Psychologist Salary / Wage
Salary and wage information for psychologists is compiled regularly by analysis of Australian jobs advertised in major publications. Salaries are annual unless otherwise stated.
The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations Codes (ANZSCO) are: 272311 for clinical psychologists, 272312 for educational psychologists, 272313 for organisational psychologists and 272314 for psychotherapists.
Job titles and exact tasks vary in this work and examples of some occupation titles are psychologist, clinical psychologist, experimental psychologist and research psychologist.
Clinical, educational and organisational psychologists are currently on the Australian Combined Skilled Occupation List,(Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, MLTSSL). Psychotherapists are on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List, (STSOL).
The average weekly full-time ordinary earnings in Health Care and Social Assistance in mid 2018 were $1,523, giving an annual income of approximately $79,200. This was 1.0% higher than in mid 2017.*
Data supplied from Indeed over the past 36 months, based on over 350 salaries, estimated that the average salary for a psychologist was $101,284 per annum in Australia.
Psychologist Salaries / Wages in 2018
| Job Title | Salary / Wage $ | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Psychologist (Youth Counselling) | $50 – $56 per hour | Sydney, New South Wales |
| Fully Registered Psychologist – autism specific | 67,000 – 100,000 | Sydney, New South Wales |
| Psychologist / Specialist Psychologlist – Health & Wellbeing, Workforce Safety | 95,000 – 116,000 | Sydney, New South Wales |
| Psychologist | 85,000 – 90,000 | Hobart, Tasmania |
| Psychologist / Child and Adolescent | 75,000 – 95,000 | Melbourne, Victoria |
| Psychologist / Child and Adolescent | 75,000 – 95,000 | Melbourne, Victoria |
| Senior Manager – Psychologist or Social Worker | 90,000 – 100,000 | Brisbane, Queensland |
| Consulting Psychologist | $60 – $100 per hour | Brisbane, Queensland |
| Social Worker, Psychologist, Occupational Therapist | 87,000 – 91,000 | Canberra, ACT |
| Army Psychologist | 85,000 – 90,000 | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Team Leader Forensic Mental health Psychologist | 108,000 – 120,000 | Perth, Western Australia |
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*Source:ABS
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Hi there! I am currently in the process of completing my psychology degree in South Africa and would like to relocate to Australia by the end of next year to further my studies as well as live and work there.
Is this difficult? And do you think there will be job opportunities for me that side?
Finishing studies in Australia gives you the advantage of not having to have AHPRA review your overseas accreditations, to get registered. The universities are more open to international input than AHPRA (health professions registration body). Downside of this is the very high student fees for international students that you’d have to pay, unless you find an amazing scholarship.
Currently, psychologists are on the list of sought-after skills in migrants, according to the Australia’s department of immigration. This hasn’t stopped AHPRA from invalidating all my overseas experience. Despite being an Australian, it looks like I have return to Europe just so I can practice. I can’t imagine how impossible this is for non-citizens.
If your heart’s set on Australia, and you find a way to get enough money for it then sure, apply for a uni course here. Be aware that the path of psychology is long, expensive, and demanding. There are other paths that might get you into the real world quicker and easier.
If I am U.S. citizen , and would like to relocate to Australia, is it difficult to get liscenced as a clinical psychologist? Also, how is the job outlook? Much appreciated.
Have a good day,
Rafal
Hey Rafal,
To become a registered clinical psychologist in Australia it takes 8 years. So yes, I’d say it is difficult. On top of that, only the highest scoring students are allowed to continue on to their honours and then to masters where you would specialise as a clinical psychologist. The pay is slightly disappointing considering how much effort you put in but Psychology is a degree you should do out of passion not for money. Job outlook isn’t too bad.