. The ACT's public healthcare and disability sector provides stable employment for OTs, with most entry roles in community health or hospital settings. Reaching $100,000 typically takes three to five years, with progression accelerated by specialisation in paediatrics, mental health, or NDIS plan management.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Canberra?
Marginally. At $100,000, a Canberra OT earns 23.1% below the city's all-roles median, which is a notable gap given Canberra's high cost base. The comparison is misleading in isolation because the city's all-roles median is heavily weighted by public service professional roles that inflate the benchmark. In practice, $100,000 in Canberra is functional but less comfortable than the same figure in Brisbane or Adelaide.
How much does a Senior Occupational Therapist make in Canberra?
Senior OTs in Canberra reach $118,500 at the p90. These roles typically involve clinical leadership in the ACT health system or senior practice positions in the NDIS and disability sectors. Canberra's public service employment base provides long-term job security at senior OT levels, though the pay ceiling is lower than private practice equivalents in eastern state capitals.

Occupational Therapist salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Canberra
Canberra (this page) $100,000 —
Brisbane $100,192 ~same
Melbourne $100,000 ~same
Newcastle $100,000 ~same
Perth $100,000 ~same

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.