Clinical Psychologist Salary: Award Rates, Super, and Tax in 2026
What does a clinical psychologist earn in Australia? We examine award rates from NSW Health, the national index, super, and tax. No median figure is available from ABS.
A first-year clinical psychologist under the NSW Health award earns $113,617 a year, which sits at an index of about 105 against the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line of $108,352.
What is a clinical psychologist salary in Australia?
If you are researching the clinical psychologist salary in Australia, you will quickly find that a single, national figure is hard to pin down. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median weekly earnings for this occupation at the detailed 6-digit ANZSCO level. Jobs and Skills Australia, which compiles occupation profiles, explicitly states that median weekly earnings are not available for clinical psychologists. That means any discussion of pay must rely on award rates, state public health agreements, or market estimates.
This guide focuses on the most concrete public source: the NSW Health and Community Employees Psychologists (State) Award 2025, which sets binding minimum salaries for clinical psychologists employed in the NSW public health system. We also place those figures against the national earnings index used by Salary Index and explain how super and tax affect take-home pay.
Award rates for clinical psychologists in NSW public health
The NSW Health award covers psychologists employed by the NSW Health Service. It includes a specific classification for Clinical Psychologist, with salary steps based on years of service. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025, the annual salaries are:
- 1st year: $113,617
- 2nd year: $119,828
- 3rd year: $126,049
- 4th year: $132,269
- 5th year and thereafter: $138,482
A further 4% increase applies from 1 July 2026, taking the 1st year rate to $118,162 and the 5th year rate to $144,021. There are also Senior Clinical Psychologist and Principal Clinical Psychologist classifications, with the Principal role paying $173,717 in 2025 and $180,666 in 2026.
These rates are gross annual salaries, before tax and before superannuation. They apply to full-time employees. Part-time hourly rates are also specified in the award (e.g., $75.90 per hour for a part-time Clinical Psychologist at the 3rd year level in 2025).
How these rates compare to the national index
The how the index works page explains that the national line (index 100) is set at full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352. A first-year clinical psychologist on $113,617 earns about 4.9% above that line, giving an index of approximately 105. A fifth-year clinical psychologist on $138,482 has an index of about 128.
For context, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, annualised to $52,255 (index 48.2). The health care and social assistance industry as a whole has an index of 97.8, slightly below the national line. Clinical psychologists under the NSW award sit above both the industry average and the national line.
It is important to note that these are award minimums. Clinical psychologists in private practice, or those covered by enterprise agreements, may earn more. Conversely, some employers may pay only the award rate. The figures also apply only to NSW; other states have their own awards or arrangements. For a state-by-state comparison, see the states page.
Superannuation on a clinical psychologist salary
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. This is paid by the employer on top of the salary. For a clinical psychologist earning $113,617, the employer must contribute an additional $13,634 into super. The total remuneration package (salary plus super) is therefore $127,251. The super guarantee is not included in the salary index calculation, which uses gross ordinary-time earnings before super.
Tax on a clinical psychologist salary
Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates (excluding the Medicare levy), the tax on a $113,617 salary is calculated as:
- $0 on the first $18,200
- 15% on the next $26,800 ($4,020)
- 30% on the next $68,617 ($20,585)
- Total tax: $24,605
Add the Medicare levy of 2% ($2,272), and the total tax and Medicare is $26,877. That leaves an estimated take-home pay of $86,740 per year, or about $1,668 per week. This ignores the tax-free threshold, HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.
If you are comparing take-home pay across different roles, remember that the pay guides from Fair Work Ombudsman provide minimum award rates, but actual pay may be higher.
Where to find more information
For the most up-to-date award rates, check the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides for the Health Services Award or the relevant state award. The NSW Health award is published by the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales. For industry benchmarks, the industries page shows that health care and social assistance has an index of 97.8, but clinical psychologists typically earn above that.
Summary
The clinical psychologist salary in Australia varies by employer, state, and experience. The most reliable public figures come from state awards like the NSW Health award, which starts at $113,617 for a first-year clinical psychologist. That is about 5% above the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line. With 12% super and progressive tax, the take-home pay is roughly $86,700 per year. For private practice or other states, you may need to consult specific awards or market surveys.
Questions people ask
What is the average clinical psychologist salary in Australia?
There is no published average or median for clinical psychologists at the 6-digit occupation level. Jobs and Skills Australia notes that median weekly earnings are not produced for this occupation. The most concrete public figures come from state awards, such as the NSW Health award which sets a first-year clinical psychologist salary at $113,617 (from July 2025) rising to $118,162 from July 2026.
How does a clinical psychologist salary compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark is $108,352 per year (index 100). A first-year clinical psychologist under the NSW Health award earns $113,617, giving an index of about 105. More experienced clinical psychologists, such as those at the 5th year ($138,482), sit at an index of about 128. These are award rates; private practice earnings can be higher or lower.
What super and tax apply to a clinical psychologist salary?
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid on top of the salary. For a $113,617 salary, that adds $13,634 in super. For tax (2026–27 resident rates, excluding Medicare levy), the first $18,200 is tax-free, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, and 37% up to $190,000. A $113,617 salary would fall in the 30% bracket. Medicare levy of 2% applies. Take-home pay (excluding HELP or other deductions) would be roughly $84,000 after tax and Medicare.