Clinical psychologist salary: How to compare job offers using take-home pay
Clinical psychologist pay varies widely by experience, sector, and location. No single published figure is available, but the Medicare Benefits Schedule rebate for a 50-minute session is $175.30, and the Health Services Award sets minimum rates. Use the take-home pay calculator to compare offers.
Clinical psychologist salary: What you actually take home
If you are looking at a job offer as a clinical psychologist in Australia, you want to know how much will reach your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy. The answer is not a single number because clinical psychologist salary varies widely. This guide shows you how to compare offers using the amount that lands in your account.
Where to find salary information
The most reliable public source is the Jobs and Skills Australia occupation profile for clinical psychologists (272311). It reports that 22,000 people work in this occupation, 81% are female, and the median age is 43. However, median weekly earnings are not published for this role. That means you cannot rely on a single average figure.
Another reference point is the Medicare Benefits Schedule. The Better Access program allows eligible clinical psychologists can claim a rebate for a 50-minute session. The fee is $175.30. The rebate is $149.05. This is not a salary; it is the maximum the government will rebate to a patient. Your actual fee can be higher.
Fair Work also publishes pay guides for awards. The Health Services Award covers some health professionals, but it sets minimum rates for clinical psychologists. You can check the latest pay guide for minimum pay rates.
How to compare offers using take-home pay
When you receive a job offer, look at the total package. It will usually say "plus super. Super is not deducted from your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary earnings base. The maximum contribution base is $270,830. If the offer says $100,000 plus super, you will receive $100,000 in your bank. The super goes into your super account.
To calculate your after-tax income, use the 2026–27 resident tax rates. The first $18,200 is tax-free. Then 15c per dollar up to $45,000. Then $4,020 plus 30c per dollar up to $135,000. Then $31,020 plus 37c per dollar up to $190,000. The low income tax offset (LITO) can reduce your tax. The maximum $700 at taxable income up to $37,500. Then it reduces by 5c per dollar until $45,000. Then $325 minus 1.5c per dollar over $45,000 until $66,667. It can only reduce tax to zero.
Medicare levy and the single thresholds
You pay the Medicare levy of 2% of your taxable income. If you are full-time employee, you pay the full 2%. The latest published single-person Medicare thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If your taxable income is below $28,011, you pay a reduced levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay 10c per dollar over the lower threshold until you reach $35,013. For full-time salaries pay the full 2%.
Example: comparing two offers
Offer A: Public hospital position offering $110,000 plus super. Your taxable income $110,000. After tax: $4,020 plus 30c per dollar over $45,000. Tax: $4,020 + 30c * ($110,000 - $45,000 = $65,000 = $19,500. Total tax: $4,020 + $19,500 = $23,520. LITO: $325 minus 1.5c per dollar over $45,000 = $325 - 1.5c * ($110,000 - $45,000 = $65,000) = $325 - $975 = -$650, but LITO cannot be negative, so $0. Medicare levy: 2% of $110,000 = $2,200. Total tax + Medicare = $25,720. Take-home: $110,000 - $25,720 = $23,280. Plus super: $110,000 * 12% = $13,200 into super. Your bank account receives $23,280.
Offer B: Private practice private practice with $130,000 plus super. Tax: $31,020 + 37c * ($130,000 - $45,000 = $85,000 = $31,020 + $31,020 = $62,040. LITO: $0. Medicare: $2,600. Total tax + Medicare = $64,040. Take-home: $130,000 - $64,040 = $65,960. Super: $130,000 * 12% = $15,600. Take-home: $65,960. Your bank receives $65,960. Plus super: $15,600.
Use the Take-home pay tool
Use the Take-home pay tool to compare your own numbers. Enter your salary, choose your super, and the calculator shows your after-tax amount. Also check the Tax and Medicare page for more details on thresholds.
Conclusion
Clinical psychologist salary is not a single figure. Use the sources above to understand your market. Then use the take-home calculator to compare offers. The amount that reaches your bank account after tax and Medicare is what matters.
Questions
What is the average clinical psychologist salary in Australia?
There is no single published average salary for clinical psychologists. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for clinical psychologists (272311) does not report median weekly earnings. Pay depends on your experience, whether you work in the public or private sector, and your location. In private practice, your income depends on the fees you charge and the number of clients you see. The Medicare rebate for a 50-minute session is $175.30, but you may charge more than that.
How is clinical psychologist salary taxed?
Your clinical psychologist salary is taxed as ordinary income under the 2026–27 resident tax rates. The first $18,200 is tax-free, then 15c per dollar up to $45,000, 30c per dollar up to $135,000, and so on. You also pay the Medicare levy of 2% of your taxable income, unless you qualify for a reduction based on the single thresholds of $28,011 and $35,013. Superannuation at 12% (from 1 July 2026) is usually paid on top of your salary, not deducted from it.
Does the Medicare rebate count as part of my clinical psychologist salary?
No. The Medicare rebate is paid to the patient, not to you. Your income comes from the fees you charge. If you charge the scheduled fee of $175.30, the patient receives a rebate of $149.05, and you collect the full fee. If you charge more, the patient pays the gap. Your take-home pay is based on your total fee income minus business costs, not the rebate amount.