What is the minimum wage for a psychologist in Australia?

The minimum wage depends on award coverage. Most psychologists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Under that award, a psychologist with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) must be paid at least $34.44 per hour in their first year, rising to $44.46 per hour after seven years. For award-free psychologists, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies, but this is rare in practice. An enterprise agreement can set a higher rate.

Are psychologists covered by an award?

Yes, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 covers most employed psychologists in the private and community sectors. The award sets minimum rates based on the employee's qualification level (AQF Level) and years of experience. Public sector psychologists may be covered by state awards or enterprise agreements. Always check your specific employment situation using [Which minimum wage applies](/) or consult the Fair Work Ombudsman.

How does the median psychologist salary compare to the national minimum?

According to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time psychologist earns $2,204 per week or $60 per hour. That is more than double the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. However, the median reflects experienced professionals; early-career psychologists under the award may earn closer to $34–$38 per hour. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of all these figures.

Psychologist Salary Australia: Award Minimums vs Market Rates

The legal minimum for a psychologist covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award ranges from $34.44 per hour (Level 1, AQF 7) to $46.18 per hour (Level 9, 7th year+), while the ABS reports a median hourly rate of $60 for full-time psychologists.

Psychologist Salary Australia: Understanding the Pay Floor

When researching a psychologist salary Australia, it is essential to separate the legal minimum from survey averages and negotiated rates. The legal minimum is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 for most employed psychologists, while the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides a market median. This guide explains the differences and helps you identify the correct pay floor.

Award Coverage for Psychologists

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027) covers employees working as health professionals, including psychologists, in private hospitals, medical centres, community health, and similar settings . The award classifies psychologists by their qualification level under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and years of experience. For example, a psychologist with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in their first year must receive at least $34.44 per hour, or $1,308.80 per week for a 38‑hour week. After seven years, the minimum rises to $44.46 per hour ($1,689.50 per week). Higher qualifications (AQF Level 8 or 9) attract higher minimums, up to $46.18 per hour for a Level 9 psychologist with seven or more years.

These award rates are the legal minimum for covered employees. An enterprise agreement or individual contract can require a higher rate, but cannot undercut the award. If you are award‑free (rare for psychologists), the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies, but that is well below typical psychologist pay.

Market Median from the ABS

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) reports a median full‑time weekly earnings of $2,204 for psychologists and psychotherapists, equating to $60 per hour . This median reflects experienced, full‑time non‑managerial employees. It is a useful benchmark but not a legal requirement. Many psychologists earn above the award minimum due to experience, specialisation, or enterprise agreements.

Superannuation Is Paid on Top

All minimum and median figures quoted are before tax and do not include superannuation. Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For a psychologist earning the award minimum of $34.44 per hour, the employer pays an additional $4.13 per hour into super. The total employment cost is therefore higher than the headline rate.

Award‑Free Psychologists

If a psychologist is not covered by any award (for example, some sole practitioners or those in state system roles), the national minimum wage applies. However, the Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum at $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. This is significantly lower than award rates for psychologists, so most employers will apply the award or a higher agreement. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees may receive a percentage of the adult rate, but psychologists are typically adult professionals.

How to Check Your Pay Floor

To determine the correct minimum for your role, start by identifying whether you are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. Use our Which minimum wage applies guide to assess your coverage. Then refer to the Rate tables for the award classification that matches your qualification and experience. If you work under an enterprise agreement, that agreement sets the minimum; it must be at least as favourable as the award.

Key Takeaways

The legal minimum for a psychologist under the award ranges from $34.44/h to $46.18/h depending on AQF level and experience.
The ABS median of $60/h is a market benchmark, not a legal floor.
Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of all wages.
Always check your specific award or agreement, as it can set a higher rate than the national minimum.

For further reading, see our Guides on award coverage and our How the figures work page for methodology details.