What Is a Clinical Psychology Salary in Australia? A Guide to Pay and the Salary Index
Find out the typical clinical psychology salary in Australia, how it compares to the national average using the Salary Index, and what to consider when reading job ads.
The typical clinical psychology salary sits around index 107, slightly above the national line of 100, based on job advertisement data.
Understanding the Clinical Psychology Salary
When you're reading a job ad for a clinical psychologist, the salary figure can be hard to compare across different employers and locations. The keyword "clinical psychology salary" refers to the annual or hourly pay for registered clinical psychologists, who assess and treat mental health disorders. This guide explains where that pay sits against the national line using the Salary Index, and what to look for when comparing offers.
The Salary Index and Clinical Psychology Pay
The Salary Index sets 100 as the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which in May 2026 was $2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352. If a job ad quotes $116,158 per year, that works out to an index of about 107 – meaning it's 7% above the national benchmark. That's a useful starting point, but remember that the index is a gross ordinary-time benchmark, not a guarantee for any specific role.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are about 22,000 clinical psychologists employed nationally. The median age is 43, and 81% are women. Average full-time hours are 42 per week, slightly below the all-occupations average of 44. Median weekly earnings are not published by the ABS for this occupation, so job advertisement data fills the gap.
Award Rates and Minimum Pay
Clinical psychologists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (MA000027). Minimum pay rates under this award were updated from 1 October 2026. For example, a psychologist at a higher classification level might earn a minimum weekly rate well above the national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week (index 48.2). However, most clinical psychologists earn significantly more than the award minimum, especially in private practice or senior roles.
If you're comparing a job ad that mentions an enterprise agreement, the award may not apply directly. Always check the pay guides for the correct classification and any allowances.
Comparing Offers Across States and Industries
Your clinical psychology salary can vary by state. The states page shows that the ACT has the highest index at 109.9 (annualised $119,090), while Tasmania is at 88.6 ($96,008). A clinical psychologist in Canberra might expect a higher salary than one in Hobart, reflecting the cost of living and demand. Similarly, the industries page shows that health care and social assistance has an index of 97.8, slightly below the national line. But clinical psychology is a specialised role within that industry, often commanding a premium.
Example: Reading a Job Ad
Imagine a job ad in Sydney offering $120,000 per year plus super. The super guarantee from 1 July 2026 is 12%, so the total package is $134,400. The salary index for that base pay is 111 (120,000 / 108,352 × 100). That's well above the national line and above the typical clinical psychology average. Another ad in Brisbane offers $105,000 – index 97. That's below the national line but still above the health care industry average. The difference might reflect cost of living, experience required, or whether the role is in public or private sector.
Tax and Take-Home Pay
Resident tax rates for 2026–27 (excluding Medicare) are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. For a $116,158 salary, the estimated take-home pay after tax and Medicare is around $86,000 per year, ignoring HELP repayments or salary sacrifice. That's about $1,654 per week.
Key Takeaways
- The clinical psychology salary typically sits around index 107, based on job advertisement data.
- Official median weekly earnings are not available from the ABS, so use multiple sources when comparing.
- Award minimums provide a floor; actual pay often exceeds them.
- State and industry differences matter – use the Salary Index to benchmark.
- Always check the specific award or enterprise agreement that applies to your role.
For more detailed pay information, see the topics page on health professional salaries.
Questions people ask
What is the average clinical psychology salary in Australia?
Based on job advertisement data, the average clinical psychology salary is around $116,158 per year. However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for this occupation due to data limitations. Actual pay depends on experience, location, and whether you work in public health, private practice, or other settings.
How does the clinical psychology salary compare to the national average using the Salary Index?
The Salary Index sets the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings at 100 (annualised $108,352). A clinical psychology salary of $116,158 would give an index of about 107, meaning it is 7% above the national line. This is higher than the health care and social assistance industry average index of 97.8, reflecting the specialised nature of clinical psychology.
What award covers clinical psychologists in Australia?
Clinical psychologists are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (MA000027). Minimum pay rates and classifications under this award changed from 1 October 2026. Some psychologists in community services may fall under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS). Always check the specific award that applies to your employer and role.