Mental health salary guide Australia 2026

Salaries in the mental health sector vary significantly by role, employer type, location, and experience level. This guide provides realistic ranges based on enterprise agreements, award rates, and advertised positions.

Clinical roles

Psychologist

• General psychologist: $85,000 – $120,000
• Clinical psychologist (endorsed): $110,000 – $150,000
• Private practice: $120,000 – $200,000+ (dependent on caseload)
• Highest demand in regional areas and public health settings

Psychiatrist

• Public sector: $200,000 – $350,000
• Private practice: $300,000 – $500,000+
• Psychiatrists remain the highest-paid mental health professionals in Australia

Mental health nurse

• Registered nurse (MH): $75,000 – $100,000
• Clinical nurse specialist: $95,000 – $115,000
• Nurse practitioner (MH): $120,000 – $150,000
• Public sector nurses benefit from strong enterprise agreements and penalty rates

Allied health roles

Mental health social worker

• Early career: $75,000 – $90,000
• Experienced / senior: $90,000 – $115,000
• Team leader: $110,000 – $130,000

Counsellor

• Community sector: $70,000 – $95,000
• Senior / specialist: $90,000 – $110,000
• Counsellors in private practice set their own rates, typically $120 – $200 per session

Occupational therapist (mental health)

• Early career: $75,000 – $90,000
• Senior OT: $95,000 – $120,000

Community and peer roles

Peer support worker

• Entry level: $65,000 – $75,000
• Experienced: $75,000 – $90,000
• Senior / coordinator: $85,000 – $100,000

AOD worker

• Certificate IV level: $65,000 – $80,000
• Degree-qualified: $75,000 – $95,000
• Senior / specialist: $90,000 – $110,000

Case manager / care coordinator

• Early career: $70,000 – $85,000
• Experienced: $85,000 – $100,000

The salary packaging advantage

Most not-for-profit mental health employers offer salary packaging under the FBT exemption for public benevolent institutions. This allows you to package up to $15,900 per year of your pre-tax salary for everyday expenses, plus an additional $2,650 for meal entertainment.

The practical effect is an increase of approximately $3,000 – $6,000 in your annual take-home pay compared to a for-profit employer paying the same gross salary. This is a significant benefit that should be factored into any salary comparison.

Location impacts

• Regional and remote loadings: 5% – 15% salary premium, plus relocation allowances
• Capital cities: Standard award rates, higher cost of living
• Telehealth roles: Typically paid at the same rate as in-person roles

Key award references

• SCHADS Award (Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services) — covers most community mental health and NGO roles
• Nurses Award / state health enterprise agreements — covers nursing roles
• Health Professionals Award — covers allied health in private sector