What is the minimum wage for a child psychologist in Australia?

The legal floor is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) from 1 July 2026, but if a modern award covers the role, the award minimum applies and may be higher. For award-free employees, the national minimum applies, subject to junior, apprentice, or supported wage provisions. This reference does not contain a specific award rate for child psychologists.

What award covers child psychologists?

Many child psychologists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, but coverage depends on the employer and the specific role. If no award applies, the national minimum wage is the floor. An enterprise agreement can also set higher rates. This guide does not provide a determination; check with the Fair Work Ombudsman or your employer.

Child Psychologist Salary in Australia: Which Pay Floor Applies?

Q: Does a child psychologist receive superannuation on top of their salary?

Yes, employers must pay the superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For a child psychologist earning the national minimum wage, that adds about $3.17 per hour or $120.59 per week to the total employment cost.

The legal minimum for a child psychologist is at least the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (or the applicable award rate if covered), but the precise market salary is not provided in this reference.

Child Psychologist Salary: Understanding the Pay Floor

When searching for a child psychologist salary in Australia, it is important to separate the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries. This guide focuses on the pay floor that applies and what factors can change it.

The Legal Minimum Wage

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. This is the absolute minimum for award‑free employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. However, not every worker must receive this rate: juniors, apprentices, trainees, introductory award rates, and supported wages can be lower. For example, an award‑free 18‑year‑old child psychologist would receive $18.06 per hour (68.3% of the adult rate), and a casual worker would get $22.58 per hour including the 25% loading.

Award Coverage and Higher Rates

Most child psychologists are likely covered by a modern award, such as the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Under that award, the minimum rate for a qualified psychologist is higher than the national minimum wage, but the exact figure is not provided in this reference. The Fair Work Commission sets award rates, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces them. If an award applies, the employer must pay at least the award rate, which may be higher than the national minimum. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates.

Survey Averages and Market Rates

This reference does not contain a survey average or median salary for child psychologists. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026, but that figure covers all occupations and is not specific to child psychologists. Without a reliable market rate from this site, it is best to consult industry surveys or professional bodies for typical salaries.

Superannuation and Total Employment Cost

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For a child psychologist earning the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, the super contribution adds $3.17 per hour, making the total employment cost $29.61 per hour. This is paid in addition to the salary, not deducted from it.

What People Mix Up

A common confusion is assuming that the national minimum wage applies to everyone. In reality, many child psychologists are covered by an award that sets a higher minimum. Another mix‑up is thinking that the hourly rate quoted includes super – it does not. Super is an extra payment by the employer. Also, casual rates include a loading (25% for award‑free employees) but do not include penalty rates for weekends or public holidays unless specified.

How to Check Your Pay Floor

To find out which pay floor applies to you, first check if you are covered by a modern award. The Fair Work Ombudsman website has tools to help. If no award applies, the national minimum wage is the floor. If an enterprise agreement covers you, that agreement sets the minimum. Remember that the legal minimum is just the starting point – many child psychologists earn more based on experience, qualifications, and location.

For more information, see our Which minimum wage applies guide and the Rate tables for current figures.

Summary

The child psychologist salary in Australia has a legal floor of at least $26.44 per hour (or the applicable award rate), but the precise market rate is not available in this reference. Always check award coverage and remember that super is paid on top. For personalised advice, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or a professional association.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.