A sexologist, or sex therapist, is a mental health therapist within the area of marriage and family counseling who helps patients work through issues related to sexual intimacy, traumatic sexual encounters, and sexual performance. In the US, sexologists earn nearly $45,000 per year compared to more than AU$66,000 ($51,052 USD) in Australia and nearly NZ$56,000 ($40,315 USD) in New Zealand. Annual pay in Canada is close to C$46,000 ($35,475 USD), followed by £25,000 ($30,885 USD) in the UK, R180,000 ($15,176 USD) in South Africa, and Rs3,52,000 ($5,408 USD) in India. This guide provides earning information and additional details on the typical sexologist salary by geographic region, professional experience, and work setting.
How Much Does a Sexologist Make per Year?
Average annual salaries and hourly earnings for sexologists are provided in the chart below.
| Sexologist Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $21 | C$22 | £12 | AU$32 | NZ$27 | Rs169 | R86 |
| Annual Wage | $44,655 | C$45,754 ($35,475 USD) |
£25,123 ($30,885 USD) |
AU$66,485 ($51,052 USD) |
NZ$55,785 ($40,315 USD) |
Rs3,51,842 ($5,408 USD) |
R179,615 ($15,176 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Sexologist Salary
Earning potential for sexologists are highly affected by geographic region, professional experience, and work setting. This guide provides salary information as well as insight on working in this career field.
1. Geographic Area
Sexologist Salary in US
In the US, sexologists receive an average annual salary of almost $45,000, or $21 per hour. While there is potential for bonus income, earnings are typically less than $1,000. The average starting salary for entry level employees is more than $33,000 per year, while those in senior level positions see annual earnings in excess of $54,000.
Sexologist Salary in Canada
Entry level sexologists in Canada earn, on average, nearly C$34,000 per year, increasing with experience to nearly C$56,000 per year. On average, sexologists at all experience levels earn just under C$46,000 per year, equivalent to C$22 per hour, plus an additional C$700 in bonus income potential.
Sexologist Salary in UK
Sexologists in the UK earn more than £25,000 per year, or £12 per hour, and an additional £400 in bonus income. Entry level sexologists earn an average starting salary approaching £19,000 per year compared to senior level professionals who receive nearly £31,000 annually.
Sexologist Salary in Australia
Sexologists in Australia earn more than AU$66,000 annually with roughly AU$1,000 possible in additional earnings through bonus incentives. Hourly wage earners see an average of AU$32 per hour. Those beginning their careers can expect an average starting salary of nearly AU$50,000 per year compared to AU$81,000 annually for senior level professionals.
Sexologist Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the average starting salary for entry level sexologists is well over NZ$41,000, and earnings increase with experience to about NZ$68,000 for senior level professionals. On average, sexologists earn about NZ$56,000 per year, and hourly employees receive NZ$27 per hour. Bonus income can add about NZ$850 to overall earnings.
Sexologist Salary in India
Sexologists in India receive annual earnings close to Rs3,52,000 plus an additional Rs5,400 in bonus income. On average, the typical starting salary for entry level professionals exceeds Rs2,65,000 per year compared to Rs4,34,000 annually for those in senior level professionals.
Sexologist Salary in South Africa
In South Africa, sexologists earn more than R180,000, on average, per year, and bonus income exceeds R2,700 in additional earnings. Hourly wage earners receive about R86 per hour. Entry level employees earn close to R135,000 per year compared to senior level professionals who see an annual salary of more than R220,000.
2. Experience
With additional professional experience comes increased responsibility and treatment expertise, pushing annual salaries higher by 62% to 64%. In the US, the gap between entry level and senior level pay is about $21,000 per year, representing an increase of 64%. While annual salaries are significantly lower in India, senior level professionals there also see a growth rate of 64%, or Rs1,69,000 more per year, compared to their entry level colleagues. Those in Australia are among the highest paid and see annual salaries increase 62%, or AU$31,000 per year, upon reaching the senior level.
3. Industry
Sexologists often work in private practice as part of a solo or group office, as well as by healthcare facilities and in academia. It is common for sexologists to establish a private practice after employment in another location where a patient base can be established. Those who are employed in for-profit and private sector organizations likely see higher salaries and greater potential for bonus earnings compared to nonprofit and public-sector employment.
Working Hours
While most sexologists work full-time hours, there are opportunities for part-time schedules. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday during normal business hours with some evening and weekend times necessary to accommodate patient availability. Additional on-call hours may be necessary.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
Sexologists employed by others typically receive health insurance and paid time off for vacations and holidays. Bonus pay is common worldwide; however, the amount is typically somewhat low and does not boost overall earnings significantly. Those who are self-employed are generally responsible for these expenses on their own. Part-time employees may be ineligible for benefits and bonus pay, or may receive a smaller amount.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 23% growth in marriage and family therapists, including those who specialize as sexologists, between 2016 and 2026. This growth is expected due to greater access to mental health and healthcare services and an improved awareness of treatment options. To practice as a sexologist, one must complete a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree in psychology or social work with additional specialized training. Licensure is required by most governing authorities.
Conclusion
Sexologists’ incomes lag behind some other healthcare professions; however, there is a high level of job satisfaction among those in this field. A comprehensive benefits and bonus package is available, although self-employed professionals typically must cover these expenses and part-time employees may be ineligible. A much faster than average growth rate is expected, likely supporting employment levels and salaries for those entering this field of work.
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