January 2, 2011
| Category: General Psychology

Salary Range For Psychology Careers

The salary range for the most common psychology careers depends largely on the type of schooling you have and the environment you choose to work in. Many of the better paying jobs in this field require a master’s degree, but taking the next step and getting a doctorate can result in an additional $6,000 to $8,000 per year. There are career opportunities for bachelor’s degree holders in this field, but they are typically more limited, lower paying jobs. The best opportunities are for master’s and doctorate degree holders working in schools, hospitals, substance abuse clinics, consulting firms and private corporate environments.

salary range for psychology careers

The following statistics make up the salary range for the most common psychology careers in the United States:

  • Behavioral Disorder Counselor – $40,540
  • Clinical Therapist – $35,000
  • Developmental Psychologist – $64,496
  • Educational Psychologist – $58,820
  • Experimental Psychologist – $56,505
  • Forensic Psychologist – $59,732
  • Industrial-Organizational Psychologist – $80,820
  • Mental Health Counselor – $39,450
  • Marriage and Family Counselor – $45,310
  • Neuropsychologist – $79,570
  • Psychiatrist (Private Practice) – $147,620
  • Rehabilitation – $35,000
  • School Counselor – $46,415
  • School Psychologist – $63,510
  • Social Psychologist – $64,496
  • Sports Psychologist – $54,000
  • Substance Abuse Counselor – $40,540
  • Vocational Counselor – $46,415

There is clearly a wide range in the median salaries for these professionals. The highest paying careers, such as psychiatrists, require more education. You must attend medical school to obtain a medical doctorate degree to become a psychiatrist, followed by serving a residency in a specialized field of psychiatry.

Counseling jobs are much for common in the psychology field. These jobs typically do not require more than a master’s degree. Employment for counselors is expected to grow an average of 21 percent through 2016 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with substance abuse and behavioral disorder counseling holding the highest percentage. The career outlook is also very good for marriage and family counselors and mental health counselors. Regardless of the salary range for psychology careers, though, there are many rewards to these jobs. Helping people live better lives and seeing their progress is a reward that has no value.

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