Psychiatrist Salary Australia: How It Compares to the National Line

Psychiatrist salary Australia: where it sits on the index

When you search for a psychiatrist salary Australia, you quickly find that precise national figures are hard to pin down. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median weekly earnings for psychiatrists because the sample is too small to be reliable. Jobs and Skills Australia lists the median as 'N/A' for the same reason. That leaves us relying on state-level data and award information to understand where this profession stands against the national line.

What the award says

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, set by the Fair Work Ombudsman, covers many employed psychiatrists. For a Level 1 health professional at AQF5 – the classification that applies to most psychiatrists – the minimum weekly rate ranges from $1,232.70 for a first-year employee to $1,541.30 after seven years. That annualises to roughly $64,100 to $80,148. But these are bare minimums. In practice, psychiatrists are paid far more through enterprise agreements, special allowances, and private practice arrangements.

What NSW public psychiatrists actually earn

The most detailed public breakdown comes from a 2025 NSW Industrial Relations Commission case, analysed by AAP FactCheck. In 2024, NSW Health employed 428 psychiatrists, but only 280.1 full-time equivalent roles. About half (51.4%) were on the 'Senior Level 1' grade, which carries a total remuneration package of $438,000 – including $354,479 base salary, $40,765 super, $4,756 annual leave loading, and a $38,000 professional development allowance. The other half were on lower grades, with base salaries between $262,376 and $323,777.

When you average across all full-time psychiatrists, the base salary range is $310,468 to $339,877. Adding super, leave loading, and the development allowance brings total remuneration to between $388,337 and $421,523. That’s the best available estimate for a full-time public psychiatrist in Australia’s most populous state.

Where that sits on the Salary Index

The Salary Index compares annual gross earnings to the national line of $108,352 (index 100, based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026). A psychiatrist earning $388,000 has an index of 358; one earning $422,000 has an index of 389. That’s more than three and a half times the average worker. For context, the national minimum wage sits at index 48.2, and the average for health care and social assistance is 97.8. Psychiatrists are in a league of their own among health professionals.

State and industry context

If you’re comparing across states, remember that the index varies by location. New South Wales has an index of 101.2, Victoria 98, and Western Australia 106.9. A psychiatrist’s pay is less sensitive to these state differences because their earnings are so far above the average. The industry index for health care and social assistance is 97.8, but psychiatrists are outliers within that sector.

Tax and super considerations

Superannuation is 12% from July 2026, and the maximum contribution base is $270,830. For a psychiatrist earning $400,000, the employer’s super contribution would be capped at $32,500 (12% of $270,830), not the full 12% of their salary. On the tax side, the 2026–27 resident rates apply: income above $190,000 is taxed at 45% plus the 2% Medicare levy. A psychiatrist on $400,000 would pay roughly $162,000 in tax and Medicare levy, leaving about $238,000 after tax – still well above the national line.

Why the national figure is uncertain

It’s important to be honest about the gaps. The ABS doesn’t publish psychiatrist earnings because the survey sample is too small. Jobs and Skills Australia notes that median weekly earnings are 'not available' for the same reason. The NSW data is the most robust public source, but it covers only one state and only public hospital staff. Psychiatrists in private practice, or in other states, may earn more or less. The Salary Index relies on the best available public data, and for this occupation we have to flag the uncertainty.

The bottom line

A psychiatrist salary Australia is among the highest of any occupation. Based on the NSW public sector evidence, the index sits between 358 and 389 – meaning a psychiatrist earns roughly 3.6 to 3.9 times the average full-time worker. That’s consistent with the high training requirements, specialist skills, and demand for mental health services. If you’re comparing roles across industries, you might also look at pay guides for other health professionals or state comparisons to see how location affects earnings.

Frequently asked questions about psychiatrist pay

What is the average psychiatrist salary in Australia?

There is no single published national average. The most reliable public data comes from NSW Health, where full-time public psychiatrists earn a base salary between $310,000 and $340,000, with total remuneration (including super and allowances) between $388,000 and $422,000. Private practice earnings can be higher, but no comprehensive national figure is available.

How does a psychiatrist salary compare to the national line on the Salary Index?

The national line (index 100) is $108,352 per year. Using the NSW total remuneration range of $388,000–$422,000, the index sits between 358 and 389. This means psychiatrists earn roughly 3.6 to 3.9 times the average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings.

What is the minimum award rate for a psychiatrist?

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a Level 1 psychiatrist (AQF5) with 7+ years’ experience earns a minimum of $1,541.30 per week, or about $80,148 per year. However, actual psychiatrist salaries far exceed these award minima due to specialist allowances and enterprise agreements.

---

For more on how the index works, see how the index works. Explore related topics or browse industries to compare other occupations.