Where a child psychologist salary sits against the Australian full-time average
If you're researching a child psychologist salary in Australia, you're probably wondering how it stacks up against the national full-time average. The short answer is that the Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a separate earnings figure for child psychologists. However, we can use broader data to give you a clear picture.
The national full-time average (the line)
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026 puts the national full-time adult ordinary-time average at $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year (multiplied by 52). This is the benchmark this site uses—the 'line' that other salaries are measured against. For comparison, the full-time median (the midpoint of all full-time earnings) is about $90,532 a year, and the all-employees median is about $74,100 a year (ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, August 2025).
What the data says about professionals
Child psychologists fall under the 'Professionals' occupation group. According to the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey for May 2025, the average weekly total cash earnings for all professionals was $2,049.60 (about $106,579 a year). That's slightly below the national full-time average of $2,083.70. But remember: this is an average across all professionals, including many who are early in their careers or working part-time. Experienced child psychologists, especially those in private practice or senior clinical roles, often earn well above that figure.
How child psychologists are paid
Most child psychologists are employed under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, or they negotiate individual contracts. The award sets minimum hourly rates that are higher than the national minimum wage. For example, a Psychologist (Level 1) under the award earns around $36–$40 per hour, while a more senior classification can reach $45 per hour or more. Those in private practice may set their own fees, which can push annual earnings significantly higher.
State-by-state context
Earnings also vary by location. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings data for May 2026 shows state full-time averages ranging from about $96,008 in Tasmania to $119,090 in the Australian Capital Territory. A child psychologist in the ACT or Western Australia (average $115,825) is likely to earn more than one in Tasmania or South Australia ($102,450).
The tax picture
For the 2026–27 income year, the resident tax rates 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. The Medicare levy of 2% applies to most taxpayers. A child psychologist earning around the professional average of $106,579 would fall in the 30% bracket plus the Medicare levy.
Where to find more detail
For a deeper look at how different occupations compare, visit our Job medians page. To understand how the ABS calculates these figures, see How the figures are set.
The bottom line
While there is no single published figure for a child psychologist salary, the available data suggests that child psychologists typically earn close to or slightly above the national full-time average, depending on experience, sector, and location. If you're considering this career, the professional average of about $106,579 a year is a reasonable starting point, with potential for higher earnings as you gain seniority.