Psychologist Salary: What to Expect
There are many possible reasons for someone to consider a career in psychology. A science-oriented, pragmatic demeanor, as well as, a passion for helping others, are just a few of the valid reasons that someone might be looking into becoming a psychologist. Whatever your reasons may be, it’s important that you have a thorough understanding of the range of salary you may be making in your new career.
How Are Salaries Determined for Psychologists?
Salaries for psychologists are determined by the type of services provided and the level of education achieved by the psychologist. It can also be determined by the areas in which the psychologist specializes, and the location in which they are practicing in.
Salary by Education Level
Education plays a big part in how much you will be making as a psychologist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual national salary for psychologists is $94,310, with a range between about $45,000 on the low end and over $157,000 on the high end. Those with an associate’s degree in psychology can generally expect to earn on the lower end of the spectrum, with salary increasing for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate-prepared psychologists. Keep in mind that salaries can vary greatly based on specialty, employer, experience, location, and much more.
Learn more about psychology degrees.
Salary by Specialty
The expected rate depends largely on the type of psychologist you become; for example, a child psychologist’s salary ($117,000 – $136,000 on average) will differ slightly from a clinical psychologist's salary ($87,000 – $104,000 on average). Generally speaking, industrial-organizational psychology, clinical psychology, and forensic psychology tend to command higher salaries than other specializations.
Salary by Employer Type
Psychology is a broad field, and there are many different types of employers and job types. This will also be a factor in deciding how much you will make annually. Some psychologists, such as forensic psychologists, will earn much higher salaries working for law enforcement than they would as independent contractors in consulting.
It’s also worth considering the number of employers available for hire, and which employers have more demand for psychologists. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest employer of psychologists is elementary and secondary schools (24% of employers hiring psychologists), tied with ambulatory healthcare services, which accounts for the same percentage of the psychological job market. Self-employed psychologists are not far behind, accounting for about 23% of the market.
Salary by Location
Supply and demand play a significant role in many career choices, including your career choice as a psychologist. While your particular services may be needed in one state, there might be more competition in the psychological field in another state, lowering your salary significantly. This is typically apparent when you compare prices in rural areas, where fewer options for hiring psychologists are available. Some examples of mean annual salaries (as of May 2024) by location include:
- California – $130,940
- Nevada – $130,120
- Kansas – $127,940
- South Carolina – $127,190
- Alabama – $127,770
Psychologist Job Outlook & Employment Projections
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for psychologists (6%) is slightly higher than the national average for all jobs, with an expected 11,800 additional jobs in the field through 2034. The median pay for the entire psychological field is $94,310 per year.
Psychologist vs. Counselor Salary Comparison
| Psychologist | Counselor | |
| Median Annual Wage | $94,310 | $59,190 |
| Highest Paying Industry | Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | Private Practice |
| Top Paying State | California | Virginia |
Psychology Salary FAQs
Q: Can psychologists earn six figures?
A: Yes, many licensed psychologists earn six-figure incomes, especially those who:
- Own or co-own private practices
- Work in high-demand specialties
- Practice in metropolitan areas
- Have extensive experience
However, entry-level salaries are typically lower while professionals build experience.
Q: Does experience increase a psychologist's salary?
Yes. Psychologists often see salary growth based on:
- Years of licensure
- Advanced certifications
- Supervisory or leadership roles
- Established private client base
Senior psychologists, directors of behavioral health services, and consultants typically earn more than early-career professionals.
Q: Are psychologist salaries expected to increase?
A: The job outlook for psychologists remains strong, particularly in clinical, counseling, and school psychology roles. Growing demand for mental health services, telehealth expansion, and integrated healthcare models may continue to support competitive salaries in the coming years.
Q: How much do psychologists make in private practice?
A: Private practice income varies widely depending on:
- Client volume
- Insurance reimbursement rates
- Geographic location
- Overhead costs
Some private practitioners earn significantly more than salaried psychologists, while others may earn similar or slightly less during the early years of business development.