Psychologist salary in us per year

 Verywell / JR Bee 

Psychology can be a high-paying job, but it is important to recognize that there is tremendous diversity among psychology professions, and salaries and yearly earnings are just as varied. In a struggling economy, many students have turned their interest toward some of the highest-paying careers in psychology. The highest paying psychologist career salaries average around $167,000.

While many psychology careers have a higher than average yearly salary, it is important to remember that actual income depends upon various factors, including geographic location, employment sector, educational background, and years of experience.

Learn more about some of the highest-paying psychology careers, the typical salaries for such professions, and the educational requirements for entering these fields.

What Psychologists Do

About this section

Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychological research and methods to workplace issues.

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors.

Duties

Psychologists typically do the following:

• Conduct scientific studies of behavior and brain function
• Observe, interview, and survey individuals
• Identify psychological, emotional, behavioral, or organizational issues and diagnose disorders
• Research and identify behavioral or emotional patterns
• Test for patterns that will help them better understand and predict behavior
• Discuss the treatment of problems with clients
• Write articles, research papers, and reports to share findings and educate others
• Supervise interns, clinicians, and counseling professionals

Psychologists seek to understand and explain thoughts, emotions, feelings, and behavior. They use techniques such as observation, assessment, and experimentation to develop theories about the beliefs and feelings that influence individuals.

Psychologists often gather information and evaluate behavior through controlled laboratory experiments, psychoanalysis, or psychotherapy. They also may administer personality, performance, aptitude, or intelligence tests. They look for patterns of behavior or relationships between events, and they use this information when testing theories in their research or when treating patients.

The following are examples of types of psychologists:

Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Clinical psychologists help people deal with problems ranging from short-term personal issues to severe, chronic conditions.

Clinical psychologists are trained to use a variety of approaches to help individuals. Although strategies generally differ by specialty, clinical psychologists often interview patients, give diagnostic tests, and provide individual, family, or group psychotherapy. They also design behavior modification programs and help patients implement their particular program. Some clinical psychologists focus on specific populations, such as children or the elderly, or on certain specialties, such as neuropsychology.

Clinical psychologists often consult with other health professionals regarding the best treatment for patients, especially treatment that includes medication. Currently, only Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Mexico allow clinical psychologists to prescribe medication to patients.

Counseling psychologists help patients deal with and understand problems, including issues at home, at the workplace, or in their community. Through counseling, these psychologists work with patients to identify their strengths or resources they can use to manage problems. For information on other counseling occupations, see the profiles on marriage and family therapists, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, and social workers.

Developmental psychologists study the psychological progress and development that take place throughout life. Many developmental psychologists focus on children and adolescents, but they also may study aging and problems facing older adults.

Forensic psychologists use psychological principles in the legal and criminal justice system to help judges, attorneys, and other legal specialists understand the psychological aspects of a particular case. They often testify in court as expert witnesses. They typically specialize in family, civil, or criminal casework.

Industrial–organizational psychologists apply psychology to the workplace by using psychological principles and research methods to solve problems and improve the quality of worklife. They study issues such as workplace productivity, management or employee working styles, and employee morale. They also help top executives, training and development managers, and training and development specialists with policy planning, employee screening or training, and organizational development.

Rehabilitation psychologists work with physically or developmentally disabled individuals. They help improve quality of life or help individuals adjust after a major illness or accident. They may work with physical therapists and teachers to improve health and learning outcomes.

School psychologists apply psychological principles and techniques to education disorders and developmental disorders. They may address student learning and behavioral problems; design and implement performance plans, and evaluate performances; and counsel students and families. They also may consult with other school-based professionals to suggest improvements to teaching, learning, and administrative strategies.

Some psychologists become postsecondary teachers or high school teachers.

How Much Does a Psychologist Make?

Psychologists made a median salary of $105,780 in 2020. The best-paid 25 percent made $119,460 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $76,730.

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Best-Paying Cities for Psychologists

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the psychologist profession are Los Angeles, Sacramento, Jacksonville, Salinas, and Chicago.

Los Angeles, California

$138,810

Sacramento, California

$126,040

Jacksonville, Florida

$125,230

Salinas, California

$122,360

Chicago, Illinois

$118,550

The 5 Best-Paying Cities for Psychologists

Best-Paying States for Psychologists

The states and districts that pay Psychologists the highest mean salary are California ($124,910), Alaska ($118,270), Illinois ($115,340), Virginia ($109,060), and Colorado ($103,560).

California

$124,910

Alaska

$118,270

Illinois

$115,340

Virginia

$109,060

Colorado

$103,560

How Much Do Psychologists Make in Your City?

See current salary offers for jobs in your field.

Average Psychologist Pay vs. Other Best Jobs

$100,130

in 2020. Comparable jobs earned the following average salary in 2020:

Psychologists earned an average salary ofin 2020. Comparable jobs earned the following average salary in 2020: Psychiatrists made $217,100, Industrial Psychologists made $112,690, School Psychologists made $89,290, and Mental Health Counselors made $54,540.

250,000

187,500

125,000

62,500

0

250,000

187,500

125,000

62,500

0

Psychiatrist

Industrial Psychologist

Psychologist

School Psychologist

Mental Health Counselor