Neuropsychologist salary in Australia: award rates, median earnings and tax

What is a neuropsychologist salary?

A neuropsychologist salary in Australia reflects the specialised training required to assess and treat cognitive, behavioural and emotional conditions linked to brain function. Neuropsychologists typically hold a master's or doctoral degree and are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. Their pay is influenced by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets minimum rates for health professional employees, and by market demand in public health, private practice and research.

To understand where a neuropsychologist salary sits against the national line, we use the Salary Index. The index compares gross yearly earnings to full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which is $108,352 per year (index 100). A figure above 100 means above-average pay; below 100 means below. For example, the national minimum wage of $52,255 has an index of 48.2.

Award minimums for neuropsychologists

The Fair Work Ombudsman's award covers neuropsychologists as Health Professional employees. The classification depends on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and years of experience. For a neuropsychologist entering the profession with a master's degree (AQF Level 9), the award minimum from 1 October 2026 is:

• Level 2.1: $51.19 per hour, $1,945.40 per week, annualised $101,161 (index 93.4)
• Level 2.2: $52.19 per hour, $1,983.20 per week, annualised $103,126 (index 95.2)
• Level 3: $52.19 per hour (same as 2.2)
• Level 4: $65.77 per hour, $2,499.10 per week, annualised $129,953 (index 119.9)

These are minimum rates. Many neuropsychologists in public hospitals or private practice earn above award, especially with experience. The award also includes higher rates for those with a doctorate (AQF Level 10) or significant experience.

Median earnings and salary index

Jobs and Skills Australia reports median full-time weekly earnings for Psychologists and Psychotherapists (ANZSCO 2723) at $2,204 as of May 2025. That annualises to $114,608, giving a Salary Index of about 106. This is above the national line, meaning the typical psychologist earns 6% more than the average full-time worker.

However, this data covers all psychologists and psychotherapists, not just neuropsychologists. Neuropsychologists often require additional training and may command higher pay, especially in clinical neuropsychology roles. The median is a useful benchmark but individual salaries vary by location, employer and seniority.

Superannuation and tax considerations

Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, paid on top of gross salary. For a neuropsychologist earning $114,608, the employer contributes $13,753 to super. This is not part of take-home pay but grows in a fund taxed at 15%.

Income tax for 2026–27 (resident, excluding Medicare) is:

• Nil on first $18,200
• 15% on $18,201–$45,000
• 30% on $45,001–$135,000
• 37% on $135,001–$190,000
• 45% above $190,000

Plus a 2% Medicare levy. For a $114,608 salary, the estimated tax is about $26,500, leaving take-home around $84,000. Higher earners above $135,000 face the 37% bracket.

State and industry context

Where you work affects your neuropsychologist salary. The states page shows index differences: New South Wales (101.2), Victoria (98), Queensland (97.9), Western Australia (106.9), and the ACT (109.9). Neuropsychologists in WA or the ACT may earn more due to higher overall wages. The industries page shows health care and social assistance has an index of 97.8, slightly below the national average, but specialised roles like neuropsychology often pay above the industry median.

Many neuropsychologists work in public hospitals, private practices, or research institutions. Public sector roles may follow award rates but include benefits like salary packaging. Private practice earnings can be higher but depend on client volume and Medicare rebates.

How the Salary Index works

The how the index works page explains the calculation: annual gross salary divided by $108,352, multiplied by 100. For a neuropsychologist earning $114,608, the index is 106. For someone on the award minimum Level 2.1 ($101,161), the index is 93.4. This helps compare pay across occupations and locations.

For more detailed pay guides and award rates, see pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman. The Salary Index provides benchmarks for all occupations.

Summary

A neuropsychologist salary in Australia typically ranges from around $101,000 (award minimum for early career) to over $130,000 for senior roles. The median for all psychologists is about $114,600, index 106. Superannuation adds 12%, and tax takes about 23% of gross. These figures are guides; actual pay depends on qualifications, experience, location and employer.