Facts & figures
Careers_
Psychology
Forge a career with unrivalled growth and demand
Psychologists work in a variety of roles in corporations and sporting groups, courts and gaols, hospitals and mental health facilities, universities, marketing and advertising, schools and private practice.
The science of human behaviour attracts many people who are interested in brain function, memory, learning, human development, and the processes determining how people think, feel, behave, and react.
Psychologists use the latest research on the factors that influence these processes. They devise and test methods to improve performance, address mental illness, and help people to live happier, healthier lives.
Psychologists can be found across a variety of industries, everywhere from education, healthcare, and corporate settings, enhancing productivity, resilience, and overall quality of life.
It's a continuously evolving field with endless opportunities for specialisation and research, which is why demand for psychologists is growing – with the field predicted to have a 13% increase in job prospects over the next five years*. The outlook for the industry and opportunities for graduates is extremely positive.
How much can I earn with a psychology degree?
PayScale reports that Bachelor of Psychology and Bachelor of Science graduates who major in psychology earn an average annual salary of $73,000 in Australia.
As career opportunities span a range of roles and industries, salary trends depend on the area you decide to work. View the psychologist jobs list below to see some example salaries for jobs that psychology graduates enter.
What are the career opportunities in psychology?
Career opportunities exist in three main areas:
- research and teaching - the science
- service provision - the treatment profession
- beyond the individual - the application of science at a systems level
Many psychologists move flexibly across these areas. For example, some psychologists might conduct research and provide clinical services in a mental health setting. Others may work in universities as well as conducting private counselling practices.
Psychologist jobs
A clinical psychologist specialises in understanding and treating mental health issues and emotional distress. Their role encompasses a range of responsibilities, including conducting psychological assessments, diagnosing mental disorders, and providing evidence-based therapy and interventions.
Clinical psychologists work with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, helping them navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and relationship difficulties. They use diverse therapeutic techniques tailored to each individual's needs to promote mental well-being and foster personal growth.
This dynamic field allows for specialisation in areas such as child psychology, forensic psychology, and health psychology, providing ample room for professional growth and development.
Expected annual salary: $286,100 *World Salaries
A psychology degree holds immense value in human resources (HR). HR managers play a pivotal role in any organisation, overseeing employee recruitment, training, and development, as well as managing policies and procedures related to personnel.
Having a background in psychology equips HR professionals with a deep understanding of human behavior, motivation, and interpersonal dynamics. This knowledge is invaluable in resolving conflicts, providing effective employee support, and fostering a positive work environment.
Psychology graduates are skilled at assessing people's strengths and weaknesses, which helps in the design of employee development programs tailored to individual needs. Their expertise in organisational behaviour and performance management enables HR managers to optimise team dynamics and enhance overall productivity.
With a psychology degree, HR professionals have a unique edge in understanding and supporting the diverse needs of a workforce, making them invaluable assets to any organisation.
Expected annual salary: $94,400 *World Salaries
Coaching and organisational psychologists offer a unique blend of psychological insights and coaching techniques, providing a powerful toolset for professionals in various industries.
Graduates equipped with this specialised knowledge are adept at helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals.
Coaching and organisational psychologists often find themselves in high-demand sectors such as corporate settings, healthcare, education, and sports.
Expected annual salary: $127,600 *World Salaries
Psychology researchers are at the forefront of understanding the intricacies of human behaviour and cognition. They conduct systematic studies, design experiments, and analyse data to unravel the mysteries of the mind.
Their work spans a wide spectrum, from exploring mental health disorders and interventions to investigating social behaviour, cognitive processes, and developmental psychology.
Psychology graduates who pursue research can be found in universities, research institutions, healthcare settings, and even private organisations, contributing to a vast body of knowledge that informs clinical practice, education, and public policy.
Their work is invaluable, providing evidence-based insights that shape mental health treatments, educational approaches, and organisational strategies.
It's a profession that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, allowing individuals to make a real impact on society.
Expected annual salary: $131,504 *SalaryExpert
What to study?
We have degree options that will help get you where you want to be.
Industry bodies
Psychology Industry Bodies are professional organisations that support and promote the psychology and clinical psychology profession. These bodies offer support to early-career psychologists, aiding them in keeping up to date with the latest developments within the field.
Psychology industry bodies in Australia include:
Both APS and ACPA regularly organise events and activities geared towards career planning, and fostering the professional growth of students, provisional psychologists, and registrars.
Philippa Specker
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) 2017
Since completing her degree, Philippa has become a Research Assistant splitting her time between projects across two universities.
Learn more