Thinking about your future? Psychology is one of Australia’s fastest-growing careers, with opportunities everywhere from schools to hospitals to sports. It’s meaningful work, it’s flexible, and with average salaries over $100k, it’s a career that grows with you.
Let’s break down what you can expect working as a psychologist in Australia, from where demand is highest to salaries across different states and territories.
Psychology: stats at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Average national salary | $105,000 |
| In shortage? | Yes, Australia-wide except NSW |
| Employment growth – last year | +19% |
| Employment growth – last 5 years | +64% |
| Sources: NERO dashboard (Jobs and Skills Australia), Occupation Profiles (Jobs and Skills Australia), Occupation Shortage List (Jobs and Skills Australia), Seek | |
Almost half of Australians (42.9%) experience a mental disorder at some point in their lives, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This demand is overwhelming the system, with rural and regional communities especially vulnerable.
Federal policymakers have responded by committing an extra $91.3 million to fund 500 additional postgraduate psychology places, 500 internships and thousands of supervisor positions to expand the workforce.
Registered psychologist salaries vary by state and demand. To give you an idea of what you could earn after graduating, we’ve compiled average salaries using data from Seek across every Australian state and territory. Keep in mind that salaries vary a lot depending on your experience level, location, and expertise (e.g. registered vs clinical psychologists).
Annual salaries range between $105,000 and $115,000 on average for psychologists in Victoria. Demand varies depending on where you are in the state. For example, psychologists in Bairnsdale and Gippsland earn $122,500 on average.
In fact, there’s high demand for psychologists in many regional areas in Victoria including the Latrobe Valley, Shepparton and Goulburn Valley – which is reflected by higher on average pay.
Psychologists in Queensland earn between $100,000 and $120,000 on average, with demand again being higher in regional areas. In Bundaberg and Wide Bay Burnett, for example, psychologists earn an average salary of $119,150.
In New South Wales, psychologists earn between $95,000 and $110,000 on average. Demand is higher than anywhere else in Australia in the Southern Highlands and Tablelands southwest of Sydney, recording salaries of $130,000 on average.
Psychologists working in the Northern Territory earn an annual average salary of between $95,000 and $110,000. Remote areas like Alice Springs and Central Australia offer better pay, with average salaries at $121,143 in the heart of the country.
High demand means psychologists earn more in many parts of Tasmania, with average annual salaries sitting between $95,000 and $115,000. In Hobart, for example, psychologists earn an average of $116,166.
In Western Australia, psychologists earn between $100,000 and $110,000 on average. There's higher demand in the many remote areas found across this large state, from smaller cities like Bunbury in the South West to the Kimberley region up north.
Psychologists based in the ACT earn an average salary of between $100,000 and $115,000. Demand here is consistent with the rest of Australia, but as a smaller, more metropolitan territory, the sector doesn't face that big issue of rural shortages.
| State/territory | Average psychologist salary |
|---|---|
| Victoria | $108,000 |
| Queensland | $107,500 |
| New South Wales | $107,500 |
| Northern Territory | $95,000 |
| South Australia | $97,500 |
| Tasmania | $115,000 |
| Western Australia | $100,000 |
| ACT | $110,000 |
[source: Seek data, September 2025]
Remember: figures sourced from Seek may not capture the complete picture of salary trends as they rely on employer job postings.
Of course, pay is just one part of the picture. Many people choose psychology for reasons beyond the salary – because being a psychologist isn't just a well paying job: it’s a way to change lives.
To start your career in psychology, you:
*This involves completing a five year sequence of study in psychology, followed by a one year (or part-time equivalent) PsyBA-approved supervised internship and successful completion of the National Psychology Exam.
Not all psychologists do the same work. If you're looking to build a career in the industry, it’s important to understand the difference between a registered psychologist and a clinical psychologist.
All clinical psychologists are registered psychologists, but not all registered psychologists are clinical psychologists.
It all comes down to scope of practice and training – clinical psychologists have advanced qualifications to treat more complex mental health issues.
| Registered psychologist | Clinical psychologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment focus | General wellbeing, stress, mild, moderate mental health, lifestyle, learning, relationship issues. | More severe or complex mental health conditions, diagnostically advanced, higher risk and longer term treatment. |
| Work settings | Community, schools, private clinics, general practice, organisational roles. | Hospitals, specialist clinics, clinical services, may involve inpatient or high risk settings. |
| Required postgraduate study | Master of Professional Psychology or equivalent with internship/practicum. | Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) or equivalent accredited clinical program. |
| Regulation/endorsement | Registered with PsyBA after completing necessary postgraduate work + required supervised practice. | Clinical psychologist endorsement by PsyBA after completing the accredited clinical program + required supervised clinical placements. |
Whether you want to be a registered or clinical psychologist, VU gives you the skills, experience, and support to succeed.
Get industry connections from day one and access real-world placements and job opportunities.
Complete supervised placements and get practical training in our on-campus Psychology Clinic, working directly with clients under professional supervision.
Study one subject at a time in small, supportive classes with the VU Block Model®, helping you focus, manage your workload, and get to know your teachers and classmates.
Get support at every step, with mentoring, academic advisors, and wellbeing services so you’ll never be left to figure things out alone.
Graduate with industry-ready experience, practical skills, and the adaptability to thrive in one of Australia’s fastest-growing health professions.
