Clinical psychologist salary: Why a state or an award can move the figure off the national line
When you look at a clinical psychologist salary, the first figure you see is often the national full-time average. That line is $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year, from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026. But a clinical psychologist’s actual pay can sit well above or below that line depending on where they work and under which award they are classified.
The median full-time median for clinical psychologists
The most recent published median for clinical psychologists comes from the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, reported by Jobs and Skills Australia. For the occupation group Psychologists and Psychotherapists (which includes clinical psychologists), the median full-time weekly earnings are $2,204. That works out to about $114,608 a year, or $6,256 above the national full-time average. The median hourly rate is $60 an hour, compared to the national median of $47 for all occupations. The group is 82% female and the median age is 44 years. The median is a guide only and does not account for years of experience.
Award minimums pull the figure down
The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 sets minimum rates for clinical psychologists. A clinical psychologist typically holds a masters or doctoral degree, which corresponds to AQF Level 9 under the award. The minimum weekly rate for a Level 9 employee in their 7th year or more is $1,755.00 a week, or about $91,260 a year. That is $17,092 below the national full-time average. For a 1st-year Level 9, the minimum is $1,444.90 a week ($75,135 a year). These are minimums, not typical salaries, but they show the floor. Many clinical psychologists earn above the award, especially in private practice or public hospitals.
State averages shift the line
The national average hides big state differences. The Australian Capital Territory has the highest full-time average at $2,290.20 a week ($119,090 a year). Western Australia is next at $2,227.40 ($115,825). New South Wales is $2,108.80 ($109,658). Victoria $2,041.10 ($106,137). Queensland $2,039.70 ($106,064). South Australia $1,970.20 ($102,450). Tasmania the lowest at $1,846.30 ($96,008). Northern Territory $1,984.10 ($103,173). A clinical psychologist in the ACT could earn above the national line, while one in Tasmania may fall below.
How the figures are set
The national full-time average is from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, published twice a year for May and November. The median is from the ABS Employee Earnings survey, August 2025. The award rates are from Fair Work, updated 1 October 2026. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 an hour, $1,004.90 a week, $52,255 a year on 38 hours. Award minimums rose 4.75% from 1 July 2026.
Place a salary on the line
If you want to see where a clinical psychologist salary sits against the national line, you can Place a salary on the line on this site. You can also compare States and territories or browse Job medians for other occupations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a clinical psychologist? The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 a week ($108,352 a year). The median full-time earnings for clinical psychologists (within Psychologists and Psychotherapists) are $2,204 a week ($114,608 a year). Award minimums are lower, for example $1,755 a week for a Level 9 7th-year.
How does the award minimum compare to the national line? The award minimum for a clinical psychologist at AQF Level 9 7th year is $1,755 a week, which is $328.70 below the national average of $2,083.70. Earlier years are lower. The award is a minimum, not a typical salary.
Which state pays the most? The Australian Capital Territory has the highest full-time average at $2,290.20 a week ($119,090 a year). Western Australia is second. Tasmania is the lowest at $1,846.30 ($96,008). Clinical psychologists in the ACT may earn above the national line, while those in Tasmania may fall below.