PS Rates of Pay – Psychology (Government of Canada)

PS rates of pay for all PS (Psychology) levels in the Canadian federal public service, 2026. Salaries range from $67,094 to $155,409 across 5 levels. Category: Health & Safety. Source: Treasury Board collective agreements.

PS – Psychology

$67,094 – $155,409

$2,581 – $5,977 biweekly (before deductions)

5 levels · Salary data from Treasury Board collective agreements

Rates effective from 2025-10-01 · Last verified 2026-04-16 · methodology

All PS Levels

LevelStepsStep 1Max Step
PS-17$67,094$84,704
PS-26$86,527$104,870
PS-35$105,672$123,196
PS-45$118,887$138,927
PS-55$133,298$155,409

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About the PS Classification

The PS (Psychology) group covers psychologists employed by the federal government, primarily at the Correctional Service of Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans Affairs Canada, and the RCMP. PS psychologists provide clinical assessment, therapy, and consultation services to populations under federal care — conducting risk assessments for parole decisions, treating military personnel with PTSD, evaluating RCMP applicants, and developing mental health programs for federal institutions.

PS-01 covers junior psychologists in supervised practice or completing post-doctoral requirements. PS-02 is the working-level clinical psychologist providing independent psychological services. PS-03 covers senior psychologists and regional psychology program managers. PS-04 is a chief psychologist or director-level position. All PS positions require a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD) and registration with the relevant provincial psychology regulatory body.

Federal psychology offers uniquely challenging clinical work: correctional psychologists conduct violence risk assessments that directly influence whether offenders are released into the community, military psychologists treat combat-related trauma and operational stress injuries, and RCMP psychologists evaluate candidates for one of Canada's most demanding policing roles. PS salaries are lower than private practice but competitive with institutional psychology positions. The pension and benefits package, combined with the clinical complexity of the work, attracts psychologists who want meaningful institutional practice.

Want to know your take-home pay after taxes and deductions? Use the take-home pay calculator or compare PS with other classifications.