9 Careers in Psychology With High Salaries

careers in psychology

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 careers 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 you want to earn

Obviously, 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 work 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

Closely working with children and adolescents, child psychologists help the younger generation deal with stressful life events including the divorce of parents, death of a loved one, school transition, etc.

They also diagnose and provide treatment for children with autism, phobias, learning disabilities, developmental issues, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and mental illness. Usually, you can find them in government agencies, outpatient centres, hospitals, and private settings. Often, child psychologists are referred to as pediatric psychologists.

If you are interested in specializing in child psychology, or you simply want to learn how to handle mental disorders/illnesses in children, incorporating a child care course into your studies can be immensely beneficial. We recommend that you explore our online psychology courses, which often include elements of child care to provide a comprehensive understanding of caring for and supporting young minds.

Annual Salary of a Child Psychologist in Australia: $39,149 – $139,990

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2. Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists serve a crucial role in the justice system, drawing on insights from comprehensive Criminology Courses that bridge the gap between criminology and psychology disciplines to ensure justice, protect human rights, and promote the well-being of individuals involved in legal proceedings.

These rare professionals, often with knowledge acquired from a Certificate in Criminal Justice and online courses in criminal psychology, are trained to “profile” the accused and ascertain whether the mental state of a defendant meets the legal standards to proceed in a criminal trial. They do this by conducting an evaluation and psychological assessments. Forensic psychologists also work with victims of crimes both for therapeutic and investigative purposes.

Annual Salary of a Forensic Psychologist in Australia: $52,666 – $108,284

3. Neuropsychologist

Considered a special discipline under clinical psychology, neuropsychology is a study that determines how brain systems and functions are related to human behaviour.

Neuropsychologists normally work in different settings. Some of them privately treat patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, learning disabilities, dementia, and brain disorders. Meanwhile, other neuropsychologists are engaged in research, trying to find out the causes effects, and potential treatments of the said brain disorders.

Annual Salary Range for a Neuropsychologist in Australia: $56,525 – $116,350

4. Counseling Psychologist

Counselling psychologists are experts in helping people learn the roots of their emotional baggage, career concerns, mental disorders, financial crises, health-related concerns, and other sensitive issues. Through effective counselling, which can be enhanced by engaging in life coaching courses, they also identify life events and social influences that could have contributed to the current state of the client(s).

These specialists speak with individuals and groups from different walks of life, various age groups, and different cultural backgrounds. They often seek life coaching courses to refine their skills and apply them in their work in hospitals, other health organizations, and private settings.

Annual Salary of a Counseling Psychologist in Australia: $49,132 – $181,427

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5. School Psychologist

As the job title suggests, school psychologists work in the education sector. They work hand and hand with teachers, parents, and school administrators to promote healthy, supportive, and safe learning environments for students. They encourage students not just to succeed academically, but also emotionally by allowing them to freely discuss their ups and downs whether it’s at home, in school, or their personal lives.

School psychologists are often mistaken as guidance counsellors because both professions are motivated by the well-being of students. However, guidance counsellors are more focused on the student’s academic performance as opposed to school psychologists whose main focus is the emotional health of the students.

Annual Salary Range of a School Psychologist in Australia: $49,345 – $121,608

6. Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychologist

Also known as an occupational psychologist, an I/O psychologist is someone who practices in an industrial setting. He/she can be part of the recruitment team, performance appraisal team, and other similar roles in human resources, management, and operations. Their career track can also lead to corporate leadership while motivating employees, creating principles, and initiating organizational development.

No, they are not therapists. They seek to promote better work performance among employees and leaders by formulating strategies and increasing engagement in the workplace.

Annual Salary of an I/O Psychologist in Australia: $48,479 – $126,639

7. Clinical Psychologist

Compared to other branches of psychology that focus on research, clinical psychology is more drawn into diagnosing and treating people with emotional, behavioral, and cognitive disorders, a skill set often honed through psychology short courses. They treat patients through a series of counselling sessions, therapies, psychoanalysis, and systematic desensitization. They either work one-on-one or with a group that suffers from depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, etc.

Licensed clinical psychologists have spent over 10 years studying (3-4 years undergrad degree, and around 7 years in grad school).

Annual Salary of a Clinical Psychologist in Australia: $51,141 – $127,034

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8. Human Resources Manager

Some psychology degree holders, keen on corporate roles, often take Human Resources Courses, aiming to become Human Resource (HR) managers. These courses equip them with the necessary skills for handling an array of tasks in an organization. As HR managers, they oversee training, recruitment, compensation and benefits, career development, employee relations, employment law, industrial relations, compliance, redundancies, and disciplinary issues.

The annual Salary of a Human Resources Manager in Australia, typically backed by comprehensive Human Resources Courses, ranges from $56,960 to $136,059.

9. Psychiatrist

Considered among the highest earners in the field of mental health, psychiatrists often pursue a mental health career with a comprehensive medical background, possessing the necessary medical degree that enables them to prescribe medication legally.

They meticulously assess mental health symptoms, diagnose, and treat patients grappling with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, Alzheimer’s, and more. Their expertise as psychopharmacologists is vital in managing complex mental health conditions with both therapeutic and pharmacological interventions.

Annual Salary of a Psychiatrist in Australia: $71,147 – $328,244

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 or not, we suggest that you take our courses. 

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 domestic violence certificate in Australia have become a preferred choice. These courses 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 specialized 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!