What is the minimum hourly rate for a clinical psychologist under the Health Professionals Award?

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a clinical psychologist is typically classified as a Health Professional employee. At Level 1 with AQF Level 9 (e.g., Master’s or Doctorate), the minimum hourly rate ranges from $38.02 (1st year) to $46.18 (7th year+). At Level 2, the rate is $51.19 per hour. These rates are set by the Fair Work Ombudsman and apply to full-time and part-time employees.

How do I convert my hourly rate to an annual salary for a clinical psychologist role?

Multiply your hourly rate by 38 hours per week (the standard full-time week under the award) and then by 52 weeks. For example, $46.18 × 38 × 52 = $91,236 per year. This assumes no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of this amount, up to the maximum contribution base.

Does the clinical psychologist salary include casual loading and super?

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate, as per the award. Superannuation is paid on ordinary earnings at 12% (from 1 July 2026) and is not included in the hourly rate—it is paid on top. The [casual loading](/topics/casual-loading) page explains how to calculate it.

Clinical Psychologist Salary Australia: Award Rates, Hourly to Annual Conversion

A clinical psychologist at Health Professional Level 1 AQF 9 (7th year+) earns $46.18 per hour, or $91,236 annually for a 38-hour week, before tax and super.

Understanding the Clinical Psychologist Salary Australia

When researching a clinical psychologist salary Australia, the most reliable source is the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 from the Fair Work Ombudsman. This award sets minimum pay rates for health professionals, including clinical psychologists, based on qualifications and experience. Unlike recruiter surveys, award rates are legally enforceable and updated annually.

Hourly to Annual Conversion: The 38-Hour Week

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the formula:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks = annual gross pay

For full-time employees under the award, ordinary hours are 38 per week (or an average of 38 over a fortnight or four-week period). This is the standard assumption for all conversions on this site. For example, a clinical psychologist at Level 1 AQF 9 (7th year+) earns $46.18 per hour. Their annual salary is:

$46.18 × 38 × 52 = $91,236

If you prefer to think in fortnights, that’s $46.18 × 76 hours per fortnight = $3,509.68 gross per fortnight. The the timesheet calculator lets you enter your hourly rate and see annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures instantly.

Award Rates for Clinical Psychologists

The award classifies clinical psychologists under Health Professional employee levels. Most clinical psychologists hold a Master’s or Doctorate (AQF Level 9 or higher). Here are the minimum hourly rates from the award:

Level 1, AQF 9 (1st year): $38.02/hour → $75,119 annually
Level 1, AQF 9 (2nd–3rd year): $40.66/hour → $80,344 annually
Level 1, AQF 9 (4th–6th year): $43.67/hour → $86,282 annually
Level 1, AQF 9 (7th year+): $46.18/hour → $91,236 annually
Level 2 (experienced): $51.19/hour → $101,151 annually
Level 3 (senior): $52.19/hour → $103,128 annually
Level 4 (managerial): $65.77/hour → $129,961 annually

These rates are from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s award. Actual pay may be higher through enterprise agreements or individual contracts.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

If you work as a casual clinical psychologist, you receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For example, a Level 1 AQF 9 (7th year+) casual earns $46.18 × 1.25 = $57.73 per hour. The casual loading page explains how to add this correctly—never enter a rate that already includes loading into the calculator.

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings at 12% (from 1 July 2026), up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a full-time clinical psychologist earning $91,236, super adds $10,948 per year. The super and packaging page has more details.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

Tax-free threshold: $0–$18,200
15%: $18,201–$45,000
30%: $45,001–$135,000
37%: $135,001–$190,000
45%: above $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (single reduction thresholds not confirmed for 2026–27, so 2025–26 thresholds apply). For a $91,236 salary, estimated tax is about $19,267 and Medicare $1,825, leaving a take-home of $70,144. The take-home pay page provides more estimates.

Comparing with National Minimum Wage and Average Earnings

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). A clinical psychologist’s award rate is significantly higher. For context, the ABS Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026) for full-time adult ordinary time is $2,083.70 per week ($54.83 per hour). A Level 2 clinical psychologist at $51.19 is close to that average.

Important Notes

This conversion assumes a consistent 38-hour week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

For more award rates and pay guides, visit the pay guides page. For a full list of classifications, see the reference tables.