What is the minimum wage for a psychologist in Australia?

The minimum wage depends on your classification under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. For a psychologist with a bachelor’s degree (AQF7) in their first year, the minimum is $34.44 per hour. This rises to $44.46 per hour after seven years. These rates are higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top.

Do all psychologists get paid award rates?

No. The award applies to employees in the health industry covered by the award’s scope. If you work under an enterprise agreement, your pay may be different (but cannot be less than the award). Self-employed psychologists or those in state public sector roles may be covered by other instruments. Always check your employment contract and the applicable award or agreement.

How does superannuation affect psychologist salary?

Superannuation is an employer contribution of 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid on top of your salary. For example, if your minimum award rate is $34.44 per hour, your employer must also contribute $4.13 per hour to your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay. The super guarantee is legislated by the ATO.

Psychologist Salary: Award Minimums vs Market Rates in Australia

The minimum hourly rate for a psychologist under the Health Professionals Award ranges from $34.44 (AQF7 1st year) to $44.46 (7th year+), while the ABS reports median hourly earnings of $60 for full-time psychologists.

Psychologist salary: award coverage versus award-free rates

When researching a psychologist salary in Australia, the first question is whether you are covered by a modern award. Most psychologists working in private practice, hospitals, or community health are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This award sets minimum pay rates that are significantly higher than the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Ombudsman administers this award, and the Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year.

Award minimum rates for psychologists

The award classifies psychologists as Health Professional employees. The minimum rate depends on your qualification level (AQF level) and years of experience. For a psychologist with a bachelor’s degree (AQF7) in their first year, the minimum hourly rate is $34.44 (as at 1 October 2026). This rises to $37.08 in years 2–3, $41.19 in years 4–6, and $44.46 after seven years. These are the legal minimums – you cannot be paid less unless you are a junior, apprentice, or trainee under specific award provisions.

For comparison, the national minimum wage for award-free adults is $26.44 per hour. The award’s lowest ongoing classification (Support Services Level 1) is $26.97 per hour, so even entry-level health workers are above the national floor.

How the award compares to market rates

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) reports median full-time weekly earnings for psychologists and psychotherapists at $2,204 per week, or about $60 per hour (based on 42 average hours). This is well above the award minimums, reflecting that many experienced psychologists negotiate higher salaries or work under enterprise agreements. Jobs and Skills Australia notes that half of psychologists work full-time, with a median age of 44 and 82% female.

Award-free and agreement-free psychologists

If you are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage applies: $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) for adults. Casual employees get a 25% loading, making it $33.05 per hour. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees have lower rates. However, most psychologists will fall under the award unless they are self-employed or in a state public sector role with a different award.

Superannuation is on top

All salary figures discussed here are before tax and before super. Employers must pay 12% superannuation guarantee on ordinary time earnings. For a psychologist earning the award minimum of $34.44 per hour, the employer adds $4.13 per hour to a super fund. This is not deducted from your pay.

How to check your rate

To find your exact minimum rate, look at the classification in your award or agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay calculators. You can also explore Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables on this site for general guidance. Remember that enterprise agreements can set higher rates, and individual contracts cannot undercut the award.

Key takeaway

The legal minimum for a psychologist is set by the Health Professionals Award and ranges from about $34 to $44 per hour depending on experience. The market median is around $60 per hour. Super is additional. Always confirm your coverage – award, agreement, or award-free – to know your pay floor.

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