The award rate for provisional psychologists
Most provisional psychologists employed in Australian health settings are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (the HPSS Award), administered by the Fair Work Commission. Psychologists are typically classified at the Health Professional Level 1 or Level 2 employee classification depending on the nature of the role and years of experience.
Award wage rates are reviewed annually by the Fair Work Commission. For the current minimum rates, always check the Fair Work Australia website at fairwork.gov.au or the enterprise agreement specific to your employer, as many health sector organisations operate under enterprise agreements that pay above the award minimum.
Do not accept an unpaid internship for psychological services. Providing clinical services as a provisionally registered psychologist — even under supervision — is paid employment under Australian law. Any arrangement asking you to work unpaid is almost certainly unlawful under the Fair Work Act 2009.
Salary by employment sector
The biggest driver of provisional psychologist salary variation is the employment sector. There are three main contexts where 5+1 internships take place, and they have meaningfully different pay structures.
- Public health (hospitals, area mental health services, community health centres): typically award-based or enterprise agreement pay, often above the bare minimum. Includes leave loading, superannuation, and usually access to salary packaging. Stable and well-regulated.
- Non-government organisations (NGOs): pay varies widely. Some NGOs operate under sector enterprise agreements above the award; others pay at the award floor. Always ask whether an EBA applies before accepting an offer.
- Private practice: arrangements vary considerably. Some practices offer competitive salaries to attract provisional psychologists. Others offer percentage-of-billings remuneration — which is legal provided your effective hourly rate across all hours worked never falls below the award minimum.
Is percentage-of-billings pay legitimate?
Percentage-of-billings arrangements in private practice are legal in principle — but you are still entitled to receive at least the award minimum wage for every hour you work, including non-billable time such as documentation, supervision, CPD, and administration.
Before accepting a percentage-based arrangement, ask the practice to model your expected weekly earnings across your realistic total weekly hours, and compare this to the current award rate. If the percentage structure results in below-award pay once all working hours are factored in, the arrangement is likely unlawful.
Tax deductions for provisional psychologists
Provisional psychologists in paid employment can claim a range of work-related expenses as deductions, subject to the standard ATO rules: the expense must be incurred in earning your assessable income, not be reimbursed by your employer, and have a direct connection to your work.
- AHPRA registration fees (initial provisional registration and renewals)
- Professional indemnity insurance premiums if you pay these yourself
- APS or other professional body membership fees
- CPD and training expenses not reimbursed by your employer
- Logbook software subscriptions used for AHPRA compliance (e.g., BreezyTrack)
- Professional reference books and subscription journal databases
- Home office expenses if you perform work from home
Keep all receipts and invoices. The ATO can ask for supporting evidence up to five years after a return is lodged. A logbook software subscription is a legitimate professional tool deduction — and at AU$15/month, it is one of the smallest professional expenses of your internship year.
Salary outlook after general registration
Achieving general registration typically results in a meaningful salary increase. Generally registered psychologists are classified at higher award levels, gain the ability to independently conduct assessments, access a wider range of Medicare Benefits Schedule items, and can work toward area of practice endorsement.
Generalist psychologists in Australia typically earn between $80,000 and $110,000 depending on sector, location, and experience. Endorsed and specialised psychologists — particularly those in neuropsychology, clinical psychology, or established private practice — often earn considerably more.