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

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, a clinical psychologist with an AQF Level 9 qualification (pay point 1) has a minimum hourly rate of $37.76 as of the current award rates. This rate is higher than the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour. Experienced clinical psychologists may be entitled to higher pay points, such as Level 9 pay point 2 ($39.10) or pay point 3 ($39.42).

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

Casual employees under the award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a clinical psychologist at Level 9 pay point 1, the casual rate would be $37.76 × 1.25 = $47.20 per hour. This loading compensates for entitlements like paid leave that casuals do not receive. The calculator on this site allows you to check the casual loading box to see the effect.

How is superannuation calculated for a clinical psychologist?

Superannuation is paid on top of the ordinary earnings at the super guarantee rate of 12% (from 1 July 2026). For a clinical psychologist earning $74,606 per year, the employer would contribute an additional $8,953 in super, subject to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is not deducted from the employee's salary; it is an extra benefit.

Clinical Psychologist Salary: Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

A clinical psychologist at AQF Level 9 under the Health Professionals Award earns a minimum of $37.76 per hour, or about $74,606 per year based on 38 hours per week for 52 weeks.

Clinical Psychologist Salary Under the Award

If you are a clinical psychologist or considering the profession, understanding your minimum pay is essential. Clinical psychologists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), which sets minimum hourly rates based on qualifications and experience. This article compares a clinical psychologist salary to the National Minimum Wage and explains how to calculate annual, fortnightly, and take-home pay.

Minimum Hourly Rate for a Clinical Psychologist

Under the award, a clinical psychologist typically holds an AQF Level 9 qualification (e.g., a master’s or doctoral degree). The minimum hourly rate for a Level 9 employee at pay point 1 is $37.76 per hour. More experienced clinicians can earn up to $39.42 per hour at Level 9 pay point 3. These rates are significantly higher than the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026), which applies only to employees not covered by an award or enterprise agreement.

How to Calculate Annual Pay from an Hourly Rate

The standard formula for annual gross pay is:

hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

For a full-time clinical psychologist working 38 ordinary hours per week (as per the award), the calculation is:

$37.76 × 38 × 52 = $74,605.76 per year

This assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. The fortnightly equivalent is $37.76 × 76 hours = $2,869.76 per fortnight.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the floor for all employees not covered by an award. From 1 July 2026, the NMW is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Casual employees under the NMW receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour.

Award rates, such as those for clinical psychologists, are higher. The award also includes specific provisions for overtime, penalties, and allowances. For example, overtime on Monday to Saturday is paid at 150% for the first 2 hours and 200% thereafter for full-time employees; casual overtime rates are 187.5% and 250% respectively.

Casual Loading for Clinical Psychologists

If you work as a casual clinical psychologist, you are entitled to a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. This loading is paid instead of entitlements such as annual leave, personal leave, and public holidays. For a Level 9 pay point 1 clinical psychologist, the casual rate is:

$37.76 × 1.25 = $47.20 per hour

When using the timesheet, you can check the casual loading box to automatically add the 25% on top of the base rate. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Employers must contribute superannuation at the super guarantee rate of 12% (from 1 July 2026) of ordinary earnings. This is paid on top of your salary, not deducted from it. For a clinical psychologist earning $74,606 per year, the employer would add approximately $8,953 in super, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is an important part of your total remuneration package.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates (tax-free threshold up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; plus the 2% Medicare levy), a clinical psychologist earning $74,606 would pay an estimated $14,394 in tax and Medicare, leaving a take-home pay of about $60,212 per year. This is an estimate only; individual circumstances such as HELP debts or the Medicare levy surcharge may change the outcome. For a detailed breakdown, see the take-home pay topic.

Comparing with Average Earnings

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2026), full-time adult ordinary time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year. A clinical psychologist at the award minimum earns less than this average, but many clinicians with experience or in private practice earn above the award rate. The award provides a safety net, but actual clinical psychologist salaries can vary widely.

Using the Calculator

To convert your own hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, or weekly figures, use the timesheet. It applies the formula hourly × hours per week × 52, with options for casual loading and super. For more on award pay guides, visit the pay guides page.

Summary

A clinical psychologist salary under the Health Professionals Award starts at $37.76 per hour, or about $74,606 per year for a full-time employee working 38 hours per week. This is well above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour. Casual loading adds 25%, and super is paid on top at 12%. Understanding these components helps you negotiate and plan your finances.