Job Definition
A Clinical Psychologist is a fully registered psychologist with a Master's degree or higher in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, or another recognised clinical psychology area relevant to the job. The employer approves the specialisation for the position.
These postgraduate qualifications require at least two years of full-time study, or an equivalent part-time duration. They must include professional clinical coursework, practical clinical training, and a supervised placement as key components.
Pay Scale
From $105,553 to $142,133, with an average of $128,653.
Starting salary
The initial salary for a Clinical Psychologist in Sydney, NSW, begins at $105,553 in their first year of service. This is the standard rate in public sector employment according to the Health and Community Employees Psychologists (State) Award 2023.
Mid-career salary
A Clinical Psychologist's salary increases progressively, reaching a peak of $128,653 at the fifth year of service.
Senior clinical psychologist salary
For Senior Clinical Psychologists, the starting salary is higher at $134,432, escalating to $142,133 by the third year. Principal Clinical Psychologists start at an even higher rate of $161,387 from their first year.
Related: Clinical Psychologist Salary Australia
Psychologists State Award
Title: Health and Community Employees Psychologists (State) Award 2023
Author: Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales
Read the NSW pay award for psychologists
About
This document outlines the standards, classifications, and remunerations for psychologists working within the New South Wales Health Service. It specifies the academic and registration requirements, job characteristics, supervision levels, and organisational roles for different job levels, including:
- Psychologist in Training
- Psychologist
- Senior Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Senior Clinical Psychologist
- Principal Psychologist.
The State Award aims to ensure a structured and equitable framework for employment and progression, enhancing the provision of psychological services across health settings.
Author
The Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales is responsible for this document. It is an authoritative body that oversees employment conditions, resolves industrial disputes, and sets standards for work practices in the state. The commission ensures fair and equitable treatment of employees across various sectors, including health services.
Key Takeaways
- Defines the classifications and career progression paths for psychologists within the NSW Health Service.
- Outlines academic and registration requirements necessary for employment.
- Describes the tasks, judgement and problem-solving responsibilities, and organisational roles at different job levels.
- Specifies the remuneration scales, reflecting their qualifications, experience, and the complexity of their roles.
- Emphasises the importance of ongoing professional development and the role of psychologists in research, policy development, and the provision of psychological services.
Table 1. Salary Rates
| Category | Year of Service | Salary ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Psychologist | 1st year | 74,742 |
| 2nd year | 78,595 | |
| 3rd year | 82,444 | |
| 4th year | 87,257 | |
| 5th year | 92,072 | |
| 6th year | 96,885 | |
| 7th year | 101,699 | |
| 8th year | 105,552 | |
| 9th year on | 109,397 | |
| Senior | 1st year | 115,175 |
| 2nd year | 119,991 | |
| 3rd year on | 124,803 | |
| Clinical | 1st year | 105,553 |
| 2nd year | 111,323 | |
| 3rd year | 117,102 | |
| 4th year | 122,881 | |
| 5th year on | 128,653 | |
| Senior Clinical | 1st year | 134,432 |
| 2nd year | 138,281 | |
| 3rd year on | 142,133 | |
| Principal Clinical | 1st year on | 161,387 |
Date of effect: 1 July 2023
Provisional Psychologists
Provisional psychologists are classified as "Psychologist in Training." Initially, they start at the first-year service level, advancing to the second-year level. Their progression is capped at the second-year level until they attain full registration.