Psychologist Pay Rate QLD 2026-27
Psychologists in Queensland earn at least $38.02/hr (Level 1 (Year 1)), $47.53/hr casual — about $1,445 a week full-time — under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Rates from 1 October 2026.
Psychologist — Minimum Pay Rate (QLD)
Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027)
$38.02
Base rate/hr
$47.53
Casual rate/hr
Psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. They provide therapy, counselling, and psychological assessments in clinical, organisational, and community settings.
Know someone on psychologist pay?
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) | $38.02/hr | $1,444.76 | $75,127.52 |
| Part-time (adult) | $38.02/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $47.53/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 October 2026 under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Psychologist
Saturday
$57.03/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$57.03/hr
1.5x base
Public Holiday
$95.05/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 (Year 1) ($38.02/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (Year 1) | Registered psychologist (AQF 9), 1st year | $38.02 | $47.53 | $75,127.52 |
| Level 1 (Years 2–3) | Psychologist, 2nd–3rd year of experience | $40.66 | $50.82 | $80,344.16 |
| Level 1 (Years 4–6) | Psychologist, 4th–6th year of experience | $43.67 | $54.59 | $86,291.92 |
| Level 1 (Year 7+) | Psychologist, 7th year of experience and beyond | $46.18 | $57.73 | $91,251.68 |
| Level 2.1 | Senior clinician / specialist / supervisor / educator | $51.19 | $63.99 | $101,151.44 |
| Level 3 | Advanced clinician / section manager (appointed) | $52.19 | $65.24 | $103,127.44 |
| Level 4 | Manager (appointed) | $65.77 | $82.21 | $129,961.52 |
The Health Professionals Award's health professional classifications were restructured from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 October 2026 (FWC determination PR814029). Psychologists are an AQF Level 9 profession under Schedule B, so Level 1 pay now depends on your years of experience in the profession; Level 2.1 and above are for senior clinician, specialist, supervisor, educator and appointed management roles. Psychologists previously on Level 2 were translated to Level 1, and anyone whose minimum rate on 30 September 2026 was higher keeps the higher rate (clause J.4.3).
View full Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Psychologist?
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.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
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More on the Health Professionals Award
Health Professionals Award (MA000027) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in health
- St Giles Allied Health Enterprise Agreement 2026
- North West Support Services Inc. Enterprise Agreement 2023
- Application for approval of the Karuna Hospice Services Nurses Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Housing for the Aged Action Group Inc. Agreement 2026
- The Mary Ogilvy Homes Society Nursing & General Staff Agreement 2026
- Nurses (Mercy Palliative Care Ltd) Enterprise Agreement 2024-2028
Recently approved agreements from the Fair Work Commission register in this industry. Check the agreement itself for the award it sits on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a psychologist get paid per hour in Queensland?
The minimum hourly rate for a psychologist in Queensland is $38.02/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $47.53/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 (Year 1) adult rate under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), effective from 1 October 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a psychologist?
The minimum wage for a psychologist is $38.02 per hour ($1,444.76 per week for a 38-hour week, or $75,127.52 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 ($57.03/hr) and 1.5x on Sundays ($57.03/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($95.05/hr).
What is the casual rate for a psychologist?
The casual rate for a psychologist is $47.53/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $38.02/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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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
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