Defining what the “best job” is depends on personal preferences. For some people, it is about the earnings, for others it is about personal pride, while others think about the type of industry and so on. However, most people would agree that salary is a very important element of what makes the best job.
Hence, if you have an interest in obtaining a Psy.D. degree, then you may be looking at which areas have the highest salaries. Naturally, a lot of factors come into play with this, not in the least of which are geographical location, the employer, and years of experience. Hence, the information below is presented as national averages.
Another thing that makes a job the best is the growth that is expected for that particular career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is going to be a growth of above 12% across all areas of psychology between 2012 and 2022. Certain areas, such as school psychology and organizational psychology are expected to see an even faster growth rate.
So what are the best jobs to have with a Psy.D. degree?
1. Private Practice Psychologist
The average annual salary for a private practice psychologist is $150,000. However, it takes many years of work to get to that level. It means building a large clientele base, which requires a lot of time and effort.
2. Engineering Psychologist
The average salary for engineering psychologists is $108,000. Their job is to determine how machine and man can work together. Employment is usually in the private sector and is addressing safety concerns and improving profitability and efficiency. Additionally, they work on creating easier to operate machinery.
3. Industrial Psychologist
Industrial psychologists earn an average of $103,000 per year. Their job is to evaluate processes and products in the workplace and their effects on the psyche of employees.
4. Administrative Hospital Psychologist
Administrative hospital psychologists earn an average of $95,000 per year. This is generally a position that people work their way up to. Usually, they will have worked as a psychologist in a hospital before receiving training in administrative tasks. They often have little to no contact with patients.
5. Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologists earn an average of $91,000 per year. They study how the brain functions and their job is, by and large, research-based. Their goal is to develop improved mental health treatments.
6. Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychologists earn an average of $85,000 per year. They usually work in law enforcement, helping to assess criminals, such as in profiling psychopaths, for instance. They also often testify as expert witnesses in criminal and civil matters. It takes a special type of person to be a forensic psychologist, as they have to deal with very difficult situations, which are compensated for as reflected in the above-average salary.
7. Correctional Facility Psychologist
Correctional facility psychologists earn an average of $85,000 per year. They work in prisons and ensure inmates are treated properly, as well as monitor the effect of incarceration on their mental health. Correctional facilities have an above average number of people with mental health issues. These psychologists can also work with the criminally insane, who are committed to mental health institutions.
8. Military Psychologist
Military psychologists earn an average annual salary of $80,000 and while many find this job to be very difficult, it is also very rewarding. Their role is to work with active service personnel and veterans alike to help them deal with the psychological impact of having been in or having prepared for active duty. They often work with those who have post traumatic stress disorder as well.
9. Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychology is one of the most popular areas of psychology and those who work in this field enjoy an average annual salary of $80,000. The primary focus here is assessing issues of behavior before devising a treatment method to help patients. Clinical psychologists tend to work directly with individuals with mental health issues, rather than focusing on research. The job is very stressful, as the psychologists have to build up a personal relationship with their clients, and they are often left feeling frustrated about the lack of progress that is being made. However, the success stories are what make this area of work so popular.
10. Counseling Psychologist
Counseling psychologists earn an average of $73,000 per year. They offer various forms of therapy, including cognitive behavior therapy, to patients. They offer their patients tools and knowledge in terms of coping with stress and resolving various issues from their past. These psychologists often work directly with patients, but they also commonly involved in research.
11. School Psychologist
Finally, there are the school psychologists who earn an average of $70,000 per year. They work in schools with children and young people to ensure they are able to achieve their best in their education. They also look for signs of developmental delays and try to address these issues as and when they are spotted. In many cases, they also have to work in the realms of child protection.
The above are just 11 of the best jobs to have with a Psy.D. degree, and there are many more. It is important to understand that money is not always the driving factor behind enjoying a job. For many, being able to help people achieve better, more fulfilling lives is what they are actually looking for.
