Psychologist salary in Australia: the award minimum by years of experience, public hospital pay scales in NSW Health and Queensland Health, and what psychologists actually earned according to the ATO, with take-home pay in 2026–27.
A first-year psychologist gets at least $75,135 a year under the award. In public hospitals, Queensland Health pays $83,824 to $124,314 at HP3 and NSW Health starts graduates at $83,670. The ATO median for psychologists was $77,858 in 2023-24.
Psychologists assess and treat mental health conditions. Pay differs a lot between public employment (salaried, with separate scales for clinical psychologists) and private practice, where income comes from Medicare rebates and client fees.
Award minimum pay
From 1 October 2026, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award pays psychologists at Level 1 by AQF Level 9 and years of experience. Levels 2 to 4 are senior clinicians, advanced clinicians and managers.
Full-time 38 hours; per year is the weekly rate × 52. Casuals get 25% more an hour.
Queensland Health psychologist salary
Queensland Health employs psychologists on the Health Practitioner (HP) scale. New graduates usually start at HP3; HP4 covers senior clinicians and small-team managers, and HP5 to HP8 are advanced, specialist and management roles. Rates from 1 September 2026.
Every pay point is on the Queensland Health pay rates page.
NSW Health psychologist salary
NSW Health pays psychologists under the Health and Community Employees Psychologists (State) Award 2025, from 1 July 2026. Clinical psychologists (with a clinical endorsement) have their own, higher scale.
| Classification | Per year | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Psychologist, 1st year | $83,670 | $2,553 |
| Psychologist, 2nd year | $87,984 | $2,666 |
| Psychologist, 3rd year | $92,293 | $2,778 |
| Psychologist, 4th year | $97,680 | $2,919 |
| Psychologist, 5th year | $103,071 | $3,060 |
| Psychologist, 6th year | $108,458 | $3,201 |
| Psychologist, 7th year | $113,847 | $3,342 |
| Psychologist, 8th year | $118,161 | $3,455 |
| Psychologist, 9th year and after | $122,465 | $3,568 |
| Senior Psychologist, 1st year | $128,933 | $3,737 |
| Senior Psychologist, 2nd year | $134,325 | $3,878 |
| Senior Psychologist, 3rd year and after | $139,712 | $4,006 |
| Clinical Psychologist, 1st year | $118,162 | $3,455 |
| Clinical Psychologist, 2nd year | $124,621 | $3,624 |
| Clinical Psychologist, 3rd year | $131,091 | $3,793 |
| Clinical Psychologist, 4th year | $137,560 | $3,955 |
| Clinical Psychologist, 5th year and after | $144,021 | $4,107 |
| Senior Clinical Psychologist, 1st year | $150,490 | $4,259 |
| Senior Clinical Psychologist, 2nd year | $154,800 | $4,360 |
| Senior Clinical Psychologist, 3rd year and after | $159,112 | $4,461 |
| Principal Clinical Psychologist | $180,666 | $4,967 |
What psychologists actually earn
The ATO's tax statistics for 2023-24 show what people in the occupation were actually paid, including part-timers, so full-time pay is usually higher than the median:
| Occupation (ATO) | People | Median | Average | Median, men | Median, women |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical psychologist | 8,342 | $77,858 | $80,283 | $89,709 | $75,173 |
| Psychologist (other) | 14,141 | $74,152 | $75,902 | $82,547 | $72,357 |
| Educational psychologist | 2,321 | $86,658 | $85,867 | $99,387 | $84,684 |
| Organisational psychologist | 1,036 | $111,387 | $123,090 | $122,433 | $108,760 |
Salary or wage from ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24, Table 15A. Averages are pulled up by a few high earners, so the median is the better guide.
Psychologist pay compared with other allied health jobs
| Job | ATO median 2023-24 | Award entry level |
|---|---|---|
| Podiatrist | $77,928 | AQF 7 |
| Psychologist | $77,858 | AQF 9 |
| Physiotherapist | $76,527 | AQF 7 |
NDIS price limit for psychologists
The NDIS caps what a provider can charge participants for a psychologist's time (line item 15_054_0128_1_3). This is a price paid to the business, not a wage: it has to cover the clinician's pay, super, rent, admin and time that can't be billed, so private and NDIS psychologists usually earn a fraction of it per hour worked.
| Area | Price limit per hour |
|---|---|
| Most of Australia | $252.99 |
| Remote | $354.19 |
| Very remote | $379.49 |
Source: NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026-27 (Therapy Supports, Direct Service line items).
Qualifications and registration
The award lists psychologists at AQF Level 9, which means a master's degree is the usual minimum qualification. Psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia through Ahpra to practise.
NSW Health psychologists have their own award, which isn't shown here. Psychologists in private practice are often paid a share of Medicare and client fees instead of a salary.
Take-home pay: after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27, before super and HELP.
Other allied health jobs: Physiotherapist · Sonographer · Speech pathologist · Occupational therapist · Radiographer · Podiatrist · Audiologist · Dietitian. See also NSW Health pay rates, Queensland Health pay rates and the salary packaging calculator.
Common questions
How much does a psychologist earn in Australia?
Pay depends on the employer. The award minimum for a first-year psychologist is $38.02 an hour, about $75,135 a year. Queensland Health pays $83,824 to $124,314 at HP3, NSW Health starts graduates at $83,670, and the ATO median salary or wage for psychologists was $77,858 in 2023-24.
What is a graduate psychologist's salary?
At least $75,135 a year under the award (AQF Level 9). In Queensland Health most new graduates start at HP3 ($83,824); in NSW Health at Level 1, Year 1 ($83,670).
How much does a senior psychologist earn?
Senior clinicians in Queensland Health (HP4) earn $132,689 to $142,315. Under the award, Level 2 senior clinicians get at least $51.19 an hour.
Which award covers psychologists?
The Health Professionals and Support Services Award, which lists the Psychologist profession at AQF Level 9. Public hospital staff are paid under state agreements instead, which pay more.
How much can an NDIS psychologist charge?
Up to $252.99 an hour in most of Australia in 2026-27 (more in remote areas). That's the provider's fee, not the clinician's wage.
Do psychologists need to be registered?
Yes. Psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (Ahpra) to practise.
Is super included?
No. All figures are before super, which is paid on top.
Sources: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide for the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027] (clause B.3 for the profession's AQF level); Queensland Health health practitioner wage rates; ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24. Checked 2026-10-23. General information only.