Many people are interested in the play therapist salary before pursuing this career path. Play therapists in Australia earn an average base salary of $50,815 per year. This guide outlines the pay scales, job roles, and factors that influence your income as a play therapist.
We provide real data from current job listings and expert advice to help you plan your career growth.
Key Takeaways
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- Play therapists in Australia earn about $50,815 per year, with new grads starting at $47,621. Senior therapists with 8+ years can make up to $60,737 yearly.
- Sydney-based therapists earn 6% more than other cities, getting about $3,084 extra per year. Most get a yearly bonus of $467 on top of their base pay.
- Private practice therapists charge $60-85 per session and often earn more than public health workers. The hourly rate across Australia is $24.43.
- Most successful therapists (61%) have a master’s degree, which leads to better pay. Extra training in child trauma or family therapy can boost income.
- The job market shows good growth, with wages set to rise 5% by 2030. This will push the yearly pay to $53,321 for most play therapists.
Play Therapist Job Roles and Responsibilities
Play therapists guide children through enjoyable activities to support their healing and development. These professionals plan and lead games, sports, and creative tasks that teach children improved coping strategies.
They collaborate closely with each child to identify issues and select appropriate activities for their specific needs. A play therapist dedicates their entire time to teaching patients through play-based methods.
Play therapists require strong skills in mental health care and child development. They establish safe environments for children to express feelings through toys and games. Their responsibilities include conducting social activities, drama sessions, and craft projects.
They collaborate with parents, teachers, and other health professionals to monitor each child’s progress. Play therapists also prepare reports, maintain detailed notes, and revise treatment plans.
They must stay current with new therapy methods and adhere to proper care guidelines.
Salary Ranges for Play Therapists
Play therapists in Sydney earn a base salary of AUD $50,815 per year. New graduates start at AUD $47,621, while experienced therapists with 8+ years in the field make up to AUD $60,737.
Most therapists receive an annual bonus of AUD $467 on top of their base pay. The hourly rate is AUD $24.43, which varies based on location and work setting.
Salary growth appears consistent for mental health professionals in Australia. Market trends indicate a 5% increase in wages by 2030, raising the average yearly pay to AUD $53,321.
Private practice therapists often charge AUD $60-85 per session, resulting in higher earnings. Social workers and counsellors who transition into play therapy roles see improved pay scales.
The job market presents good opportunities in clinics, schools, and community mental health centres across major cities.
Factors That Influence Play Therapist Earnings
Several key factors influence a play therapist’s earnings in Australia. Location is significant, with Sydney offering salaries 6% higher than other cities. This equates to approximately AUD $3,084 more per year for Sydney-based therapists.
The elevated cost of living in Sydney, which is 34% above the national average, often contributes to these higher wages.
Education and skills significantly affect pay rates in this field. Most successful therapists (61%) hold a master’s degree, which typically results in better pay. Experience levels, specialist skills, and work settings also impact earnings.
Private practice therapists often earn more than those in public health. Many charge between $60-85 per hour for their services. Additional qualifications in areas like child trauma or family therapy can increase income potential.
Professional development and ongoing training help therapists increase their earnings over time.
Comparison of Play Therapist Salaries by Location (Table)
Play therapist salaries vary across Australian locations due to different market conditions. Major cities generally offer higher pay rates compared to regional areas. The table below shows current salary ranges for play therapy positions in different locations across New South Wales.
| Location | Position | Employment Type | Salary Range (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bondi Junction | Occupational Therapist | Full-time | $85,000–$109,999/year |
| Casula | Behaviour Therapist | Full-time | $90,000–$110,000/year |
| Hurstville | Senior Behaviour Therapist | Full-time | $70,000–$100,000/year |
| Ryde | Behaviour Therapist | Contract/Temp | $30–$32/hour |
| Frenchs Forest | Allied Health Assistant | Casual | $30–$35/hour |
| Burwood | NDIS Disability Worker | Casual | $40–$60/hour |
Salary data sourced from TherapistSalary.com indicates variations between Sydney suburbs. Full-time roles offer stable annual packages. Casual positions provide higher hourly rates but lack guaranteed hours. Location-based pay differences reflect local market demands and living costs.
Conclusion
A career as a play therapist offers significant opportunities and competitive compensation in Australia. The field requires additional skilled therapists to assist children with mental health issues.
Most play therapists earn between $47,000 and $60,000 per year, with potential for increased earnings through enhanced skills and experience. Your location and work setting are the primary factors influencing your salary.
TherapistSalary.com indicates that positions in major cities like Sydney offer higher pay compared to rural areas.
FAQs
1. What does a play therapist earn in Australia?
A play therapist’s salary can vary depending on their role and location. In Melbourne and other cities, registered play therapists could earn between $75,000 to $95,000 per year. Team leaders and specialists may earn more.
2. What jobs can I do as a play therapist?
Play therapists work in many roles including child and family services, mental health clinics, and in-home therapy. You can also work as part of paediatric occupational teams or specialise in helping kids with behavioural issues.
3. What training do I need to become a play therapist?
You need at least a degree in psychology, counseling, or related field. Play therapy training and supervision are must-haves. Many jobs sponsor professional development and require indemnity insurance.
4. Where can play therapists find job opportunities in 2024?
New jobs pop up at mental health centers, schools, and private practice. Check play therapy websites, association of play therapy boards, and job boards. Many organisations need trained play therapists to help with domestic violence cases.
5. What skills do play therapists need?
Play therapists need emotional resilience and good people skills. They must understand psychological trauma and maintain a balance while working with children. Being able to make a difference in lives of individuals is key.
6. How can I grow my career as a play therapist?
You can advance by getting more licensure, becoming a team leader, or moving into specialist areas. Some therapists also work as supervisors or clinical directors. Your career prospects grow as you bring your skillset to different roles.
