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

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a child psychologist is typically classified as a Health Professional. Minimum rates vary by level: Level 6 is $32.09 per hour, Level 7 is $32.67, and Level 8 starts at $33.78. These rates apply to full-time employees working 38 ordinary hours per week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of these rates.

How does casual loading affect a child psychologist's pay?

Casual employees under the Health Professionals Award are paid the minimum hourly rate plus a 25% casual loading. For a Level 6 child psychologist, the casual rate is $32.09 × 1.25 = $40.11 per hour. This loading compensates for entitlements casuals do not receive, such as paid leave. The loading is applied on top of the base rate, not included in it.

What is the estimated take-home pay for a child psychologist after tax and super?

For a full-time child psychologist earning the Level 6 rate of $32.09/hour (annual $63,420), the estimated take-home pay after 2026–27 tax (including Medicare levy) is about $49,300 per year, or $1,896 per fortnight. Superannuation of 12% ($7,610) is paid on top by the employer, not deducted from the salary. These figures assume no overtime, penalties, or salary sacrifice.

Child Psychologist Salary in Australia: Award Rates, Tax, and Super Guide

A child psychologist covered by the Health Professionals Award at Level 6 earns a minimum of $32.09 per hour (38-hour week), equating to $63,420 annually before tax and super.

Child Psychologist Salary: Understanding Award Rates and Your Pay

If you are researching a child psychologist salary in Australia, the starting point is the relevant award. Most child psychologists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets minimum pay rates for health professionals including psychologists. The award classifies employees into levels based on qualifications and experience. For example, a Level 6 Health Professional (often a psychologist with several years of experience) has a minimum hourly rate of $32.09 as of July 2026. A Level 7 rate is $32.67 per hour, and Level 8 starts at $33.78. These rates apply to full-time employees working 38 ordinary hours per week.

How to Convert Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

To estimate an annual child psychologist salary, use the standard formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. We assume a full-time load of 38 hours per week, which is the ordinary hours under the award. For a Level 6 child psychologist at $32.09/hour, the calculation is:

Weekly: $32.09 × 38 = $1,219.42
Fortnightly: $1,219.42 × 2 = $2,438.84
Annual: $1,219.42 × 52 = $63,409.84 (rounded to $63,410)

This is the minimum annual salary before tax and super. Many child psychologists earn above the award rate, especially in private practice or with specialist qualifications. The reference tables on this site provide further classification details.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

It is important to distinguish the National Minimum Wage from award rates. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, or $1,004.90 per week. This applies to award/agreement-free employees. However, child psychologists are almost always covered by the Health Professionals Award, which sets higher minimums. The award also includes a 25% casual loading for casual employees, bringing the casual rate for a Level 6 child psychologist to $40.11 per hour.

Tax and Superannuation on a Child Psychologist Salary

When estimating take-home pay, you need to account for tax and super. The Australian Taxation Office 2026–27 resident tax rates are:

$0–$18,200: nil
$18,201–$45,000: 15% on excess over $18,200
$45,001–$135,000: 30% on excess over $45,000
$135,001–$190,000: 37% on excess over $135,000
Above $190,000: 45%

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (with reductions for low-income earners). For a $63,410 annual salary, the estimated tax and Medicare is around $14,100, leaving take-home pay of about $49,300 per year or $1,896 per fortnight. Use the take-home pay tool for a personalised estimate.

Superannuation is paid on top of your salary by your employer. The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a $63,410 salary, super is $7,609.20 per year. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional contribution to your super fund. Learn more about super and packaging.

Casual Loading and Other Considerations

If you work as a casual child psychologist, you receive a 25% loading on the base hourly rate. For Level 6, that is $32.09 + 25% = $40.11 per hour. The loading compensates for not receiving paid leave, public holidays, or other entitlements. The casual loading page explains how to calculate it correctly. Never enter a rate that already includes loading into the calculator; always use the base rate and tick the casual checkbox.

Comparing with Average Earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026 (about $108,352 annually). A child psychologist at the award minimum earns less than this average, but experienced psychologists or those in senior roles (Level 8 or 9) can earn closer to or above the average. For example, a Level 9 Health Professional (pay point 3) earns $39.42 per hour, or $77,869 annually. The average pay page provides more context.

Using the Timesheet Calculator

To quickly convert any hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, or weekly figures, use the timesheet on this site. Enter your base hourly rate (without casual loading) and select the casual checkbox if applicable. The calculator applies the 38-hour week, tax, and super automatically. Remember that the results are estimates; your actual pay may vary due to overtime, penalties, allowances, or salary sacrifice.

Summary

A child psychologist salary under the Health Professionals Award starts at around $63,410 per year for a Level 6 full-time employee. With casual loading, the hourly rate rises to $40.11. After tax and Medicare, take-home pay is approximately $49,300, with super of $7,610 paid on top. Always check the latest award rates from the Fair Work Ombudsman and consult a tax professional for your specific situation.