Child psychologist salary: awards, pay scales and how they compare to the national minimum wage
What a child psychologist earns in Australia depends on the award or agreement. Compare school psychologist salaries, median industry pay and the national minimum wage.
A child psychologist's salary varies widely; the median full-time psychologist earns about $2,204 per week (index ~106), while a NSW school psychologist starts at $104,156 per year (index ~96) under the Crown Employees Award.
What does a child psychologist earn in Australia?
A child psychologist’s salary depends on where they work, who employs them, and what award or agreement applies. Unlike a single occupation title, “child psychologist” covers roles in schools, public health services, private practice, and non‑government organisations. Each setting has its own pay structure, but all must meet at least the national minimum wage or the relevant modern award rate.
To make sense of the numbers, the Salary Index benchmarks gross annual earnings against the national line of full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings. That line is $108,352 per year (index 100). Anything above that means the role pays more than the typical full‑time worker; below means less.
Awards and the national minimum wage
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $52,255 per year (index 48.2). That is the legal floor for all employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. Most child psychologists, however, are covered by professional awards that set much higher minimum rates.
For example, the Crown Employees (School Psychologists – Department of Education) Salaries Award 2024 in New South Wales sets clear salary scales. A School Psychologist at the lowest classification (SP1) earns $98,177 from October 2024, rising to $104,156 from October 2026. That is an index of about 96 – slightly below the national line but still double the national minimum wage. At the top of the school psychologist scale, a Senior Psychologist Education earns $179,255 from October 2026, an index of about 165.
These award rates are minimums. Many school psychologists progress through the SP1–SP5 levels based on experience and registration. The award also includes salary packaging options, which can boost take‑home pay by reducing taxable income.
How the median psychologist compares
The Australian Bureau of Statistics, via Jobs and Skills Australia, reports that the median full‑time weekly earnings for all psychologists and psychotherapists is $2,204. That works out to about $114,608 per year (index ~106). The median hourly rate is $60. These figures cover all specialisations, not just child psychology, but they give a useful benchmark.
Importantly, only 50% of psychologists work full‑time, compared to 69% across all occupations. Part‑time work is common, especially among the 82% female workforce. That affects annual earnings even if hourly rates are strong.
Child psychologists in community health
Child psychologists employed by community health organisations or non‑profits may fall under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award or the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award. The Fair Work Ombudsman updated pay rates for the Health Services Award from 1 October 2026, with further changes from October 2027. These awards have multiple classification levels, and rates vary by experience and qualification.
Because these awards are complex, it is best to check the specific pay guides for the award that applies to your role or employer. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes current pay guides with all minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates.
State and industry context
Where you work also matters. The states page shows that the national line varies by state. For example, the NSW index is 101.2 (annualised $109,658), while the ACT index is 109.9 ($119,090). A child psychologist in Canberra might expect higher average pay than one in Tasmania, where the index is 88.6 ($96,008).
By industry, health care and social assistance has an index of 97.8, slightly below the national line. Education and training sits at 105.5. School psychologists fall under education, which may explain why NSW school psychologist salaries are close to the national line.
Take‑home pay and tax
Gross salary is only part of the picture. For a resident earning $104,156 (the SP1 rate from 2026), the estimated tax (2026–27 rates, excluding Medicare) would be about $24,467, plus a 2% Medicare levy of $2,083. That leaves a take‑home of roughly $77,606. Salary sacrificing, such as the option available to NSW school psychologists, can reduce taxable income further.
The bottom line
A child psychologist’s salary is not a single number. It ranges from around $104,000 for a new school psychologist in NSW to well over $179,000 for a senior practitioner. The median for all psychologists sits at about $114,600. All of these figures are well above the national minimum wage, reflecting the professional training and registration required.
To see where any salary sits against the national line, use the Salary Index. It converts gross annual earnings into an index number, making comparisons straightforward across roles, states, and industries.
Questions people ask
What is the average child psychologist salary in Australia?
There is no single average for child psychologists specifically. The median full-time weekly earnings for all psychologists and psychotherapists is $2,204 (about $114,600 per year), according to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025). However, child psychologists working in schools under the NSW Crown Employees Award earn between $104,156 and $179,255 per year depending on classification and experience.
How does a child psychologist's salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $52,255 per year (index 48.2). Even the lowest full-time child psychologist role under a professional award pays well above this. For example, a NSW school psychologist at SP1 earns $104,156 per year (index ~96), roughly double the national minimum wage. Senior roles can exceed $179,000, more than three times the minimum.
Which award covers child psychologists in Australia?
It depends on the employer. School psychologists in NSW are covered by the Crown Employees (School Psychologists – Department of Education) Salaries Award. In community health or private practice, child psychologists may be covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award or the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for each award.