How do I convert a neuropsychologist hourly rate to annual salary?

Multiply the hourly rate by the number of ordinary hours per week (usually 38) and then by 52 weeks. For example, $40.66/hour × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $80,344.16 per year. This assumes no overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of this gross amount.

Does the casual loading apply to neuropsychologists?

Yes, if a neuropsychologist is employed as a casual under the award, they receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, a Level 1 AQF Level 9 1st-year casual would earn $38.02 + 25% = $47.53 per hour. This loading compensates for entitlements like paid leave that casuals do not receive.

Neuropsychologist Salary: Award Rates, Annual Pay, and Tax Guide

Q: What is the minimum hourly rate for a neuropsychologist under the Health Professionals Award?

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a neuropsychologist is typically a Health Professional employee. For Level 1 with AQF Level 9 (e.g., Masters or Doctorate), the minimum hourly rates are: 1st year $38.02, 2nd–3rd year $40.66, 4th–6th year $43.67, and 7th year+ $46.18. Higher classifications (Level 2 and above) may apply for senior roles, with rates up to $65.77 per hour.

A neuropsychologist classified at Health Professional Level 1 with AQF Level 9 earns between $38.02 and $46.18 per hour under the award, based on experience, assuming 38 ordinary hours per week.

Understanding the Neuropsychologist Salary Under Australian Awards

If you are looking up a neuropsychologist salary, you are likely trying to work out how the award rates translate into annual, fortnightly, or take-home pay. Neuropsychologists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets minimum wages for health professionals including psychologists with specialised qualifications. This guide uses the latest Fair Work Ombudsman figures to show you exactly how to convert your hourly rate to annual pay, what casual loading means, and how tax and super affect your pocket.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

Before diving into the neuropsychologist salary, it helps to understand the difference between the National Minimum Wage and an award rate. From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour for a 38‑hour week, or $1004.90 per week. This is the legal floor for award‑free employees. However, most neuropsychologists are covered by the Health Professionals Award, which sets much higher minimums. For example, a Level 1 Health Professional with AQF Level 9 (the typical qualification for a neuropsychologist) starts at $38.02 per hour – nearly 44% above the national minimum. The award also provides for higher classifications, overtime, and penalty rates that the National Minimum Wage does not.

Neuropsychologist Salary Under the Award

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027] published by the Fair Work Ombudsman includes specific pay tables for Health Professional employees. A neuropsychologist would generally be classified at Level 1 with an AQF Level 9 qualification (Masters or Doctorate). The minimum hourly rates are:

1st year: $38.02
2nd–3rd year: $40.66
4th–6th year: $43.67
7th year+: $46.18

For more experienced or senior neuropsychologists, the award provides Level 2 classifications, with rates from $51.19 to $65.77 per hour. These figures are the minimum; actual salaries may be higher depending on the employer, location, and enterprise agreements. You can check the full classification tables in our reference tables for a complete list.

Converting Hourly to Annual Pay

To estimate your annual gross pay, use the formula:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52

We assume 38 ordinary hours per week (the standard full‑time week under the award). For a neuropsychologist on $40.66 per hour (2nd–3rd year):

$40.66 × 38 × 52 = $80,344.16 per year

If you work part‑time, adjust the weekly hours accordingly. The the timesheet on this site lets you enter your base hourly rate and see the annual, fortnightly, and weekly equivalents instantly. Remember, this calculation assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross, simply double the weekly amount. Using the same example:

Weekly: $40.66 × 38 = $1,545.08 Fortnightly: $1,545.08 × 2 = $3,090.16

Fortnightly pay is common in health settings, and knowing this figure helps with budgeting and comparing job offers.

Casual Loading for Neuropsychologists

If you are employed as a casual neuropsychologist, the award requires a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. This loading is paid instead of entitlements like annual leave, sick leave, and public holiday pay. For example, a casual neuropsychologist at Level 1 AQF Level 9 1st year would receive:

$38.02 + 25% = $47.53 per hour

When using our the timesheet, you can check the “casual loading” box to add 25% to your base rate. Do not enter a rate that already includes the loading – the tool calculates it for you. For more details on how casual loading works, see our casual loading topic.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Under the Superannuation Guarantee, your employer must pay 12% of your ordinary time earnings into a super fund, on top of your gross salary. This is not deducted from your pay – it is an additional contribution. For the neuropsychologist earning $80,344 per year, the super contribution would be:

$80,344 × 12% = $9,641.28 per year

However, super is only paid on earnings up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 (2026–27). If your annual salary exceeds that, super stops at the cap. Learn more about super and packaging.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Your gross annual pay is subject to income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: Nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15c for each $1 over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 + 30c for each $1 over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 + 37c for each $1 over $135,000
$190,001+: $51,402 + 45c for each $1 over $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (using the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as the 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed). For a gross salary of $80,344, the estimated tax would be approximately $15,529 plus Medicare $1,607, giving a take-home of about $63,208 per year. This is an estimate – your actual tax may vary with deductions, HELP repayments, or the Medicare levy surcharge. Use our take-home pay guide for a more detailed breakdown.

Comparing with Average Earnings

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2026), full‑time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year). A neuropsychologist on the award rate of $40.66/hour ($80,344/year) is below this average, but senior neuropsychologists on Level 2 rates ($51.19–$65.77/hour) can earn $101,000–$130,000 per year, matching or exceeding the national average. For more context, see our average pay page.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your neuropsychologist salary means knowing the award classification, the correct hourly rate, and how to convert it to annual, fortnightly, and take-home figures. Always check the latest Fair Work Ombudsman award rates, as they are updated after each Annual Wage Review. Use our the timesheet to run your own calculations, and remember that super is paid on top, casual loading adds 25%, and tax is progressive. This guide gives you the tools to compare job offers and plan your finances with confidence.