Clinical Psychologist Salary Australia: Where It Sits on the National Index
See how the clinical psychologist salary in Australia compares to the national average. We explain the salary index, typical pay, and what affects earnings.
Based on market data, the average clinical psychologist salary of $116,158 sits at an index of 107.2, slightly above the national full-time ordinary-time earnings line of $108,352.
Understanding the clinical psychologist salary in Australia
When you hear the term clinical psychologist salary Australia, you are asking where the pay for this profession lands on the national earnings map. The Australian salary index sets 100 as the full-time adult ordinary-time earnings – $2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352 (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). A clinical psychologist’s pay can be compared to that line.
According to, the average base salary reported by 925 clinical psychologists is $116,158 per year. That works out to an index of 107.2 – about 7% above the national line. Senior roles average $127,646 (index 117.8). These are market averages, not official minimums.
Official data gaps
Jobs and Skills Australia does not publish median weekly earnings for the 6-digit ANZSCO code 272311 (Clinical Psychologists) because the sample size is too small for a reliable figure. They do show that 51% work full-time, the median age is 43, and 81% are female. Average full-time hours are 42 per week, slightly below the all-occupations average of 44.
Where the pay sits on the index
The national line is $108,352. The average clinical psychologist salary of $116,158 is above that. For comparison:
- Health Care and Social Assistance industry index: 97.8 ($105,996 annualised)
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services: 114.7 ($124,300)
- Education and Training: 105.5 ($114,300)
Clinical psychologists often work in health care or public administration, but their specialised skills push pay above the health industry average.
State variations
Location matters. The states page shows how local earnings compare:
- ACT index 109.9 ($119,090)
- WA index 106.9 ($115,825
- NSW index 101.2 ($109,658)
- VIC index 98.0 ($106,137)
A clinical psychologist in Canberra or Perth may earn closer to $120,000, while in Wollongong it might be around $101,000.
Award coverage and super
Clinical psychologists are covered by the Health Services Award (see pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman. The award sets minimum rates for health professionals, but most clinical psychologists are paid above award. From 1 October 2026 the Health Services Award minimum rates changed. Super guarantee is 12% from July 2026.
Take-home pay example
If you earn $116,158, after tax (2026–27 rates with tax-free threshold, 2% Medicare levy, no HELP) you take home roughly $88,000. Add 12% super on top of the base.
How the index works
The how the index works explains: your yearly gross divided by $108,352 times 100. So an index of 107 means you earn 7% more than the national line.
Summary
A clinical psychologist salary Australia is above the national average. The index shows it sits at about 107.2. For senior roles it's higher. Use the index to compare any role.
FAQs
What is the average clinical psychologist salary in Australia?
Based on market data from Indeed, the average base salary for a clinical psychologist in Australia is $116,158 per year as of May 2025. This figure is self-reported and not an official government statistic. Senior clinical psychologists average around $127,646 per year. Actual pay varies by location, experience, and sector.
How does the clinical psychologist salary compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark (index 100) is $108,352 per year. The average clinical psychologist salary of $116,158 gives an index of 107.2, meaning it sits about 7% above the national line. For context, the Health Care and Social Assistance industry index is 97.8, so clinical psychologists tend to earn above the typical health worker.
What factors affect a clinical psychologist's pay in Australia?
Key factors include years of experience, location (e.g., ACT and WA pay higher), sector (public vs private), and whether you work full-time or part-time. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Health Services Award sets minimum rates for health professionals, but clinical psychologists often negotiate above award. Superannuation (12% from July 2026) is on top of the base salary.
Questions people ask
What is the average clinical psychologist salary in Australia?
Based on market data from Indeed, the average base salary for a clinical psychologist in Australia is $116,158 per year as of May 2025. This figure is self-reported and not an official government statistic. Senior clinical psychologists average around $127,646 per year. Actual pay varies by location, experience, and sector.
How does the clinical psychologist salary compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark (index 100) is $108,352 per year. The average clinical psychologist salary of $116,158 gives an index of 107.2, meaning it sits about 7% above the national line. For context, the Health Care and Social Assistance industry index is 97.8, so clinical psychologists tend to earn above the typical health worker.
What factors affect a clinical psychologist's pay in Australia?
Key factors include years of experience, location (e.g., ACT and WA pay higher), sector (public vs private), and whether you work full-time or part-time. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Health Services Award sets minimum rates for health professionals, but clinical psychologists often negotiate above award. Superannuation (12% from July 2026) is on top of the base salary.