Provisional Psychologist Salary: Award Minimum Rates Under the Health Professionals Award
The minimum award rate for a provisional psychologist (Health Professional Level 1, AQF 7, 1st year) is $34.44 per hour, or $1,308.80 per week, plus 12% super.
What is the provisional psychologist salary under Australian awards?
If you are a provisional psychologist starting your career, your pay is likely covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. This award sets the legal minimum salary for most provisional psychologists employed in private practice, community health, or non-government organisations. The award rate is significantly higher than the national minimum wage, reflecting the qualifications required.
The award minimum for a provisional psychologist
Under the award, a provisional psychologist is classified as a Health Professional employee – Level 1 with an AQF Level 7 qualification (a four-year accredited psychology degree). For the first year of experience in that role, the minimum weekly rate is $1,308.80 for a full-time employee working 38 ordinary hours, which equates to $34.44 per hour.
These figures come directly from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s consolidated award (effective from 1 October 2026). The award also specifies higher rates for employees with more experience or higher qualifications (AQF Level 8 or 9).
How superannuation fits in
On top of the minimum salary, your employer must pay superannuation guarantee contributions – currently 12% of your ordinary time earnings. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional payment into a super fund. So the total employment cost for a full-time provisional psychologist at the award minimum is about $1,465.86 per week including super.
Casual and part-time arrangements
If you work as a casual provisional psychologist, you are entitled to a 25% casual loading on the hourly rate, making the minimum $43.05 per hour. Part-time employees receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees but work fewer hours. All penalty rates for evenings, weekends, or public holidays also apply.
How does this compare to other pay floors?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week). The award rate for a provisional psychologist is about 30% higher than that. However, some employers may pay above the award through enterprise agreements or individual contracts. There is no publicly available survey average for provisional psychologists from the ABS or ATO, so we cannot provide a median figure. Always check your specific employment arrangement.
What if you are a junior or a trainee?
If you are under 21, the award allows a percentage of the adult rate (e.g., 80% at age 19). Trainees may be covered by the national training wage under the Miscellaneous Award, which can be lower. But for most provisional psychologists with a completed degree, the adult award rate applies.
Where to get more information
For detailed classification definitions and pay tables, see our Rate tables page. If you are unsure which award covers you, our Guides explain how to find your correct award.
Frequently asked questions about provisional psychologist pay
We have answered the most common questions above. Remember that the award is the legal minimum – your actual salary may be higher if your employer chooses to pay more or if an enterprise agreement applies. Always check your pay against the award classification that matches your qualifications and years of experience.
Questions people ask next
What is the legal minimum pay for a provisional psychologist in Australia?
Most provisional psychologists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. As a Health Professional employee at Level 1 with an AQF Level 7 qualification (e.g., a 4-year degree) in their first year, the minimum rate is $34.44 per hour or $1,308.80 per week for a full-time employee (38 hours). This is higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top.
Can a provisional psychologist be paid less than the award rate?
No. The award rate is a legal minimum. An enterprise agreement or individual contract can only set a higher rate, not lower. However, junior employees (under 21) may be paid a percentage of the adult rate, and trainees may have different rates under the national training wage. Always check the classification that matches your qualifications and experience.
Does the award rate include casual loading or penalty rates?
The rates above are for permanent full-time or part-time employees. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the hourly rate, making the casual minimum $43.05 per hour. Penalty rates for weekend, public holiday, or overtime work also apply separately. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides full details in the award.
Related guides
- Psychologist Salary: Award Minimums vs Market Rates in Australia
The minimum hourly rate for a psychologist under the Health Professionals Award ranges from $34.44 (AQF7 1st year) to $44.46 (7th year+), while the ABS reports median hourly earnings of $60 for full-time psychologists.
- Clinical psychologist salary: award minimums and pay floors
Clinical psychologists covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 have a minimum hourly rate ranging from $38.02 (AQF Level 9, 1st year) to $46.18 (7th year+), plus 12% superannuation.
- Psychologist Salary Australia: Award Minimums vs Market Rates
The legal minimum for a psychologist covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award ranges from $34.44 per hour (Level 1, AQF 7) to $46.18 per hour (Level 9, 7th year+), while the ABS reports a median hourly rate of $60 for full-time psychologists.
- Forensic Psychologist Salary in Australia: Pay Floors and Award Rates
A forensic psychologist salary depends on the applicable award or agreement; the national minimum is $26.44/h but award rates for NSW Health psychologists range from $92,293 to $180,666 annually from 1 July 2026.