Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027)
$33.42
Base rate/hr
$41.78
Casual rate/hr
Psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. They provide therapy, counselling, and psychological assessments in clinical, organisational, and community settings.
Queensland Note
Queensland workers are entitled to state-specific public holidays including Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in Brisbane.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Psychologist
Employment Type
Hourly Rate
Weekly (38hrs)
Annual
Full-time (adult)
$33.42/hr
$1,269.96
$66,037.92
Part-time (adult)
$33.42/hr
Pro-rata
Pro-rata
Casual (incl. 25% loading)
$41.78/hr
Varies
Varies
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Psychologist
Saturday
$50.13/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$66.84/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$83.55/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($33.42/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020
Psychologists working in community health or as employees of group practices may be underpaid, particularly when expected to complete clinical notes and admin outside of paid hours.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
How much does a psychologist get paid per hour in Queensland?
The minimum hourly rate for a psychologist in Queensland is $33.42/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $41.78/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a psychologist?
The minimum wage for a psychologist is $33.42 per hour ($1,269.96 per week for a 38-hour week, or $66,037.92 per year). This is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers psychologists?
Psychologists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do psychologists get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, psychologists receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($50.13/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($66.84/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($83.55/hr).
What is the casual rate for a psychologist?
The casual rate for a psychologist is $41.78/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $33.42/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old psychologist get paid?
Psychologists require postgraduate qualifications and registration. Junior rates do not apply. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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