Careers in Psychology
What kind of salary can you expect if you choose a psychology career? There are many variables that will impact your salary, starting with whether you decide to become a psychologist or a counselor. Other factors include your specialty, the amount of experience you have, and the area where you live and work.
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Table of Contents
- Average Salaries for Psychologists
- Average Salaries for Counselors
- National Salary for Psychologists
- Best Paying States for Psychologists
- Psychologists Employed in the United States
- Best Paying Industries for Psychologists
- Psychologist vs Counselor
- Top 5 Popular Psychology Careers
- Top 5 Popular Counseling Careers
- Compare 200+ Psychology Career Profiles
- Search Psychology Degrees
This salary guide is designed to help you decide which psychology career is right for you. In addition to providing a breakdown of the average salary for several psychology and counseling specialties, we provide you with an overview of the job responsibilities, education, training, and employment outlook for each specialty.
Resource Data Provided by
Average Salaries for Psychologists
The average annual salary for a psychologist depends on many factors. For example, psychologists practicing in areas of the country where the cost of living is high tend to make more money. Other factors that impact salary include experience, level of education, and specialty. As you can see from the chart below, the average salary can be quite a bit higher or lower depending on the specialty you choose.
Average Salaries for Counselors
Just as there are many types of psychologists, there are also many types of counselors. The chart below shows average annual earnings nationwide for several counseling specialties. School counselors and guidance counselors are the top earners in this category.
National Salary for Psychologists
According to Bls.gov, the following states and areas with the highest published employment, location quotients, and wages for this occupation are listed below.
Employment estimate and mean wage estimates for this occupation
National Estimates
The average annual salary overall for all psychologists was $74,310, which works out to $35.73 per hour, $1,429 per week, and $6,193 per month.
Percentile wage estimates for this occupation
Best Paying States for Psychology
Sometimes the industry you work in can have a dramatic impact on your salary. For example, in the education industry, the level of education and licensing seems to have little impact on income. The average annual salary for school psychologists is only about $10,000 per year higher than the salary for school counselors. This chart shows the highest-paying industries for psychologists.
| Area name | Employment | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 40 | $132,590 |
| Minnesota | 260 | $123,600 |
| Maryland | 440 | $104,770 |
| Iowa | 50 | $100,300 |
| Kansas | 100 | $98,830 |
| Virginia | 320 | $98,190 |
| Wisconsin | 130 | $97,680 |
| New Jersey | 80 | $96,180 |
| New Mexico | 110 | $95,130 |
| Rhode Island | 50 | $93,480 |
| Oregon | 210 | $93,210 |
| Washington | 400 | $91,160 |
| California | 1010 | $89,550 |
| Hawaii | 110 | $89,220 |
| Florida | 1580 | $89,120 |
| Arizona | 150 | $87,940 |
| North Carolina | 250 | $87,130 |
| Illinois | 270 | $86,840 |
| Ohio | 320 | $86,710 |
| Texas | 630 | $86,150 |
| Alabama | 120 | $86,080 |
| Massachusetts | 370 | $85,950 |
| District of Columbia | 200 | $85,800 |
| South Carolina | 90 | $85,790 |
| Georgia | 280 | $85,370 |
Number of Psychologists Employed in the United States
Best Industries for Psychologists
Sometimes the industry you work in can have a dramatic impact on your salary. For example, in the education industry, the level of education and licensing seems to have little impact on income. The average annual salary for school psychologists is only about $10,000 per year higher than the salary for school counselors. This chart shows the highest-paying industries for psychologists.
| Industry | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Management Scientific and Technical Consulting | $51.26 | $106,620 |
| Speciality (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals) | $50.26 | $104,550 |
| Management Scientific and Technical Consulting | $51.26 | $106,620 |
| Speciality (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals) | $50.26 | $104,550 |
| Management Scientific and Technical Consulting | $51.26 | $106,620 |
| Speciality (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals) | $50.26 | $104,550 |
| Management Scientific and Technical Consulting | $51.26 | $106,620 |
| Speciality (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals) | $50.26 | $104,550 |
| Management Scientific and Technical Consulting | $51.26 | $106,620 |
| Speciality (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals) | $50.26 | $104,550 |
Psychologist vs. Counselor
The difference between a psychologist and a counselor is much more than just a job title. To start with, most psychologists possess a doctoral-level education. Counselors usually need only a master's degree. That's still a lot of education, but if you consider the salary difference between a counselor and a psychologist, you may decide that it is worth the additional time and financial investment to become a psychologist. An extra $10,000 to $30,000 in annual income adds up to an awful lot of money over a lifetime.
A psychologist's training is more research-focused and involves more math and statistics. Psychologists are trained to administer a wide range of psychometric assessments and receive more training related to the treatment of serious mental illnesses. These differences in training are reflected in the job duties for each: Psychologists are more likely than counselors to treat patients with serious mental illnesses and often spend a lot of time administering assessments. Most counselors have limitations on the types of tests they are permitted by law to administer. These limitations vary from state to state.
Popular Psychology Careers
Psychologist
Percentile Salary Estimates
Job Description
Psychologists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), along with diagnostic interviews and psychological assessments to diagnose and treat patients with mental disorders using psychotherapy, behavior modification, and other treatments. Psychologists may team up with doctors or psychiatrists as needed to get patients treatments, such as medication, that cannot be provided by a psychologist. Psychologists must maintain extensive patient records and reports. See 200+ Psychologist Careers
Training & Education
A Ph.D. in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree is typically required to become a psychologist. This career also requires a license from the state where you will be practicing.
Employment Outlook
The job growth projection for all psychologists is 12% from 2012 to 2022. This is about average.
Clinical Psychologist
Percentile Salary Estimates
Job Description
Many clinical psychologists work in private practice, where they are able to set their own work schedules. Others work for organizations such as hospitals, schools, and mental health facilities. Some treat patients of all ages, while others treat only age group, such as children. Clinical psychologists observe, assess, and treat patients with various psychological issues. They develop treatment plans, evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, and make modifications as needed. They must also maintain records of each patient's treatment. Desired skills and personality traits include patience, emotional stability, attention to detail, and outstanding communication and interpersonal skills. See 200+ Careers in Psychology
Training & Education
Clinical psychologists typically obtain a master's and doctoral degree in clinical psychology. You must also be licensed by the state to practice as a psychologist.
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook for clinical psychologists is average, with an expected growth of 11% from 2012 to 2022.
School Psychologist
Percentile Salary Estimates
Job Description
A school psychologist works with students who need assistance with social and behavioral issues. The psychologist must work with both teachers and parents to ensure that each child receives the support he or she needs to succeed both in school and in life. School psychologists administer diagnostic tests to determine what each child needs to succeed and provides the child's teachers and parents with the tools they need to help the child. Compare 200+ Psychology Careers & Job Titles
Training & Education
To become a school psychologist, you'll need to obtain a master's degree in school psychology. You must also be licensed by the state. Since you'll be working in a school, you may also need to be certified by the State Department of Education.
Employment Outlook
Employment of school psychologists is expected to grow 11% from 2012 to 2022, which is average.
Counseling Psychologist
Percentile Salary Estimates
Job Description
A counseling psychologist primarily provides counseling services, although other duties such as mental health screening, administering assessments, and overseeing educational programs. Counseling psychologists may counsel people in groups or individually. They may also be involved in crisis counseling or suicide prevention programs. They must have excellent communication skills and be able to relate to people from all walks of life.
Training & Education
This position usually requires a doctorate in either clinical psychology or counseling psychology. You will probably also need a license from the state.
Employment Outlook
The projected growth in jobs for counseling psychologists is 11% from 2012 to 2022, which is average.
Industrial/Organizational Psychologist
Percentile Salary Estimates
Job Description
Industrial and organizational psychologists work for corporations and other large organizations. Their work is often focused on research, with a focus on analyzing human interactions within the organization. Industrial and organizational psychologists are often called upon to give presentations, oversee testing programs, and administer surveys in conjunction with the human resources department. Other tasks performed by industrial/organizational psychologists include improving the selection process for hiring employees, developing training programs, and administering competency and psychological tests..
Training & Education
This career requires a minimum of a master's degree in industrial-organizational psychology. However, a doctorate may be required.
Employment Outlook
This specialty is expected to grow a whopping 53% between 2012 and 2022, which is much faster than average.
Popular Counseling Careers
Marriage and Family Therapists
Percentile Salary Estimates
Job Description
Marriage and family therapists counsel individuals, couples, and families on issues related to their interpersonal relationships. The therapist must assess patients and identify underlying issues such as depression, low self-esteem, infidelity, substance abuse, and other emotional and psychological issues. Marriage and family therapists must be able to coordinate treatment with other members of their patients' mental health treatment teams.
Training & Education
If you want to pursue this career, you must obtain a master's degree in marriage and family therapy. In most cases, you will need a license. You may also have to work with another therapist for a year or two before you are able to practice on your own.
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook for marriage and family therapists predicts a growth of 29% from 2012 to 2022. This is much faster than average.
Mental Health Counselor
Percentile Salary Estimates
Job Description
A mental health counselor observes and talks to patients in order to diagnose their mental health issues. Once a diagnosis has been made, the counselor creates a treatment plan for the patient. Mental health counselors provide psychotherapy to groups and individuals. They must be able to keep calm in difficult situations and maintain accurate patient records.
Training & Education
Mental health counselors usually need a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, social work, or counseling. A state license is also required.
Employment Outlook
The predicted growth rate for mental health counselors is 29% from 2012 to 2022. This is much faster than average.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Percentile Salary Estimates
Job Description
Substance abuse counselors often work in rehabilitation facilities, but you can also find them in correctional facilities, healthcare facilities, and community or social service agencies. These counselors work with people who are addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and other things. They often work with the families of addicts as well. Substance abuse counselors provide counseling, education, crisis care, and aftercare programs.
Training & Education
Depending on the employer and the position, you may be able to become a substance abuse counselor with just a high school diploma. However, in other cases, a bachelor's or even master's degree may be required. For private practice, a master's degree and a state-issued license are required.
Employment Outlook
The number of people employed as substance abuse counselors is expected to increase by 31% between 2012 and 2022. This is much faster than the average job growth rate.
School Counselor
Percentile Salary Estimates
Job Description
School counselors help kids with issues in every area, from academic difficulties and social awkwardness to problems at home such as abuse or dealing with their parents' divorce. School counselors listen patiently, knowing that they are often the only person the child feels he or she can talk to. They help kids get the support services they need to overcome their problems.
Training & Education
To become a school counselor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in education, with some educational background in psychology and sociology. You'll also need to be state certified.
Employment Outlook
The job outlook for school counselors is average, with a predicted growth of 12% between 2012 and 2022.
Guidance Counselor
Percentile Salary Estimates
Job Description
School guidance counselors focus primarily on helping students achieve their academic goals. This includes assessment for social and behavioral problems that impact a student's schoolwork as well as helping students choose the classes that are best for them. Guidance counselors give students advice on choosing and preparing for college or post-secondary vocational education.
Training & Education
Guidance counselors are usually required to have a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or education. They may also need to be state certified.
Employment Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide a job outlook specifically for guidance counselors, but the job outlook for the closely related job of school counselor is average, with a predicted growth of 12% between 2012 and 2022.
Employment Outlook for All Psychology Careers
The job growth projection for all psychologists is 12% from 2012 to 2022. This is about average. There is one specialty, however, that is expected to grow at a much faster rate than average. That specialty is industrial-organizational psychologists, which is projected to grow 53% from 2012 to 2022.
Employment Outlook for All Counseling Career
The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't provide an overall job outlook picture for the counseling profession, but based on the individual specialties, it appears that job growth is around 30% for most non-school specialties. For school and guidance counselors, the growth rate is about average at 12%.
Compare Careers by Job Title
- Aba Therapist
- Academic Sports Psychologist
- Addictions Psychologist
- Adolescent Counselor
- Adult Psychiatrist
- Advertising Agent
- Affirmative Action Officer
- Air Force Psychologist
- Air Force Recruiter
- Airline Reservations Clerk
- Applied Psychologist
- Applied Sports Psychologist
- Army Psychologist
- Army Reserve Clinical Psychologist
- Art Therapist
- Assessment Services Manager
- Behavior Analyst
- Behavior Health Psychiatric Nurse
- Behavioral Psychologist
- Behavioral Therapist
- Business Intelligence Specialist
- Business Psychologist
- Career Counselor
- Case Worker
- Certified Addiction Counselor
- Certified School Psychologist
- Child Care Worker
- Child Custody Worker
- Child Development Psychologist
- Child Protection Specialist
- Child Psychologist
- Claims Specialist
- Clinical Hospital Psychologist
- Clinical Outpatient Therapist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Clinical Sports Psychologist
- Cognitive Psychologist
- College Admissions Counselor
- College Admissions Recruiter
- Community Psychologist
- Community Recreation Worker
- Community Relations Officer
- Congressional Aide
- Consulting Psychologist
- Consulting Services Director
- Consumer Psychologist
- Correctional Field Officer
- Counseling Psychologist
- Counselor Aide
- Court Consultant
- Customer Relations Director
- Customer Service Trainer
- Day Care Center Supervisor
- Design Psychologist
- Developmental Psychologist
- Director of Alumni Relations
- Director of Business Development
- Director of Fund Raising
- Director of Human Capital
- Director of Volunteer Services
- Diversity Manager
- Educational Psychologist
- Employee Counselor and Trainer
- Employee Relations
- Employment Counselor
- Engineering Psychologist
- Executive Coach
- Executive Coaching Psychologist
- Experimental Psychologist
- Expert Witness
- Gender Studies Psychologist
- General Psychologist
- Geriatric Care Specialist
- Geriatric Psychologist
- Gerontologist
- Geropsychologist
- Group Home Coordinator
- Guidance Counselor
- Health Psychologist
- High School Teacher
- Highway Safety Analyst
- Hospital Patient Service Representative
- HR Generalist
- Human Performance Consultant
- Human Resource Specialist
- Human Resources Consultant
- Human Service Worker
- Industrial/Organizational Psychologist
- Inpatient Clinical Psychiatrist
- Instructional Systems Design Consultant
- Insurance Agent
- Job Analyst
- Judicial Services Coordinator
- Jury Consultant
- Juvenile Justice Detention Officer
- Juvenile Probation Officer
- Management Consultant
- Management Psychologist
- Marketing Representative
- Marketing Researcher
- Marriage and Family Counselor
- Media Buyer
- Media Psychologist
- Medical Error Psychologist
- Mental Disorders Consultant
- Mental Health Counselor
- Mental Health Evaluator
- Mental Health Psychologist
- Mental Retardation Unit Manager
- Military Psychologist
- Multi-Cultural Counselor
- Occupational Analyst
- Occupational Psychologist
- Organizational Consultant
- Organizational Development Consultant
- Organizational Development Manager
- Organizational Development Specialist
- Organizational Effectiveness Director
- Organizational Psychologist
- Organizational Research Consultant
- Outpatient Psychiatrist
- Pain Psychologist
- Park and Recreation Director
- Pediatric Psychologist
- Personnel Research Psychologist
- Personnel Research Scientist
- Personnel Worker/administrator
- Police Probation Officer
- Policy Advisor
- Policy Officer
- Port Police Officer
- Principal Psychologist
- Prison Psychologist
- Private Consultant
- Private Practice Counselor
- Probation Officer
- Professional Team Coach
- Program Evaluation Consultant
- Program Manager
- Psychiatric Examiner
- Psychiatry Child Adolescent Physician
- Psychiatry Forensic Physician
- Psychiatry Geriatrics Physician
- Psychiatry Physician
- Psychological Associate
- Psychological Clinician
- Psychological Technician
- Psychologist Supervisor
- Psychologists
- Psychology Professor
- Psychology Researcher
- Psychometric Psychologist
- Public Information Officer
- Public Policy Expert
- Recreation Worker
- Rehabilitation Advisor
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Research Scientist
- Residential Youth Counselor
- Sales Representative
- School Counselor
- School Psychologist
- Senior Psychologist
- Small Business Owner
- Social Behavioral Scientist
- Social Psychologist
- Social Service Counselor
- Social Service Director
- Social Worker
- Special Education Teacher
- Spiritual Counselor
- Spiritual Psychologist
- Sports Psychologist
- Sports Psychology Professor
- Sports Rehabilitation Therapist
- Sports Research Specialist
- Staffing Consultant
- State Agency Counselor
- Statistical Assistant
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Substance Abuse Psychologist
- Substance Abuse Social Worker
- Suicide Counselor
- Supervisory Clinical Psychologist
- Technical Writer
- Terrorism Psychologist
- Theoretical Psychologist
- Traffic Psychologist
- Transformational Coach
- Transpersonal Psychologist
- Trauma Psychologist
- Trial Consultant
Data Sources
- http://www.bls.gov/
- http://psychology.unl.edu/psichi/Psi_Chi_UPO_Careers_by_Celeste_Spier.pdf
- http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d13/tables/dt13_325.80.asp
- http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.pdf
- http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Psychologist/Salary
- http://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/pages/9849.aspx
- http://www.apadivisions.org/division-41/education/students/career-guide.pdf
- http://www.indeed.com/salary/Neuropsychologist.html
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