Forensic psychologist salary and the national full-time average
Forensic psychologists apply psychological principles within the legal and criminal justice systems. Their salaries are not separately published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, but the role falls under the broad occupation group of Professionals. Understanding where this pay sits against the national full-time average helps you gauge earning potential.
What the ABS data shows
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026 reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 – about $108,352 a year (multiplied by 52). This is the benchmark used on this site. For the broader Professional category, the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, August 2025 recorded average weekly total cash earnings of $2,049.60 for all employees in that group, and a median of about $1,674 per week for full-time males and $1,758 for full-time females.
Forensic psychologists often work in public hospitals, correctional services, or private practice. Those in the public sector may be covered by awards or enterprise agreements, while private practitioners set their own rates. The ABS does not break out forensic psychology separately, so precise figures are not available from official sources.
Comparing to the full-time line
The site's line is the national full-time average of $108,352 per year. A forensic psychologist salary typically falls within the professional range, meaning it is likely close to or above this line for experienced practitioners. Entry-level roles may start below, while senior consultants or those in private practice can earn significantly more. The full-time median for all employees is about $90,532 per year, so forensic psychologists generally earn above the median.
State and territory variations
Full-time average weekly ordinary time earnings vary by state (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026):
- New South Wales: $2,108.80 per week (~$109,658 per year)
- Victoria: $2,041.10 (~$106,137)
- Queensland: $2,039.70 (~$106,064)
- South Australia: $1,970.20 (~$102,450)
- Western Australia: $2,227.40 (~$115,825)
- Tasmania: $1,846.30 (~$96,008)
- Northern Territory: $1,984.10 (~$103,173)
- Australian Capital Territory: $2,290.20 (~$119,090)
Forensic psychologist salaries may reflect these regional differences, with higher pay in WA and the ACT, and lower in Tasmania. Public sector roles often follow state-based awards.
Minimum wage context
From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week (Fair Work). Award minimums rose by 4.75%. Forensic psychologists are unlikely to be paid at the minimum wage; they are professionals and typically earn well above this floor.
Tax on a forensic psychologist salary
For the 2026–27 income year, 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
- 45% above $190,000
Plus a 2% Medicare levy (with possible reductions for low income). A forensic psychologist earning around $108,000 would be in the 30% marginal bracket, resulting in an effective tax rate of about 24% including Medicare, leaving roughly $82,000 after tax.
Where to find more
- Place a salary on the line to see how any role compares to the national average.
- Job medians for median earnings by occupation.
- Guides for detailed breakdowns of pay in psychology and related fields.
Summary
While the ABS does not publish a specific forensic psychologist salary, the role sits within the professional category where average earnings align closely with the national full-time average of $108,352 per year. Actual pay depends on sector, experience, and location. Use the tools on this site to compare any salary against the line.