All careers

Research Psychologist

Research Psychologists conduct studies to advance psychological knowledge, typically in academic or research settings, without providing patient care.

How do I become a research psychologist

Get qualified to work as a research psychologist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

The weekly salary for a Research Psychologist in Australia ranges from approximately $1,180 to $2,500. The average weekly salary is around $1,900. Increase your earning capacity by publishing peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and workshops based on your groundbreaking research.

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

There are no clear employment figures for Research Pscyhologists working in Australia right now. Increase your employability by obtaining a Master of Research (Psychology) or Master of Psychological Science (Research).

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

To become a Research Psychologist in Australia you’ll need to complete a Bachelor’s degree in psychology that has been approved by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Examples include: Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Psychological Science, and Bachelor of Science (Psychology). Once you have your degree, you’ll also need post-graduate research qualifications and ideally have obtained your PhD in Psychology.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

Further reading

What is the Difference Between a Psychologist and Psychiatrist?

25th October 2022

How to start a career in counselling

7th September 2020

How to start a career in the treatment of addiction

13th July 2020

Research Psychologist careers

Research Psychologists are non-practicing psychologists who conduct research, experiments, and studies that advance knowledge and clinical practice in the field of psychology. They are employed by research laboratories and academic institutions and (generally) do not provide treatment or support to patients.

As a Research Psychologist you could be conducting a study that examines the connection between genetics and addictive behaviours, developing a methodology to identify and evaluate thought processes and attention span, writing a journal article that discusses the latest findings on sensory processes and how they impact behaviour, or keying participant data from a recent case study.