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

From 1 July 2026, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award sets minimum hourly rates for psychologists. For Level 1 (entry) it is $26.97 per hour, for Level 2 $28.03, and for Level 9 (senior) up to $39.42 per hour. These rates are for full-time employees working 38 ordinary hours per week.

How do I calculate my annual psychology salary from an hourly rate?

Multiply your hourly rate by 38 hours per week, then by 52 weeks. For example, a Level 1 psychologist at $26.97 per hour earns $26.97 × 38 × 52 = $53,292.72 per year before tax and super. If you are casual, add 25% loading, making the effective hourly rate $33.71, giving $66,615.90 annually.

Does the psychology salary include superannuation?

No, superannuation is paid on top of your base salary. Under the Superannuation Guarantee, your employer must contribute 12% of your ordinary earnings to a super fund. For a Level 1 psychologist earning $53,292.72, that adds about $6,395.13 in super, but this is not part of your take-home pay.

How to Calculate Your Psychology Salary from an Hourly Rate

For a psychologist covered by the Health Professionals Award, the minimum hourly rate ranges from $26.97 (Level 1) to $39.42 (Level 9), leading to annual gross pay between $53,293 and $77,894 based on a 38-hour week.

Understanding Your Psychology Salary

Whether you are a new graduate or an experienced practitioner, knowing how your hourly rate translates into annual, fortnightly, and weekly pay is essential. This guide uses the latest Fair Work Commission and Fair Work Ombudsman data to help you calculate your psychology salary accurately.

The 38-Hour Week and Annual Calculation

Most full-time employees in Australia work 38 ordinary hours per week, as defined by the National Employment Standards. To convert an hourly rate to annual gross pay, use the formula:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For example, if your hourly rate is $30.00:

Weekly: $30.00 × 38 = $1,140.00
Fortnightly: $1,140.00 × 2 = $2,280.00
Annual: $30.00 × 38 × 52 = $59,280.00

This assumes you work the same hours every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For part-time or casual roles, adjust the weekly hours accordingly.

Award Rates for Psychologists

Psychologists are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. From 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rates for full-time employees are:

Classification	Minimum hourly rate
Level 1	$26.97
Level 2	$28.03
Level 3	$29.11
Level 4	$29.45
Level 5	$30.45
Level 6	$32.09
Level 7	$32.67
Level 8 – Pay Point 1	$33.78
Level 8 – Pay Point 2	$34.66
Level 8 – Pay Point 3	$37.10
Level 9 – Pay Point 1	$37.76
Level 9 – Pay Point 2	$39.10
Level 9 – Pay Point 3	$39.42

These rates are set by the Fair Work Ombudsman and apply to award-covered employees. If you are not covered by an award, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) applies.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

If you work as a casual psychologist, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a Level 1 casual, the effective rate becomes $26.97 × 1.25 = $33.71 per hour. This loading compensates for entitlements like paid leave that casuals do not receive.

Superannuation is paid on top of your base salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a Level 1 full-time psychologist earning $53,292.72 annually, the employer must contribute an additional $6,395.13 to your super fund. This amount is not included in your take-home pay.

For more details on casual rates, see our casual loading page.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Your take-home pay depends on your total taxable income and the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

$0 – $18,200: Nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% for each $1 over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30% for each $1 over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37% for each $1 over $135,000
$190,001+: $51,420 plus 45% for each $1 over $190,000

Plus a Medicare levy of 2% (with possible reductions for low-income earners). For a Level 1 psychologist earning $53,292.72, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be approximately $9,500, leaving a net annual income of about $43,800.

Use our take-home pay tool for a personalised estimate.

Using the Timesheet

Our timesheet lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add a 25% casual loading. It then calculates your weekly, fortnightly, and annual gross pay, plus estimated super and tax. Remember: the timesheet assumes a 38-hour week and does not account for overtime, penalties, or salary sacrifice.

For a full breakdown of award rates, visit our reference tables or pay guides.

Key Points to Remember

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, but most psychologists earn award rates starting at $26.97.
Annual pay = hourly rate × 38 × 52.
Casual loading adds 25% to the base rate.
Super is 12% on top of ordinary earnings.
Tax is calculated using the 2026–27 resident scale plus Medicare.

Understanding your psychology salary helps you negotiate better and plan your finances. Always check your specific award or enterprise agreement for exact rates.