The 10 highest paying jobs with a psychology degree | Best Jobs in Psychology (2023)

More than 40 million adult Americans have it.Mental illnesseach year, with approximately 10 million of these people living with serious mental illness. Others don't suffer from serious illnesses, but struggle with daily stressors that leave them stressed, anxious, depressed, or sometimes even panicked. In fact, anxiety is one of the most common mental health diagnoses today, with 18% of Americans currently living with an anxiety disorder. In addition, depression is one of the leading causes of disability around the world, often leading to a variety of other problems, including chronic illness and great financial pressure for millions of families.

While mental health is such a serious problem here in the United States and around the world, there is hope. Today, professionals know many ways to combat uncontrolled feelings, addictions, and disturbing emotions. There are numerous medications, behavioral therapies, and other treatment options that have been shown to be effective for those who are willing to seek professional help when they cannot help themselves. While these mental health professionals may go by many different names, most of them have one thing in common: a psychology degree.

psychologistsYou are some kind of non-medical doctor. Most have a Ph.D. or similar degree in their field. However, the field of psychology is incredibly broad, with a variety of concentrations in disciplines such as forensics, education, industry, and research. These psychology career professionals work in different spaces and in different ways. They work in colleges and universities or in research institutions. Many work for healthcare organizations, while others are employed by sports teams or the military. Wherever they work, their goal is to improve the mental well-being of their patients, helping them build fuller, more satisfying lives by increasing happiness and reducing negative emotions. Psychology majors are sorely needed in our wounded world!

All states require psychologists of all kinds to be licensed to practice upon graduation. In fact, most of these people follow complicated educational paths to get into their desired niches. For example, they start with a bachelor's degree before going to graduate school and earning a Ph.D. They typically complete an internship before receiving their state license. In graduate school, most psychology graduates establish the exact focus they want to have in their practice. Here they take specialty courses and determine the exact degree they need.

With so many psychologists needed today, these professionals are sure to be well paid in 2021 and into the decade to come. Because of this, now is a great time to consider the following 10 highest paying psychology jobs.

1. Psychiatrist

The psychiatrist has a unique title in that he is the only psychologist who is a practicing physician. This means thatPsychiatristthey are the only people on this list who can prescribe medication. While they often work with patients to determine the exact type of medication and dosage for them and to discuss how the medication will affect them, they may also offer many other types of treatment, including counseling and therapy.

Most people need 12 years.become a licensed psychiatrist. They must attend elementary and graduate school while completing residency before earning a medical degree. These people receive extensive training in psychology while learning more about traditional medicine so they can see the connections between physical and mental health. This training will help them better understand the medication needs of their patients and will enable them to treat their hospitalized patients.

Psychiatrists definitely earn more than anyone in the field of psychology. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychiatrists earn more than average220.000 $annually as of 2018. There are also many job opportunities in this field, with the need for psychiatrists growing a little faster than average compared to jobs across the United States. Those interested in psychiatry should keep in mind that their annual income will vary depending on the type of organization they work for and the area of ​​the country in which they live.

2. Industrial and organizational psychologist

Of the non-prescribing psychologists, industrial and organizational psychologists, often referred to as I/O psychologists, are typically among the highest paid. On average, they earn much more than that.90.000 $annually, while those with more than a decade of experience can expect to earn much more, typically raking in more than $106,000 a year. RespectivelySBV, employees in academic and research settings earned much more than that, while employees at universities and other educational institutions earned significantly less.

RespectivelyAmerican Psychological AssociationThese psychologists often work for large corporate organizations and practice applied worker and employer psychology in public, community, industrial, and business organizations of all kinds. They may work to solve a variety of organizational problems, such as ineffective employees, lost hours, poor business performance, and job dissatisfaction, or they may analyze customer behavior and satisfaction ratings to help develop marketing strategies. In addition to having a strong background in psychology, you should also be familiar with the laws and jurisprudence regarding work ethics in business settings.

These people must have at least a master's degree, but the highest-paid industrial and organizational psychologists must have doctorates in that specialty. A PhD will also offer these people more opportunities for advancement in the future.

3. Military Psychologist

A military psychologist works for one of the branches of the US military and often works with active duty military personnel or veterans who are having trouble coping with their work or the consequences of their experiences. Some job titles for these individuals include Army Mental Health Specialist, Navy Psychologist, and Marine Psychologist. In addition to studying psychology and earning a doctorate, these individuals must also become members of the military. Another great option for some is to complete their own.graduate internshipsmilitary posts, a lucrative option that can bring in around $70,000 a year in some areas. Interns can also receive 30 days of paid vacation, free medical and dental care, and many other great benefits. Of course, those who are active duty military with a doctorate in military psychology can expect to earn much more, with many earning around $120,000 a year.

These professionals tend to deal with incredibly important issues, as service members often see very graphic and daunting things during their years of service. They may be struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, or they may be facing serious losses in their own physical or emotional health. Additionally, some military psychologists work in the research field, and current research is focused on finding the best personality types for military service.

This area has filled a real need in recent years, as many people seek their psychology careers elsewhere. While military service requires great emotional strength and courage, this is a great career option for a psychologist who wants to experience steady career growth, incredible job security, and many benefits.

4. Neuropsychologist

neuropsychologistfocus on the use of psychology to treat people who have suffered brain or nervous system injuries. They typically have a Ph.D. or PsyD degree and have completed a focused internship in their chosen field. Despite being nominally psychologists, they have much more knowledge of the inner workings of the brain, including the anatomy of the nervous system, than their clinical counterparts. His regular responsibilities include measuring brain behavior and diagnosing and treating people who struggle with cognitive deficits. They may use specialized diagnostic equipment such as positron emission tomography and fMRI. For these reasons, they often work in hospitals and mental health clinics, as well as research centers. However, some of these professionals may also work for pharmaceutical companies or large research universities.

These professionals also receive a substantial annual salary commensurate with the painstaking work they do every day. The average annual salary for neuropsychologists nationwide exceeds $91,000, although those with more than10 years of experienceYou can expect about $15,000 more than that per year. The need for more neuropsychologists is expected to increase over the next decade, as the profession has historically grown at about 10% per year.

5. School psychologist

The salary range for a school psychologist can vary widely depending on where you work. For example, employees of large research universities are certainly paid more than a psychologist's salary, while employees of smaller community organizations or local school districts may earn much less. However, the average salary for the school psychologist profession is generally75.000 $annual. Another piece of good news for psychologists who decide to pursue this career is that the unemployment rate in this profession is quite low, less than 1%.

School psychologists are required to complete a graduate course in school psychology and may enter the profession after earning a master's degree. However, many school psychologists choose to further enhance their knowledge and skills with a Ph.D., giving them instant access to even more jobs and earning higher salaries as well. However, a Ph.D. requires a school psychologist internship program.

A school psychologist can have a wide range of professional roles, depending on where they work. However, she is likely to work with students of all ages who need mental health resources to help manage stress and anxiety when taking tests or applying to college. These professionals can also counsel students who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or who have had suicidal thoughts. Because they often work with minor children, school psychologists often have a lot of paperwork to fill out. In addition, they must maintain close communication with the student's parents and with other faculty and staff.

6. Experimental Psychologist

experimental psychologistsThey are primarily research oriented and typically work in research institutions, laboratories, or educational centers. While all psychologists are research-focused to some degree, these individuals dedicate their entire careers to better understanding the human psyche. They use practical methods of data collection and empirical evidence to draw strong conclusions, often beginning their research in the animal kingdom before applying what they have learned to the human mind. This knowledge can be applied to different sub-areas, such as the workplace, the local school district, or child development. Most choose to focus the majority of their careers in one or two specific areas, such as: B. mental illness, human personalities, or memories. What is learned can then be applied by clinical psychologists and psychiatrists in individual or group interventions.

Experimental psychologists, who may also be called research psychologists, earn a healthy annual salary of around81.000 $by year. You can work in teams or participate in large surveys nationally or internationally, which can lead to higher salaries. In fact, those who work in the private sector and those with more experience and a higher level of knowledge often earn more than130.000 $Yearly.

7. Clinical Psychologist

While clinical psychology may not be the highest-paying field in psychology, it is one of the most popular, with more people holding positions in the field than in any other field.Clinical PsychologistsThey typically work one-on-one with their patients as they work to diagnose, treat, and prevent all types of mental illness. You can also work with patients in groups. While many practice psychology in a hospital or clinic, several clinical psychologists have chosen to become private therapists, open their own mental health clinics, or even operate from home. However, wherever these people work, they must be licensed clinical psychologists in their state. Before admission, these individuals must complete their doctorate and spend at least one to two years in a supervised residency program.

Those who work in clinical psychology average80.000 $per year as of 2015, but you can earn much more with experience. For example, those with less than five years of experience can earn less than $60,000 per year on average, while those with more than 10 years of experience can earn more than $100,000. In fact, self-employed clinical psychologists they often do this110.000 $by year.

8. Consultant psychologist

At first glance, psychological counseling may seem like clinical psychology. The main difference, however, is that these professionals generally work with people with less severe mental illness. These professionals work daily to create positive physical, mental, and emotional health in their patients by working with people of all ages and socioeconomic levels.counseling psychologistsYou must understand normal mental health and development while being able to quickly identify problem areas. This is truly an individual practice, which requires psychologists to develop healthy and long-lasting relationships with their patients to achieve personal and practical goals.

Counseling psychologists can earn more than clinical psychologists and median annual salary has been assumed for 201585.000 $. As more people acknowledge their own mental health crises or feel empowered to seek help for the depression, grief, and anxiety that have plagued them for years, the need for highly-qualified counseling psychologists in the United States is likely to increase. . The projected job growth rate through 2028 is 15%, which is much faster than average.

9. Engineering Psychologist

psychologists engineersthey combine their knowledge of the human mind and emotions with engineering skills to discover how machines and humans can work better together. You can troubleshoot computers, assembly lines, and similar types of machines and technology to ensure employees stay happy and healthy while they work and create more efficient processes for the company.

Most engineering psychologists work in large industrial settings. However, some may work for the government, e.g. B. the Department of Defense. Although they may be known by many names, everyone should understand how normal human psychology works on external processes.

The demand for engineering psychologists has skyrocketed as technology has taken over the world. Many industries are realizing how much more efficient they could be if their systems were designed to work more seamlessly with their employees and make work more enjoyable. Whether these professionals are in healthcare, manufacturing, or technology, their job is to improve safety and positivity in their departments.

With such a need for these psychologists, they can count on living a healthy life.annual salaryif they work in a high-demand industry. Starting salaries can be as high as $75,000, while those with a PhD earn an average of $111,000 per year. Those who work as industry consultants often earn even larger sums.

10. Educational Psychologist

educational psychologistsThey typically work with school-age children to determine how children develop, learn, and respond to specific stimuli. You will examine the mental and emotional health of these children and observe their social development. While they often work in local public school districts and preschools, these professionals may also work in colleges and universities, community learning centers, and government agencies. Some are hired as private consultants.

Not all children learn at the same pace or with the same materials and resources. The job of educational psychologists is to determine how each child will best learn while helping children retain what they learn. Of course, learning at school goes far beyond academics and also focuses on emotional and social growth. These psychologists work closely with students to create the most effective learning patterns in all situations. They may also work with students with special needs who need evaluations for special educational resources or who have difficulty working with their peers.educational psychologistsYou can specialize in a specific area, such as learning or teaching problems.

An educational psychologist with several years of experience can expect to earn more than82.000 $by year. However, those just starting out in this field can earn just under $70,000 a year. This field is preparedgreat growthAs more children are diagnosed with learning disabilities, lesson plans will continue to be tailored to the specific needs of a particular classroom.

Obviously, psychologists have many options in their field and can choose the specialties that appeal to them the most. While these 10 psychology majors are expected to experience the strongest growth and pay rates in 2020 and beyond, those seeking a master's or doctoral degree in psychology should also consider developmental, correctional, forensic, environmental, physical education, and social Sciences. psychology among many others. As stress increases for many Americans who struggle with busy schedules, the need for qualified professionals who can help reduce anxiety and improve emotional and mental well-being will surely increase.

Overall, the field of psychology is growing at a very fast rate predicted from14 percentin the next decade. With over 26,000 jobs expected during this period, there are plenty of opportunities for anyone looking to enter the field of psychology in 2020.