Pay by Role
Australia · Salary comparison

Optometrist vs Psychologist salary

In Australia, a optometrist earns about 32% more than a psychologist $219,295 vs $165,859 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is AUD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Pays more
Healthcare
Optometrist
$219,295/yr
Monthly
$18,251
Hourly
$105
Range
$160,099$291,676
10-yr outlook
+9%
Healthcare
Psychologist
$165,859/yr
Monthly
$13,810
Hourly
$80
Range
$113,603$229,704
10-yr outlook
+6%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileOptometristPsychologist
Entry (10th)$160,099$113,603
25th$189,662$139,766
Median$219,295$165,859
75th$255,451$197,782
Senior (90th)$291,676$229,704

National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Healthcare comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a optometrist or psychologist earn more in Australia?
A optometrist earns more, at about $316,000 per year vs $239,000 for a psychologist — roughly 32% ($77,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
A optometrist typically earns $230,700–$420,300, while a psychologist earns $163,700–$331,000 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in Australia?
On a monthly basis before tax, a optometrist averages about $26,300 and a psychologist about $19,900.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in Australia, a optometrist earns about $230,700 while a psychologist earns about $163,700 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in Australia, a optometrist earns about $420,300 while a psychologist earns about $331,000 per year.
Are optometrist and psychologist similar careers?
Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.