Psychologist vs Registered Nurse salary
In Australia, a psychologist earns about 66% more than a registered nurse — $165,859 vs $99,932 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
Psychologist$165,859/yr
- Monthly
- $13,810
- Hourly
- $80
- Range
- $113,603–$229,704
- 10-yr outlook
- +6%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Psychologist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $113,603 | $72,936 |
| 25th | $139,766 | $86,469 |
| Median | $165,859 | $99,932 |
| 75th | $197,782 | $116,448 |
| Senior (90th) | $229,704 | $132,895 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a psychologist or registered nurse earn more in Australia?
- A psychologist earns more, at about $239,000 per year vs $144,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 66% ($95,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A psychologist typically earns $163,700–$331,000, while a registered nurse earns $105,100–$191,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Australia?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a psychologist averages about $19,900 and a registered nurse about $12,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a psychologist earns about $163,700 while a registered nurse earns about $105,100 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a psychologist earns about $331,000 while a registered nurse earns about $191,500 per year.
- Are psychologist and registered nurse 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.