Clinical psychologist salary: award minimums and pay floors

Understanding the clinical psychologist salary floor

When researching a clinical psychologist salary, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum pay rates set by awards and the actual earnings reported in surveys. This guide explains the minimum wage obligations for clinical psychologists under Australian workplace law, using the most current figures from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission.

Award coverage for clinical psychologists

Most clinical psychologists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. This award sets minimum rates for Health Professional employees based on their Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and years of experience. For a clinical psychologist with a master’s degree (AQF Level 9), the minimum hourly rate ranges from $38.02 for a first-year employee to $46.18 for an employee with seven or more years of experience. These rates are effective from 1 October 2026 as per the Fair Work Commission’s annual wage review. Superannuation guarantee of 12% is paid on top of these rates.

Clinical psychologists with a doctoral degree may be classified at a higher level, such as Health Professional Level 2 or above, which starts at $51.19 per hour. The award also includes provisions for juniors, apprentices, and trainees, but these do not apply to qualified clinical psychologists.

Award-free clinical psychologists

If a clinical psychologist is not covered by any modern award—for example, working in a state public sector role not covered by the national system—the national minimum wage applies: $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time employee. However, this is significantly lower than the award rates, so most employers will pay at least the award rate. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, and the Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance and enforcement.

Survey averages and negotiated salaries

The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median weekly earnings for the specific 6-digit occupation of Clinical Psychologists (ANZSCO 272311). Jobs and Skills Australia notes that median earnings figures are not produced for 6-digit occupations. Therefore, we cannot provide a reliable survey average. Actual salaries may be higher than award minimums due to enterprise agreements, individual contracts, or market conditions. Always check your specific employment arrangement.

How the figures work

The Fair Work Commission adjusts modern award rates each year following the Annual Wage Review. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 is a consolidated modern award that includes all amendments up to 1 October 2026. For the most up-to-date rates, refer to the Rate tables on this site or the official award from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Key considerations

• Superannuation is paid on top of the base rate. The current super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings.
• Casual employees receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate.
• Enterprise agreements can set higher rates than the award.
• Junior rates do not apply to qualified clinical psychologists.
• The national minimum wage is a backstop; award rates are generally higher.

For more information on which pay floor applies to your situation, see Which minimum wage applies on this site.

Summary

A clinical psychologist salary is subject to a legal minimum under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, with rates starting at $38.02 per hour for a first-year AQF Level 9 employee. Without award coverage, the national minimum of $26.44 per hour applies. Superannuation is additional. Always verify your classification and any applicable enterprise agreement.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.