Forensic psychology salary: minimum rates, award coverage and median earnings
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, but forensic psychologists are typically covered by an award; the minimum award rate for psychologists under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 is at least the national minimum, but classification rates vary. The median full-time earnings for psychologists and psychotherapists is $2,204 per week (ABS May 2025).
Understanding forensic psychology salary in Australia
When researching forensic psychology salary, the first step is to identify the legal pay floor that applies. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) for adult employees who are award-free and agreement-free. Most private sector employees are in the national system. However, forensic psychologists are typically covered by a modern award or state award. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 covers many health professionals, including psychologists. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it.
The legal minimum wage floor
The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for ordinary hours. Casual employees get a 25% loading, $33.05 per hour. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, introductory award rates, and supported wages can be lower. For award-free employees, the national minimum applies. For modern award, the lowest ongoing classification cannot sit under the national minimum. The introductory rate limited to first 6 months cannot sit under $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.
Award coverage for forensic psychologists
Forensic psychologists often work in public sector (e.g., NSW Department of Communities and Justice) or private practice. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 sets minimum rates for psychologists in private practice and community settings. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the calculated minimum rates. The classification rates for psychologists under that award are available from the Fair Work Commission. For example, the NSW Crown Employees (Psychologists) Award sets rates for public sector psychologists: from 1 July 2021, a psychologist 1st year $69,681 per annum, up to 9th year $103,582 per annum. Senior and specialist roles higher. These rates increase annually under the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2021) Award. These are minimum for that state award. An enterprise agreement can require a higher rate.
Survey averages and median earnings
The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours May 2025 shows median weekly earnings for full-time non-managerial employees in Psychologists and Psychotherapists group is $2,204 per week. This is a survey average, not a legal minimum. The median hourly earnings $60 per hour. This can be a benchmark for forensic psychology salary discussions. The Jobs and Skills Australia also reports share of workers full-time hours, average full-time hours worked per week 42 hours. The median age 44 years, 82% female share of employment.
Negotiated salaries and enterprise agreements
Many forensic psychologists negotiate salary through enterprise agreements or individual contract. These can be higher than award rates. The enterprise agreement can override award rates. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum, but the Ombudsman explains and enforces. If you are covered by an award, the award rates apply. The award can set higher than the national minimum.
Superannuation on top
The super guarantee is 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For example, if you are paid $26.44 per hour, employer must pay $3.17 per hour into your super fund. This applies to award and award-free employees. The same for award rates or enterprise agreements.
For more details, see Which minimum wage applies, Rate tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage for a forensic psychologist? The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour. However, forensic psychologists are typically covered by a modern award or state award. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 sets minimum rates for psychologists. The lowest ongoing classification cannot sit under the national minimum. The introductory rate limited to first 6 months cannot sit under $25.74 per hour.
How does the median earnings for forensic psychology compare? According to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours May 2025, the median weekly earnings for full-time non-managerial employees in the Psychologists and Psychotherapists group is $2,204 per week. This is a survey average, not a legal minimum. Actual forensic psychology salary can be higher or lower depending on experience, sector, and enterprise agreements. Is super on top of my forensic psychology salary? Yes, the super guarantee is 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For example, if you are paid $26.44 per hour, the employer must pay an extra $3.17 per hour into your super fund. This applies to award and award-free employees. The same for award rates or enterprise agreements.
For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.
Questions people ask next
What is the minimum wage for a forensic psychologist?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). However, forensic psychologists are usually covered by a modern award or state award. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 sets minimum rates for psychologists; the lowest ongoing classification cannot sit under the national minimum. The award also has introductory rates for first 6 months. For award-free employees, the national minimum applies. State public sector awards like NSW Crown Employees (Psychologists) Award sets rates for public sector psychologists.
How does the median earnings for forensic psychology compare?
According to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours May 2025, the median weekly earnings for full-time non-managerial employees in the Psychologists and Psychotherapists group is $2,204 per week. This is a survey average, not a legal minimum. Actual forensic psychology salary can be higher or lower depending on experience, sector, and enterprise agreements.
Is super on top of my forensic psychology salary?
Yes, the super guarantee is 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For example, if you are paid $26.44 per hour, the employer must pay an extra $3.17 per hour into your super fund. This applies to award and award-free employees. The same for award rates or enterprise agreements.
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