9 Types Of Psychology Careers With High Salaries

Conceptual illustration of a giant human head as a planter, with people nurturing and watering plants shaped like light bulbs growing inside, symbolizing the nurturing of ideas and psychological growth.

Thinking of studying psychology and interested to learn how much does a psychologist earn in Australia?

The first thing you need to know about becoming a psychologist in Australia is that it’s not exactly a three-step career. There are many educational and logistical factors to consider to reach your desired career in psychology.

What kind of psychologist do you want to become

There are different types of psychologists depending on the specialisation, but all of them play major roles in the industry. We’ll cover what they are as we discuss the careers later in this post. But essentially, it’s important to have an idea of what kind of psychologist you’d like to be before embarking on your journey to become one.

How much salary do you want to earn

The passion to help others is the key to success in this career. However, thinking about the kind of income you want to earn once you’ve finished your studies is practically a good idea. This can also help you choose which field of psychology to aim for.

What qualifications and education you’ll need to get there?

Once you’ve made up your mind about which field of psychology you want to get into, you’ll need to create an education map to get there. Some people like to start small by studying introductory psychology certificates and working their way up to their degree. On the other hand, some people like to go straight for the jugular and hit the University.

In this post, we’ve covered multiple types of psychology career outcomes and salaries to match. Hopefully, this will help you get one step further towards making a decision about what type of psychologist you want to become. 🙂

All set? Let’s do this!

9 Psychology Roles With High Salaries

The job titles and annual salaries below are actual figures from PayScale Australia, listed in no particular order. Also, the amounts are in Australian dollars.

1. Child Psychologist

Child psychologists work closely with children and adolescents, helping them navigate stressful life events such as parental divorce, the loss of a loved one, or school transitions. They also diagnose and provide treatment for children with conditions like autism, phobias, learning disabilities, developmental issues, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other mental illnesses. Child psychologists typically work in government agencies, outpatient centres, hospitals, and private practices, and are often referred to as pediatric psychologists.

If you're interested in specialising in child psychology or simply want to gain the skills to support children with mental health challenges, incorporating a Child Care Course into your studies can be incredibly beneficial. According to Talent.com, child psychologists in Australia earn between AUD 39,149 and AUD 139,990 annually. For those looking to expand their knowledge, we recommend exploring our online Psychology Courses offered through Ulleo, which include elements of child care and provide a comprehensive understanding of supporting young minds.

Ready to start your journey? Click the button below to explore our Child Psychology Courses and begin your career today!

2. Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists play a vital role in the justice system, drawing on insights from comprehensive Criminology Courses that bridge the gap between criminology and psychology to ensure justice, protect human rights, and promote the well-being of individuals involved in legal proceedings. These highly skilled professionals, often trained through courses like a Certificate in Criminal Justice and Online Criminal Psychology programs, are equipped to "profile" the accused and determine whether the mental state of a defendant meets legal standards for trial. They conduct evaluations and psychological assessments, and also provide support to crime victims, both therapeutically and for investigative purposes.

According to PayScale, forensic psychologists in Australia earn between AUD 52,666 and AUD 108,284 annually, depending on experience and location. If you're interested in pursuing this rewarding and specialized career, we recommend exploring our range of Criminal Psychology and Criminology Courses.

Ready to dive into the world of forensic psychology? Click the button below to explore our courses and start your journey today!

3. Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychology, a specialised field under clinical psychology, studies how brain systems and functions influence human behaviour. Neuropsychologists work in various settings, with some privately treating patients suffering from conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, learning disabilities, dementia, and brain disorders. Others focus on research to uncover causes, effects, and potential treatments for these conditions. For those interested in how neurological conditions intersect with criminal behaviour, expanding into criminal psychology may be a rewarding path. This field explores how brain disorders can influence criminal actions and legal accountability, offering valuable insights to both healthcare and criminal justice systems. Pursuing a Certificate in Criminal Psychology can be a beneficial step for professionals keen on this interdisciplinary approach.

According to Talent.com, neuropsychologists in Australia earn between AUD 56,525 and AUD 116,350 annually. If you’re ready to enhance your expertise, exploring neuropsychology or criminal psychology could open new doors in your career.

4. Counselling Psychologist

Counselling psychologists are experts in helping people uncover the roots of their emotional challenges, career concerns, mental disorders, financial issues, health-related concerns, and other sensitive topics. Through effective counselling, often enhanced by engaging in Life Coaching Courses, they also identify life events and social influences that may have contributed to the client’s current state. These specialists work with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, age groups, and cultural contexts. Many professionals seek life coaching online courses to refine their skills, which they apply in hospitals, health organisations, and private practices.

According to Talent.com, the average salary of a counselling psychologist in Australia ranges from AUD 49,132 to AUD 181,427 annually, depending on experience and location. If you’re passionate about helping others and want to expand your expertise, consider enrolling in our Psychology and Life Coaching Courses to make a meaningful impact.

Ready to start your journey? Click the button below to explore our courses and take the next step in your counselling psychology career!

5. School Psychologist

As the job title suggests, school psychologists work in the education sector, collaborating closely with teachers, parents, and school administrators to create supportive, healthy, and safe learning environments for students. Their role extends beyond academics, as they focus on the emotional well-being of students, encouraging them to discuss challenges they may face at home, in school, or in their personal lives.

While often confused with guidance counsellors, school psychologists differ in that they prioritize students' emotional health over academic performance. According to Indeed.com, the annual salary range for school psychologists in Australia is between AUD 49,345 and AUD 121,608, depending on experience and location. If you're looking to pursue a fulfilling career in school psychology, explore our Psychology Courses to get started.

Ready to make a difference in students' lives? Click the button below to explore our School Psychology Courses and begin your career journey today!

6. Industrial and Organisational (I/O) Psychologist

Also known as an occupational psychologist, an I/O psychologist works in industrial settings, often as part of recruitment teams, performance appraisal groups, or in other roles within human resources, management, and operations. Their career path can lead to corporate leadership roles where they motivate employees, develop organisational principles, and drive organisational development. Unlike therapists, I/O psychologists focus on enhancing workplace performance by creating strategies that boost employee engagement and productivity.

According to Talent.com, the average salary of an organisational psychologist in Australia is AUD 120,000 annually, with top professionals earning up to AUD 143,100 per year. If you’re interested in advancing your career in this dynamic field, explore our range of Organisational Psychology Courses to get started.

Ready to enhance your career? Click the button below to explore top-rated Organisational Psychology Courses and begin your journey today!

7. Clinical Psychologist

Unlike other branches of psychology that focus on research, clinical psychology is more involved in diagnosing and treating individuals with emotional, behavioural, and cognitive disorders. This skill set is often developed through Psychology Short Courses. Clinical psychologists treat patients using various techniques, including counselling, therapies, psychoanalysis, and systematic desensitisation. They may work with individuals or groups facing issues such as depression, substance abuse, or eating disorders. Becoming a licensed clinical psychologist requires extensive education, typically over ten years (3-4 years for an undergraduate degree and around seven years in graduate school).

According to Talent.com, clinical psychologists in Australia earn an average salary of AUD 116,000 annually, with the potential to earn up to AUD 140,000 depending on experience and location. If you're ready to pursue a fulfilling career in clinical psychology, our Psychology Courses can help you take the first step.

Ready to start your journey? Click the button below to explore our Clinical Psychology Courses and begin your path today!

8. Human Resources Manager

Some psychology degree holders, keen on corporate roles, often pursue Human Resources Courses to become Human Resource (HR) managers. These courses provide the essential skills needed to handle various organisational tasks, including overseeing training, recruitment, compensation and benefits, career development, employee relations, employment law, industrial relations, compliance, redundancies, and disciplinary issues.

According to Seek.com, the annual salary for a Human Resources Manager in Australia ranges from AUD 117,000 to AUD 140,000, depending on experience and location. If you’re interested in a career that combines psychology and corporate management, our HR Management Courses can help you build the foundation for success.

Ready to step into HR leadership? Click the button below to explore top-rated Human Resources Courses and start your career today!

9. Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are among the highest earners in the field of mental health, typically following a Mental Health Career that combines a comprehensive medical background with specialised Mental Health Courses. This enables them to hold the necessary medical degree and legally prescribe medication. They carefully assess mental health symptoms, diagnose, and treat patients with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. As experts in psychopharmacology, their role is crucial in managing complex mental health issues using both therapeutic and pharmacological approaches.

According to Seek.com, psychiatrists in Australia earn an average salary ranging from AUD 226,000 to AUD 333,000 per year, depending on experience and location. If you're aiming to join this rewarding profession, our Mental Health Courses can help set you on the right path.

Ready to pursue a career in psychiatry? Click the button below to explore our courses and take the first step toward your goal!

How to Land a Psychology Role?

Educating yourself is the first step to succeed in the path of psychology. Please know that becoming a licensed psychologist takes not just the passion to treat mental and emotional health problems but also more than a decade of diligent studying, plus one to two years of a Board-approved internship. If you want to test the waters first and determine whether psychology is for you, we suggest that you take our child counseling course offered by The Learning Group. 

Our top-notch online Psychology Courses are available for only $25 per week on a zero-interest payment plan. You can start a course anytime and finish it at your own pace.

Embracing Online Education in Psychology

While traditional education has its merits, the digital age offers unprecedented access to a wealth of knowledge right at our fingertips. For those keen on delving into the intricate world of psychology without the constraints of physical location or rigid schedules, online psychology courses and a Domestic Violence Certificate in Australia have become a preferred choice. Domestic Violence Courses online provide comprehensive modules, expert-led content, and flexible learning schedules, ensuring that you get a robust and convenient educational experience. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to enhance your existing knowledge, online courses present an invaluable opportunity to delve deep into the realm of psychology from the comfort of your home.

The above-mentioned roles are just some of the top employment opportunities in Australia in psychology careers you can consider. If the thought of “unlocking the mysteries of the human mind” excites you, then you should start your studies now to jump-start your high-paying psychology career as soon as possible.

Introverts looking for lucrative careers that also offer deep personal satisfaction might consider the field of psychology. With specialised roles that match their strengths, introverts can thrive. Investigate lucrative careers for introverts within psychology, where empathy and insight are highly valued.

If you have questions regarding this post or our online psychology courses, please feel free to contact us or send an enquiry. All the best!

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