forensic psychology phd salary

Forensic Psychologist Guide | Salary & Requirements 2024

Forensic psychology is a relatively young sub-field of psychology, but there’s not a psychology specialization more prominent on the cultural landscape. From true crime podcasts to blockbuster films and TV shows, the intersection of law and psychology is a convenient location for gripping narratives.

Earning a graduate degree in forensic psychology prepares students with the necessary skills for careers in fields such as criminal justice, healthcare, and private practice. Forensic psychologists boast strong analytical and problem-solving skills and utilize their training to objectively analyze various legal proceedings from a psychological angle.

Throughout the following page, we explore the field of forensic psychology, its career prospects, and how you can begin your forensic psychology career. Keep reading to learn more about this fascinating and growing career option.

What Is A Forensic Psychologist?

A relatively new sub-field of psychology, forensic psychology exists at the intersection of law and psychology. These professionals utilize their years of academic work and hands-on experience to lend their expertise to various civil and criminal legal proceedings spanning from murder investigations to custody battles.

These professionals work in various professional settings, including law enforcement, private practice, and other governmental positions. Other careers for forensic psychologists include detectives, correctional psychologists, and legal consultants. 

Students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in forensic psychology tackle a mix of foundational psychology classes and specialized courses in forensic psychology. Standard forensic psychology classes include topics such as criminal behavior, forensic assessment, mental health issues in policing, and eyewitness testimony and memory.

The following section highlights the career outlook and earning potential for forensic psychologists, how to know if the career is right for you, and the steps individuals can take to begin their forensic psychology career.

Forensic Psychologist Salary and Career Outlook

According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics  (BLS), psychologists earn a median salary of about $81,000 per year. Additionally,  Payscale  notes an average $73,381 salary for forensic psychologists. 

While these numbers point to middle-of-the-road salaries, BLS notes that the top 10% of psychologists earn more than $133,890—experience and additional certifications can significantly enhance earning potential.

The BLS also projects that the psychologist field will grow by as much as 8% between 2020 and 2030—this translates to the addition of a projected 13,500 jobs. Year over year, BLS estimates 13,400 job openings for licensed psychologists.

How to Know if You Would Enjoy a Job as a Forensic Psychologist

The personal traits necessary for a satisfying career in forensic psychology can vary between students. But future forensic psychologists typically hold strong communication skills, compassion, attention to detail, and critical thinking skills. Additionally, because this profession relies on advanced academic work, these professionals have a strong work ethic, organization skills, and a finely tuned attention to detail.

Continue reading as we lay out the steps you can take to become a forensic psychologist.

Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists build their toolbox of professional competencies over multiple years. These professionals complete advanced degrees, gain hands-on experience in clinical settings, and complete the requirements necessary for licensure. Keep reading to see how you can jumpstart your forensic psychologist career.

The first step for individuals pursuing a forensic psychology career begins with their undergraduate education. Before enrolling in a master’s program, future forensic psychologists must complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

While undergraduate students don’t necessarily need to complete a psychology degree to gain admission into a psychology master’s/doctoral program, a bachelor’s in a relevant field can prepare students for graduate-level coursework. Some popular undergraduate degrees include psychology, criminal justice, and criminology.

Because an applicant’s GPA plays a significant role in the graduate admission process, undergraduates should work hard to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

To secure your psychology licensure, clinicians must complete a doctoral degree in psychology. And while some psychology-related careers only require a master’s degree, those wanting to max out their career options and earning potential should complete a doctoral degree.

Most master’s in psychology programs require students to complete between 30 and 60 credits before graduation. Alongside core requirements, students often have the option to pursue academic concentrations in areas such as clinical psychology, school psychology, sports psychology, and forensic psychology.

While the program length can vary between schools, most students spend about five years completing their doctorate in psychology. Most programs require that degree-seekers complete between 60 and 90 credits. Standard doctoral-level courses include research methods, professional ethics in psychology, and human development across the lifespan. Before graduation, students gain hands-on experience through an internship and clinical hours.

Doctoral applicants must submit a completed application along with GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a professional resume, and an admission essay outlining academic and career goals.

Upon graduation, students can pursue licensure for clinical psychologists. The licensure exam encompasses more than 200 multiple choice questions culled from  eight content areas , including biological bases of behavior, growth and lifespan development, and assessment and diagnosis. 

Additionally, the  American Board of Professional Psychology  (ABPP) offers multiple professional certifications for licensed psychologists. These professional certifications include forensic psychology, neuropsychology, and school psychology.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Forensic Psychologist?

The time it takes to become a forensic psychologist can vary dramatically between students, but most take about ten years following graduation from high school. Future forensic psychologists complete a four-year bachelor’s degree, two years for a master’s degree, and four-to-five years for their doctoral degree. 

Enrolling as a full-time or part-time student can impact a professional timeline. Some individuals can accelerate the process by gaining admission into a doctoral program after completing a bachelor’s degree. 

Adult students and working professionals can seek out online programs. These flexible academic options allow students the freedom to meet academic requirements while keeping up with personal and professional obligations. Additionally, programs with an asynchronous delivery allow students to complete class requirements at their own pace.

Online programs can also be cheaper than in-person options. Online students avoid various on-campus fees and extraneous costs incurred by travel and campus housing.

• Forensic psychologists have multiple responsibilities and utilize their expertise to conduct research, analyze data, and evaluate various elements of criminal activities. These professionals work closely with law enforcement and often testify in civil and criminal legal proceedings.
• The timeline can vary, but future forensic psychologists traditionally complete bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. This often takes students more than a decade to complete academic and licensure requirements.
• While criminal psychologists primarily focus on criminal behavior, forensic psychologists utilize their expertise in a broader range of legal proceedings and often take part in academic research.
• To begin a career as a forensic psychologist, students must complete both undergraduate and graduate-level coursework. The majority of forensic psychologists complete a doctoral degree over multiple years and meet various academic and professional benchmarks to secure licensure.

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Salaries for Forensic Psychologists

Whether working directly for the state or as hired guns called in to consult on cases and provide services on a contract basis, forensic psychologists are the trusted professionals the courts, law firms, police departments, schools, correctional and rehabilitation centers rely on for a better understanding and perspective on the criminal mind.

On any given day, forensic psychologists are performing mental health evaluations for the courts or correctional system…assisting attorneys in jury selection…providing dispute resolution and competency assessment services for the courts…performing background investigations for law enforcement agencies…and assessing and evaluating both offenders and victims of crime for civil and criminal cases. It’s a specialized profession that calls for specialized credentials (all must have a PhD or PsyD from an American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited doctoral program, two years of post-doctoral experience, and state licensure as a clinical psychologist). But in this field, the rewards of earning an  advanced degree in forensic psychology  make it well worth it.

Forensic Psychology Salary Information by State

What Exactly is Behind the Record High Salaries in Forensic Psychology

A closer look at where forensic psychologists are earning the most, a state-by-state guide to salaries in forensic psychology, forensic psychology salary info by state.

• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

So, how is it that specializing in forensics offers psychologists a chance to earn far more than they could in just about any other area of clinical and applied psychology?

In a word: demand.

According to a report from the American Psychological Association (APA), psychologists working in settings where psychology and the law overlap are “in hot demand.”

Ever since 2001 when the APA approved forensic psychology as a specialty, interest has surged in the field, and today, nearly every part of the legal system relies on their expertise.

Working as an independent consultant is an attractive option, providing total control over the kinds of clients they work with and how they bill for their services.

Unlike most clinical psychologists, forensic psychologists aren’t reliant on insurance reimbursement to make their money, and they aren’t subject to the same kind of standard rate billing. They may very well bill their services on an hourly basis or accept retainers for taking cases, but those rates aren’t ever going to be processed for approval by an insurance company. And so their services go to the highest bidder, and in a high-demand field without a lot of other options to choose from when a law firm or law enforcement agency needs a forensic psychologist, those bids can go pretty high.

They also have the opportunity specialize and diversify their practice according to where demand in the field takes them.

Not only is earning a salary in the six figures possible in forensic psychology, but it’s also more common than you may think. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), forensic psychologists (categorized by the BLS as Psychologists, All Others) earned an average salary of $98,010 as of May 2021. The top 10% of earners in this field – likely those with extensive experience and specialized experience in specific areas of the legal system – earned more than $133,200 during this time.

Based on BLS stats, some of the highest paid forensic psychologists were among those who worked as consultants, earning an annual average of $132,680.

Forensic psychologist careers  working in private companies earned one of the highest average salaries, too, at $120,780, followed by those working for healthcare practitioners, who earned an average salary of $108,520. In the governmental sector, those working for the federal government earned one of the highest salaries, at $101,540. The federal government also came out on top as the largest employer of forensic psychologists during this time, representing about 60% of all jobs in the forensic psychology field.

As of May 2021, average annual salaries for forensic psychologists exceeded $100,000 in about half the states, with many of the remaining states reporting average salaries in the mid- to upper-$90,000s.

• Alabama: $96,660
• Alaska: $113,040
• Arizona: $96,710
• Arkansas: $92,470
• California: $112,210
• Connecticut: $103,220
• District of Columbia: $104,440
• Florida: $103,240
• Georgia: $98,360
• Hawaii: $92,060
• Idaho: $84,070
• Illinois: $99,740
• Indiana: $86,730
• Iowa: $106,200
• Kansas: $98,390
• Kentucky: $97,370
• Louisiana: $97,890
• Maine: $74,290
• Maryland: $111,350
• Massachusetts: $100,070
• Michigan: $74,810
• Minnesota: $81,150
• Mississippi: $80,890
• Missouri: $97,620
• Nevada: $95,540
• New Jersey: $95,090
• New Mexico: $87,820
• New York: $104,140
• North Carolina: $87,210
• North Dakota: $92,820
• Ohio: $96,970
• Oklahoma: $92,210
• Oregon: $112,570
• Pennsylvania: $100,290
• Rhode Island: $92,400
• South Carolina: $103,530
• South Dakota: $91,660
• Texas: $101,680
• Utah: $92,580
• Vermont: $92,370
• Virginia: $104,670
• Washington: $105,640
• West Virginia: $55,990
• Wisconsin: $86,000
• Wyoming: $102,660

As expected, salaries for forensic psychologists largely mirrored cost of living. For example, in California, a state with one of the highest costs of living in the nation, forensic psychologists earned an average salary of $112,210, while in a state like Mississippi, which has one of the lowest costs of living, forensic psychologists earned an average salary of just $80,890 – more than $30,000 less than California.

2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for psychologists , all other. Job growth projections from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, Projections Central. Figures are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2022.

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Forensic Psychologist Salary Guide 2024

By psychologyjobs.com Staff Writer

A forensic psychologist is a mental health professional who applies psychological principles and techniques to legal and criminal justice settings.  Learn more about becoming a forensic psychologist .

The average annual salary for a forensic psychologist in the US is $101,000

Here is the average forensic psychologist salary based upon number of years experience:

• Less than 5 years of experience: $82,180
• 5-10 years of experience: $98,230
• More than 10 years of experience: $100,850

Find Forensic Psychologist Jobs

Which states have the highest forensic psychologist salaries.

• California – $120,010
• Oregon – $117,180
• Rhode Island – $116,810
• Hawaii – $115,220
• New York – $113,940

Which cities have the highest forensic psychologist salaries?

• New York, NY – $92,000
• San Diego, CA – $89,000
• Los Angeles, CA – $86,000
• Boston, MA – $85,000
• Chicago, IL – $83,000

How can forensic psychologists increase their salary?

Pursuing higher levels of education

Psychologists with  doctoral degrees  earned a median salary of $100,770 in May 2020, compared to $79,010 for those with a  master’s degree . Pursuing a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in forensic psychology or a related field may increase job opportunities and earning potential for forensic psychologists.

Developing specialized expertise

Forensic psychologists who develop specialized expertise in a specific area of forensic psychology e.g. forensic science, forensic mental health or criminal psychology may be able to command higher salaries.

Working in high-paying industries or organizations

Forensic psychologists who work for the federal government may be able to command higher salaries, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that the mean annual wage for psychologists in the federal executive branch is $112,690.

Negotiating salary and benefits

Forensic psychologists can negotiate their salary and benefits packages when accepting job offers or when asking for a raise. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association in 2020, 61% of psychologists negotiated their starting salary, with those who negotiated earning a median increase of $5,000. Additionally, the same survey found that psychologists who negotiated for other benefits, such as flexible work schedules, retirement plans, or professional development opportunities, reported higher levels of job satisfaction.

How do forensic psychologist salaries compare to other psychologists?

In terms of educational and training requirements, the roles most similar to a forensic psychologist would be a school psychologist,  educational psychologist ,  developmental psychologist  and an  industrial-organizational psychologist . Each of these roles requires a master’s degree with a doctoral degree being an optional (but often preferred) qualification. It therefore makes sense to compare the salaries of these roles to see how lucrative forensic psychology as a field is.

• Industrial-Organizational Psychologist  – $112,690
• School Psychologist  – $78,200
• Educational Psychologist  – $82,180
• Developmental Psychologist  – $78,000

How much money can you make with a forensic psychology degree?

Your degree doesn’t dictate your future salary, but it is a strong indicator.

After graduation, forensic psychology graduates typically earn high salaries compared to the national average. Top earners make $ 65,309 , while the bottom 20% make close r to $ 26,448 . The median grad salary is $ 41,561 .

Forensic Psychology graduate salaries over time

This chart maps the average workforce wage by years of experience:

Wage ($USD)

Years of work experience.

Pro tip Still unsure if a degree in forensic psychology is your calling? Read our comprehensive guide on choosing a career

Discover what you’ll learn—and what you can do after you graduate.

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How Much Do Forensic Psychologists Make?

The forensic psychology field has received more publicity in recent years with such television shows as Criminal Minds and many others. This is part of the reason more students are considering a Ph.D. in forensic psychology.

The American Psychological Association (APA) describes forensic psychology as applying clinical specialties to legal subjects. This stresses the application of clinical psychological principles to the forensic environment. This field also is defined as the application of research and experimentation to other parts of psychology, including cognitive and social, to the legal field. This could be the application of results from studies in areas of cognitive psychology to legal questions. ( APA.org )

Forensic psychologists focus on these areas:

• Research : Develop and administer research in the field on topics related to the legal system. For instance, you may perform research about how reliable eyewitness testimony is, or how misidentification in police lineups can happen from witness tainting.
• Evaluation : This can be performed for a court or the litigants. Many legal cases need a psychological evaluation for a binding legal decision to be made. For instance, whether the defendant that was convicted of a sex crime must register as a sex offender depends on a psychological assessment – is the person a sexual predator? Or, a child custody decision may not be made by the judge until a decision has been made by a forensic psychologist looking at the parents, and determining if any abuse has occurred.
• Consultation : This is normally done for attorneys who are handling a criminal or civil case. The type of consulting can change, but it generally involves assisting the client in obtaining the desired outcome in the court case.

Duties of a forensic psychologist  also can include:

• Evaluating insurance claims
• Providing psychotherapy in family court
• Performing visitation risk assessments
• Investigating potential child abuse cases

To work as a forensic psychologist, it is required to earn a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in the field. You also must have at least two years of supervised professional experience. One year of this must be an APA-accredited predoctoral internship.

SEE ALSO:   Online PhD in Forensic Psychology Degree Programs

Becoming a forensic psychologist requires a lot of time and study, so knowing what a forensic psychologist makes is an important part of your career decision process. Below is detailed forensic psychologist salary information.

Forensic Psychologist Salary Information

There are several good sources of salary information for psychologists and forensic psychologists in particular:

Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is an excellent source of salary information for psychologists. BLS reports the median salary for psychologists is $79,000 as of 2018. The lowest 10% earned $43,800, and the top 10% earned at least $129,000 per year. These numbers include many types of psychologists at various levels of education. If you have your Ph.D. in forensic psychology, you should expect a salary well above the median. ( BLS.gov )

BLS also reports more detailed salary information:

• All other psychologists: $100,700
• Industrial-organizational psychologists: $97,200
• Clinical, counseling and school psychologists: $76,900

Median annual wages for all psychologists vary by industry:

• Government: $96,400
• Hospitals: $86,500
• Ambulatory healthcare services: $79,100
• Elementary and secondary schools: $75,800

The American Psychological Association (APA) reports a range similar to BLS: $40,000 to $121,000. However, this site notes professionals who remain in the field of for years can earn between $200,000 and $400,000 per year. Also, most entry-level forensic psychologists earn between $60,000 and $70,000. ( APA.org )

Payscale.com

Payscale.com reports the average forensic psychologist salary is $67,600. The salary range reported is from $40,000 to $101,000. The site also posts annual bonuses ranging from $495 to $14,000. ( Payscale.com ). This website also states the average, entry-level salary for this profession is $51,395, with a range between $35,000 and $85,000.

Ziprecruiter.com

Ziprecruiter.com reports average salaries for forensic psychologists by state. Salaries range from $114,780 to $81,800. ( Ziprecruiter.com ). Below are the average salaries reported for some of the most popular states:

• New York: $114,780
• Massachusetts: $114,000
• Maryland: $107,600
• California: $104,000
• Virginia: $102,600
• Pennsylvania: $99,500
• New Jersey: $98,800
• Ohio: $97,400
• Texas: $94,400
• Illinois: $91,500
• Florida: $88,100

Job Outlook for Forensic Psychologists

BLS reports the job outlook for psychologists overall is strong. It reports a 14% increase in jobs through 2028, which is faster than average. There also will be 15% job growth for professionals working as clinical and counseling psychologists.

SEE ALSO:  Salary Outlook with a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology Degree

Forensic psychology has grown in prominence and popularity in part because of sensationalist portrayals of the field in movies and TV programs. These characterizations of the career are sometimes inaccurate.

These psychologists may be portrayed as expert criminal profilers who can detect what a criminal could do next. However, forensic psychologists usually practice psychology as a science in the civil courts and criminal justice system.

Given the strong job growth for psychologists generally, there is good job potential for forensic psychologists with a doctoral degree in the future. Salaries for this field are quite competitive once you have earned your Ph.D. or Psy.D. Law enforcement agencies and the legal system have learned that hiring forensic psychologists or using them as experts in trials can increase the odds of prevailing before a judge.

SEE ALSO:  How to Become a Forensic Psychologist

With enough years of experience, it is possible to earn well more than $100,000 per year, with top professionals earning $200,000 and even more. This type of high salary potential could make it worth spending four to seven years more in college to earn that coveted Ph.D. in forensic psychology.

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Careers in Forensic Psychology – Salary, Job Descriptions, and Outlook

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), forensic psychologists are typically licensed psychologists with a fundamental understanding of clinical, forensic, and legal systems.

They have a wealth of responsibilities, such as interviewing patients; conducting psychological evaluations; diagnosing mental illnesses; deciding whether juvenile defendants should be tried as adults; evaluating people’s competency to stand trial; creating criminal profiles to assist law enforcement; helping in jury selection; consulting legal or administrative professionals; offering sentencing recommendations; establishing whether a person should be committed to a mental hospital; compiling official reports or amicus briefs for court; liaising with various legal and medical personnel; and serving as expert witnesses in trials.

They generally work in courts, prisons, mental hospitals, and government agencies and may be involved in criminal or civil cases. In sum, the APA reports that forensic psychologists apply “the scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge of psychology to the law to assist in addressing legal, contractual, and administrative matters.” Also, the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP)—the central certifying organization for forensic psychologists—details these professionals’ desired core competencies to achieve certification.

So why is the rigorous application of psychology to judicial matters important? First, the careful consideration of a forensic psychologist may be crucial in some legal cases, especially since the misuse of evidence, forced confessions, and corner-cutting measures to expedite trials or convict suspected criminals all still run rampant in the justice system.

For example, Aeon reports that some people get “framed by forensics,” such as Juan Rivera, who was imprisoned for 20 years after being wrongfully convicted for the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Illinois. Rivera, a man with a low IQ and a history of emotional problems, was interrogated by police for several days and lied to about the results of his polygraph test.

Exhausted and under duress to sign a confession, he did so, and his fate was sealed. After 13 years, he was finally exonerated by DNA evidence. A forensic psychologist would have pointed out that such a man was highly suggestible and not in any condition to make a reliable confession after being questioned for more than 24 hours at the hands of nine officers. In cases like these, forensic psychologists can safeguard the fairness of the legal system and the administration of justice.

Read on to discover the bright career outlook and salary prospects in forensic psychology, and learn how to get started in the field.

Career Outlook for Forensic Psychology

According to the APA , forensic psychology is a growing field with opportunities in courtrooms and through police departments, hospitals, military bases, and universities. Furthermore, these professionals may be very well-compensated. For example, Mary Connell, EdD, a private practitioner from Fort Worth, estimated that forensic psychologists make between $200,000 and $400,000 annually.

It is important to note that while this is enticing, it’s difficult to substantiate those figures officially. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not differentiate between types of psychologists. Therefore, the following data for all psychologists is used as a proxy for the forensic subfield.

The BLS (2022) reports that psychology is a growing career and expects that job openings will increase by 6 percent between 2022 and 2032. This projected growth is the same as the average anticipated for all occupations during that decade, creating 12,000 new positions. Although the future looks bright for this profession, working as a forensic psychologist can be stressful, requiring long hours and emotional fortitude. Those who decide to pursue this occupation should ensure that they have a robust support system in place.

Forensic Psychologist Salary

The salary ranges for forensic psychologists can vary widely. For instance, Indeed (2023) estimates that forensic psychologists make an annual average salary of $104,903.

However, PayScale (2023), an aggregator of self-reported salary data, found a variety of salaries in this field among its 162 reporting forensic psychologists, ranging from $46,000 to $125,000. In more granular terms, Payscale reported the following salary percentiles:

• 10th percentile: $61,000
• 25th percentile: $71,000
• 50th percentile (median): $82,000
• 75th percentile: $92,000
• 90th percentile: $115,000

Not surprisingly, PayScale (2023) also found that one of the most impactful factors on salary was experience. Here are the median annual salaries among different experience brackets of forensic psychologists:

• Entry-level (0-1 years) – 35 individuals reporting: $60,951
• Early-career (1-4 years) – 63 individuals reporting: $71,295
• Mid-career (5-9 years) – 32 individuals reporting: $81,926
• Experienced (10-19 years) – 21 individuals reporting: $92,190
• Late career (20+ years) – individuals reporting unknown: $114,836

Unfortunately, Payscale does not currently have data for late-career forensic psychologists. The BLS offers data on clinical, counseling, and school psychologists for comparative purposes. As mentioned above, this general category of psychologists will be used as a proxy for forensic psychologists since reliably differentiated data is unavailable.

Interestingly, salary percentiles among psychologists as a whole were similar to those found among Payscale’s reporting forensic psychologists ( BLS May 2022):

• 10th percentile: $40,000
• 25th percentile: $68,410
• 50th percentile (median): $106,420
• 75th percentile: $124,020
• 90th percentile: $138,860

The BLS found that the top-paying industries for psychologists nationwide were:

• Specialty Hospitals (160 employed) $117,940 annual mean salary
• Educational Support Services (70 employed): $116,490
• Scientific Research and Development Services (350 employed): $115,750
• Individual and Family Services (210 employed): $107,190

Notably, two of the top-paying industries, Specialty Hospitals and Scientific Research and Development Services, were also top-employer of psychologists across the country:

• Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) (8,380 psychologists employed): $104,870 annual mean salary
• Offices of Other Health Practitioners (1,460 employed): $80,590
• Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals (150 employed): $77,860
• Specialty Hospitals (160 employed): $117,940

As mentioned above, the salaries for psychologists also tended to vary widely based on region. According to the BLS, the top-paying states in this field were scattered all over the country:

• Nevada (100 psychologists employed): $120,220 annual mean salary
• California (1,350): $116,420
• Oregon (230): $115,680
• Virginia (580 employed): $113,090
• New Hampshire (40 employed): $113,050

Interestingly, the top employers in this profession were located in other areas of the United States in states with large populations:

• California (1,350 psychologists employed): $116,420 annual mean salary
• Texas (960 psychologists employed): $107,910
• Florida (800 employed): $100,570
• Maryland (660 employed): $100,010
• New York (620 employed): $91,600

In a stroke of good fortune for the Golden State, three of the top ten highest-paying metropolitan areas for psychologists were located in California:

Finally, it’s no surprise that the top-employing metropolitan areas for psychologists tended to fall in the country’s large cities:

• Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI (720 psychologists employed): $103,430 annual mean salary
• Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV (670 employed): $110,250
• New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA (530 employed): $102,220
• Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI (430 employed): $73,700
• Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA (380 employed): $112,390
• Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA (330 employed): $106,180
• San Diego-Carlsbad, CA (250 employed): $105,610
• San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA (250 employed): $126,520
• Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH (510 employed): $91,790
• Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD (240 employed): $102,890

How to Become a Forensic Psychologist

Step 1: Graduate from high school (four years). High school students aspiring to be forensic psychologists are advised to keep their grades high to gain admission into a reputable four-year bachelor’s degree program. In addition, taking as many courses as possible in math, sciences, and social science is recommended to prepare for undergraduate coursework.

Step 2: Enroll in an undergraduate program (four years). Before getting a graduate education, aspiring forensic psychologists are encouraged to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology, forensics, or another relevant field.

Step 3: Attend an accredited graduate program in forensic, legal, or clinical psychology (four to five years). To qualify for professional licensure through the ABPP, candidates must have a doctoral degree. To this end, various PhD and doctor of psychology (PsyD) programs are available. Aspiring forensic psychologists will complete coursework and clinical practicums as part of these programs. In addition, programs typically include an internship or residency component as part of their degree plan.

The American Psychological Association , the leading accreditation body for graduate psychology programs, provides a list of approved forensic and legal psychology programs, including master’s, PsyD, PhD, and joint program options.

For example, Palo Alto University in California offers a PhD in clinical psychology with a forensic emphasis. In addition to clinical psychology coursework and practicum requirements, students take courses such as psychopathology and psychodiagnosis, ethics in clinical psychology, forensic psychology, and professional standards. In addition, forensic psychology internships are available to gain practical experience.

• Location: Palo Alto, CA
• Duration: Five to seven years
• Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)
• Tuition: $18,944 total

A second doctoral option is Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which offers a 119-credit PhD in clinical psychology with an emphasis on clinical forensic psychology. In addition to clinical psychology coursework and practicum requirements, students take courses such as forensic pathology; family law; special forensic psychology issues; supervision; and consultation, ethics, and controversial issues. In addition, students in this program must complete a one-year forensic psychology internship to gain practical experience.

• Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Tuition: $49,704 per year

Step 4: Get field experience, preferably forensics (timeline varies). After graduation, some candidates still won’t have enough professional hours to qualify for licensure and will have to get additional supervised experience. Many students need at least 2,000 internship hours (often as part of a doctoral program) and an extra 2,000 postdoctoral hours to qualify for licensure. The amount of required postdoctoral experience, specific coursework, and practicum requirements may vary by jurisdiction.

Students are encouraged to reach out to their local licensing board, a list of which is provided by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). At this stage, aspiring forensic psychologists are also urged to “bank their credentials” (i.e., gather all signatures, hour logs, and other materials) online through a service such as the National Psychologist Trainee Register .

Step 5: Get licensed as a clinical psychologist (timeline varies). State requirements for licensure vary but typically involve having a doctorate degree (including evidence of specific coursework); completing one to two years of postdoctoral professional experience; paying an application fee; and passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The EPPP is a 225-question multiple-choice exam. Passing scores vary by state, but it’s typically 70 percent.

Again, since requirements vary by jurisdiction, the ASPPB provides a list of contacts for each state’s professional board. Please note that psychologists must maintain these licenses after completing continuing education (CE) hours.

Step 6: Apply for certification through the American Board for Professional Psychology (ABPP) . Please reference the “Certification” section below for more information on this step.

Forensic Psychologist Tasks And Responsibilities

In most jobs related to the criminal justice system, it is difficult to define a typical day. However, there are specific tasks and responsibilities that forensic psychologists will likely have to complete regularly, depending on their position. Some of these tasks include:

• Consulting with law enforcement officers and district attorneys
• Assessing offenders for mental fitness
• Writing thorough reports of mental competency assessments
• Completing continuing education credits
• Diagnosing and treating mentally ill offenders who are incarcerated
• Consulting with prison administration in regards to prisoner mental health
• Working with psychiatrists and physicians to ensure offenders are properly medicated
• Training court and prison staff on dealing with mentally ill offenders
• Interviewing and treating victims of crimes
• Giving expert testimony in court

Specialty Fields Related to Forensic Psychology

In addition to becoming a certified forensic psychologist, there are various related careers to consider at the intersection of psychology and the law.

A forensic psychology researcher, for instance, typically has an advanced degree in psychology (e.g., PhD) and researches mental health law, public policies, legal proceedings, and niche fields such as the reliability of eyewitness testimony.

Trained forensic psychologists may also consider a career as a consultant, working with police departments to create criminal profiles, deal with crises, provide officers with sensitivity training, and assist with effective management techniques. In a courtroom setting, a consultant may be considered an evaluator or a person specializing in applying mental health analyses to a person’s fitness for trial, likeliness to commit future crimes, and other factors.

Another option is to become a correctional psychologist, a clinical specialist in diagnosing and treating prisoners. Still, others may want to consider becoming a criminal profiler or criminal psychologist, an exciting subfield of investigative psychology that delves into the actions, motivations, and complex histories of criminal minds. These are just a few of the specialized possibilities available to those trained in forensic psychology.

Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree

Pursuing a doctoral-level degree may only be possible for some interested in this career. Bachelor’s degrees in forensic psychology are rare but available. Those who can earn an undergraduate degree in forensic psychology may work in the field. They will not be able to become a licensed psychologist.

The following careers are available to those with an undergraduate degree, although further training may still be required:

• Law enforcement office
• Officer of the court
• Victim advocate
• Probation officer

Graduates with a Master’s Degree

With a master of science (MS) or master of arts (MA) in forensic psychology, careers more focused on psychology become available. While a doctoral degree is necessary for board certification as a forensic psychologist, a master’s degree and proper licensure allow graduates to work in psychology in some capacities.

For instance, MS holders can consider jobs like:

• Substance abuse counselor
• Licensed professional counselor (LPC)
• Rehabilitation counseling for offenders
• Expert witness
• Jury consultant

Committing to any level of education is a big step, so one must consider one’s ultimate career goals and which degree will lead there before taking the next step.

Forensic Psychology Certification

Finally, those seeking to become forensic psychologists should seriously consider becoming certified by the American Board for Professional Psychology . Certification can prove one’s competence and enhance a person’s salary prospects and candidacy for employment.

To become a certified forensic psychology specialist, candidates must first undergo a credential review. In addition, they must have a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program. Acceptable accreditation entities include the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). Additionally, candidates must have completed an APA-approved internship (or the equivalent); show proof of current employment in the forensics specialty; send logs of relevant postdoctoral continuing education (CE); and submit a copy of their psychologist license.

As part of the educational requirement, candidates must have at least 100 hours of formal education, supervision, or CE in forensic psychology and 1,000 hours of experience in this subfield for at least five years. Additional education (e.g., JD) or postdoctoral training may be substituted instead of this five-year requirement.

Finally, candidates must successfully pass two exams: written and oral. The written exam comprises 208 multiple-choice questions across seven categories of forensic psychology, including child forensic matters, landmark legal cases, and criminal legal issues, and must be completed in 3.5 hours. The three-hour oral examination is offered after submitting two acceptable practice samples.

Jocelyn Blore

Jocelyn Blore is the chief content officer of Sechel Ventures and the co-author of the Women Breaking Barriers series. She graduated summa cum laude from UC Berkeley and traveled the world for five years. She also worked as an addiction specialist for two years in San Francisco. She’s interested in how culture shapes individuals and systems within societies—one of the many themes she writes about in her blog, Blore’s Razor (Instagram: @bloresrazor). She has served as managing editor for several healthcare websites since 2015.

• Forensic Scientist
• Forensic Technician
• Criminalist
• Forensic Chemist
• Law Enforcement Officer
• Forensic Nurse Practitioner
• Forensic Psychology
• Criminal Profiler
• Master’s in Forensic Psychology

What do forensic psychologists do? Responsibilities may vary, but most psychologists in the field help police determine the motives for certain crimes, narrow down a suspect pool, and generally provide deeper insight into the criminal mind in order to assist investigators.

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How to Start a Forensic Psychology Career

Created by careersinpsychology

How to Become a Forensic Psychologist

As much as we might wish for a crime-free world, this is an unrealistic expectation. Instead, we can try to prevent crime by understanding the criminal mind and common dangerous situations.

Forensic psychologists play an important role in helping limit crime by understanding criminal activity. They study human behavior and criminal justice to make analytical and observational deductions.

Learn more about how to become a forensic psychologist, including the educational requirements, skillsets needed, where you can work, and more.

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What is forensic psychology.

Forensic psychology is a discipline in the practice of psychology that focuses on individuals impacted by the legal system. This includes observing, studying, and identifying human behavior and brain activity to aid in a legal case or criminal case.

What Do Forensic Psychologists Do?

The word forensic is defined as "the scientific method for investigation of crime." Forensic psychology is often described as the merger of law and psychology. Forensic psychologists play a role in punishing and preventing crimes.

This field of psychology is typically focused on the criminals themselves. Professionals in this field are often given the ominous responsibility of trying to figure out the psychological profile of individuals who commit crimes to better understand the criminal mind and even prevent others from committing crimes of a similar nature.

Forensic psychology can be an important piece of the puzzle when trying to solve a criminal case. Professionals in this field can often help narrow down the suspect list or at least provide a motive for a crime. In some cases, the expert testimony of a respected forensic psychologist might be the last piece of the puzzle when trying to convict a criminal.

The field of forensic psychology is an essential part of crime prevention as well. Professionals in this field might be called upon to participate in rehabilitating criminals, for instance, to help ensure that they become law-abiding citizens. Research in this field can also help pinpoint types of people who might commit crimes before they actually do.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Forensic Psychologist?

Wondering if a career in forensic psychology is right for you? Before becoming a forensic psychologist, it’s important to understand the skills needed to succeed in the career. These can include both hard skills, such as data analysis and soft skills, including communication and empathy.

Critical Listening and Think

Forensic psychologists should be able to listen and think critically, especially under pressure. The role includes constant problem-solving and looking at things in an unbiased manner. The decisions made by the forensic team can have real-life implications on several parties, which is why it’s crucial to listen and think and process information effectively.

Data Analysis

Forensic psychology includes analyzing data and statistics to draw conclusions according to the specific situation you are analyzing. Accurate data analysis is a necessary skill for forensic psychologists.

In addition to data, forensic psychologists must also analyze physical evidence and the state of a crime scene to better understand the nature of the crime and the psychological state of the individual who committed it. Evidence, or even the lack of evidence, at a crime scene can often be used to develop a criminal profile. This can then be used to narrow down a list of suspects.

Research is often a big part of a forensic psychology career. Forensic psychologists will often study and analyze research from other professionals and conduct their own research. They might study criminals and their crimes, for instance, to determine what traits certain types of criminals have. These tasks may involve interviewing criminals, along with their loved ones and victims.

Communication

Forensic psychologists regularly work with lawyers, judges, counselors, and clients. Therefore, they must be good at communication and able to tailor their message to the recipient.

Many forensic psychologists also act as expert witnesses during criminal trials. They will often give testimonies about why a crime may have occurred, or whether they believe a defendant was likely to have committed the crimes in question. A forensic psychologist might influence on a criminal's sentencing. Because of these implications, clear and efficient communication is a must.

At the end of the day, forensic psychologists are often dealing with traumatic crimes that affect the lives of those around them. Having empathy for victims and those involved in the case is a powerful trait that helps forensic psychologists excel.

What Is the Average Salary of a Forensic Psychologist?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), forensic psychologists (categorized by the BLS as psychologists, all other) earned a median salary of $106,420 as of May 2022.

Forensic psychologists working for professional, scientific, and technical consulting companies earn an annual median wage of $109,690 while their colleagues in federal, state, and local governments have a median wage of $113,150.

How much you make as a forensic psychologist will depend on how much schooling you have, where you work, and what state you work in. Every role is different.

Forensic psychology jobs blend multiple disciplines: law, psychology, criminal justice, and counseling. Learn more about how to become a forensic psychologist below.

1. Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

Individuals pursuing forensic psychology careers should make sure that their education is focused on psychology, criminology, and forensics. There are a couple of different ways to pursue this type of education.

First, a student can earn a bachelor's degree in psychology with a focus on criminology or criminal justice. A student can also earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or criminology with a focus on psychology or choose a forensic psychology school . Some courses that an aspiring forensic psychologist might take may include courses on forensics, abnormal psychology, and the psychology of deviance.

2. Pursue a Master’s Degree

A master's degree in forensic psychology is considered the standard minimum for getting into the field in a research or consultancy role, while clinical work that involves working directly with patients will require a Ph.D. or PsyD, as is the case with all clinical psychologists.

Decide Where You Want to Work

Forensic psychologists most often work independently as consultants and expert witnesses, which means they can be hired by either prosecution or defense teams to testify during trial. When working in a rehabilitative or clinical capacity, forensic psychology jobs may include being part of the rehabilitative staff found in prisons or juvenile detention centers.

Are You Ready for a Career in Forensic Psychology?

Forensic psychology is a unique career because it blends aspects of so many different industries, including law, criminal justice, and psychology. Forensic psychologists should be good listeners and communicators and understand how to process data, both on paper and from crime scenes. Is a career as a forensic psychologist right for you? Find a psychology program fit for your needs, including ones focused on the discipline of forensics.

Employment Outlook & Career Guidance for Forensic Psychologists

As cases regarding school violence, workplace conflict, sexual abuse, and other serious crimes in the United States continue to emerge, the escalating awareness of mental health issues and criminal behavior creates a demand for the services and expertise of forensic psychologists.

What Type of Positions Can a Forensic Psychologist Hold?

Companies and agencies that seek to hire forensic psychologists are those that have legal roles or clientele, which includes anyone associated with family, civil, or criminal court. Forensic psychology graduates may follow a range of diverse career paths, including positions in consulting, private practice, government, education, and in the courtroom. Learn more about how to become a forensic psychologist .

Career options available to forensic psychologists include:

• Becoming a criminal profiler, and working with a local police department or federal law enforcement agency.
• Developing a curriculum for and training law enforcement/corrections agencies, as a consultant.
• Counseling at-risk youth for an agency that focuses on the prevention of criminal behavior.
• Striving to improve public policy as a political advisor to government agencies and/or politicians on issues relating to crime and criminal law.
• Becoming a non-profit lobbyist for changes to criminal law and crime prevention methods.
• Conducting research at an institution or university on topics related to the legal system.
• Providing counseling and treatment to criminals at prisons, halfway houses, mental health centers, and/or psychiatric hospitals.
• Becoming a professor for an undergraduate or graduate program, as well as teach juris doctorate candidates at law schools.

The type of degree a forensic psychology graduate possesses will determine some of the positions he or she qualifies for.

"At the master's level, they can work in criminal justice settings like probation or parole, work as therapists in mental health or drug courts and work in correctional facilities as therapists or case managers. At the doctoral level, they can work as forensic psychologists in state mental hospitals, complete competency evaluations for the courts, complete psychological evaluations for legal cases, complete custody evaluations, and work in correctional facilities as psychologists or administrators." – Dr. David Stephens

Featured Forensic Psychologist Degree Program

Forensic psychologists also find employment within a:

• Courtroom Setting: Because forensic psychologists possess valuable insight into human behavior and the criminal mind, they often play an important role in courtroom settings, such as testifying in court. Lawyers also use their specialties during the jury selection process because of their ability to 'read' people through their actions and body language.
• Law Enforcement Setting: In addition to becoming a criminal profiler, forensic psychologists also work with law enforcement to select, train and evaluate police officers. They may work for an agency, or provide their services as a consultant hired on a temporary basis.
• Government Agency Setting: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is an option for forensic psychologists, who are hired to create basic working profiles of killers and other criminals by analyzing their previous activity.
• Crime Scene & Laboratory Setting: Some forensic psychologists play an important role in criminal investigations, and spend their time analyzing crime scenes and evidence to conclude a criminal's actions, and/or how they committed a crime. They often rotate between working in a laboratory, crime scene, and courtroom setting.
• Child Law Setting: Forensic psychologists may opt to focus on child law, and investigate reports of child abuse. Oftentimes, their abilities are called upon to work on child custody cases, where they interview parents and the child(ren) on a separate basis to help determine the best overall custody decision.
• Mental Health Setting: Those who enter the clinical forensic psychology field, often work with patients suffering from a mental disease that significantly affects their behavior. In addition to working with the court system, these professionals often assume position at prisons and mental institutions (especially those that have a criminal ward). When working at a rehabilitation center, forensic psychologists evaluate and create treatment plans for convicted criminals.
• Education Setting: Forensic psychologists are hired to educate children and adults on the possible dangers regarding sexual abuse, domestic violence, and other threats to their health and wellbeing.

Dr. O'Leary suggests focusing on the job settings that are most enjoyable to a forensic psychology student or graduate, as a way to easily build upon his or her marketability.

"…if one's passion is working with victims of crimes, then they [should] look for advocacy centers, legal aid, department of social services, etc. This is more beneficial if one uses this approach while still attending school as it positions them for available positions once they graduate." –Dr. Bill O'Leary

Ways for Forensic Psychologists to Increase Desirability as a Job Candidate

Forensic psychologists can enhance their attractiveness as a job candidate through their volunteer efforts; by joining and being involved in professional organizations; by presenting papers at professional conferences; and being published in a professional journal.

Dr. O'Leary suggests taking an open-minded approach towards a forensic psychology career in order to create a broader range of opportunities as a professional, which can ultimately increase a job candidate's desirability to potential employers.

"I have done anger management for the NY Giants, gone to schools to present to students and parents, worked with victims as well as perpetrators, taught for several universities…" –Dr. Bill O'Leary   "Get a variety of professional experiences in forensic settings. For students, this can be accomplished through completing practicum experiences in …probation or parole, correctional facilities, state hospitals, etc." –Dr. David Stephens

Dr. O'Leary also gives the following suggestions on how to become a better-rounded job candidate:

• Develop and maintain professional relationships.
• Conduct yourself in a genuine and direct manner.
• Use logic instead of emotion when dealing with others.
• Stay informed in the area that you work.

Qualities and characteristics that employers typically look for in a forensic psychologist include:

• An understanding and familiarity about the intersection of law and psychology
• Demonstrating a life-long learning attitude
• A strong work ethic
• The ability to keep personal opinions and biases out of their work
• Strong critical-thinking skills, and the desire to 'go the extra mile' to research possible solutions
• Willingness to accept viewpoints from many different people and other professionals
• Staying well-informed on ever-changing social issues
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• The ability to effectively explain and defend a position or theory numerous times

"Degrees get you into the interview; experience and character get you the job." – Dr. Bill O'Leary

Ways for a Forensic Psychologist to Increase His/Her Salary

Forensic psychologists with a doctoral-level degree (PhD or PsyD) are qualified to offer part-time and full-time private practice or consulting services as a way to increase their income. The average hourly rate for services is between $150 and $450 an hour, and may consist of performing psychological evaluations; competency evaluations; as well as evaluating people involved in personal injury or class-action suits (and then give testimony in court about the harm their clients have experienced).

"Depending on the setting, most salary increases occur through annual performance reviews. Increasing the quality of work, being involved in extra duties or projects at the place of employment, and being promoted all contribute to increasing salary." –Dr. David Stephens "…one can take the collegiate route and teach at a college. I tend to do that as a supplement to income as opposed to a main source." –Dr. Bill O'Leary

Read more about forensic psychology degrees online .

Forensic Psychology Networking Opportunities and Organizations

Forensic psychologists have the option to effectively network both online and onsite, especially when working with law enforcement or judicial agencies. Dr. O'Leary says going to law enforcement settings and 'case-conferencing' over lunch is a good way to network in the field – this type of interaction "helps streamline investigations and catch problems earlier on".

Another type of conference for forensic psychologists to participate in is the kind that takes place regionally, nationally and internationally, which creates opportunities to meet with academics, researchers, practitioners and students of psychology.

Attending a conference , such as the Forensic Expert Witness Annual Conference & Symposium, provides a means to engage with high-profile keynote speakers, participate in workshops, speak on individual papers, and enjoy social activities with other psychologists.

Joining a regional board helps forensic psychologists develop relationships throughout the state, and provides an excellent way to stay informed in the field. According to Dr. O'Leary, boards usually include established professionals, and provide an invaluable source to be able to talk about cases and practice.

"Attending and/or presenting at conferences, and joining professional listservs are among the best ways to network with colleagues." –Dr. David Stephens

Organizations that provide networking opportunities for forensic psychologists include:

• American Board of Forensic Psychology ( ABFP )
• American Academy of Forensic Psychology
• Society for Police and Criminal Psychology
• National Organization of Forensic Social Work
• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Forensic Expert Witness Association ( FEWA )

Forensic Psychologist Continuing Education (CE) Sources

In addition to state-approved continuing education (CE) programs for psychologists, the APA also provides CE credit options for forensic psychologists. Opportunities for professional development include earning credits in topics related to forensic psychology, such as Forensic Assessment and the Standard of Care; Human Aggression and Violence: Causes, Manifestations, and Consequences; and Therapy with Coerced and Reluctant Clients.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for psychologists, all other, is based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.

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Psychologist Salary Info: The 9 Highest Paying Careers

Which psychology jobs pay the best salary?

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

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.

Psychiatrist

Average Salary:  $216,090 per year

Educational Requirements:  Considered a medical career, psychiatry is significantly tied to the study and application of psychology. Approximately eight years of post-undergraduate study. After earning a bachelor's degree, aspiring psychiatrists must graduate from medical school and then complete a four-year residency.

Psychiatry is one of the highest-paying fields tied to psychology. However, salaries can vary considerably within this field depending upon your specialty area , where you are employed, and the type of work you perform.

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Average Salary: $105,310

Educational Requirements: In most cases, a master's degree in psychology is the minimum training required, although having a doctorate degree may be to your advantage. While there are opportunities available at the master's degree level, earning a doctorate degree in industrial-organizational psychology offers greater opportunities and higher salaries.

Industrial-organizational psychologists use their knowledge of psychology to tackle workplace issues. Increasing worker productivity, selecting the best employees for particular jobs, and developing market research surveys are just a few things that an industrial-organizational psychologist might do.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that I/O psychologists in the scientific research and development industry earned an average annual wage of $122,660. Those employed at colleges, universities, and professional schools earned an average of $110,070.

According to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology , the average salary for a doctorate-level consultant was $167,000.

Neuropsychologist

Average Salary: $90,460 per year

Educational Requirements: A doctorate degree in neuropsychology or clinical neuropsychology is needed to work in this field.

Neuropsychologists specialize in the study of the brain and cognitive science.   People who work in this field often perform cognitive tests, run brain scans, assess people suffering from brain injury, and study how drugs impact the nervous system. They may work at colleges and universities, hospitals, research centers, mental health clinics, and pharmaceutical labs.

Clinical Psychologist

Average Salary: $81,330 per year

Educational Requirements: In most states, clinical psychologists must have a doctorate degree in psychology. In addition to this education, they must also complete one to two years of supervised residency and pass state licensing exams in order to practice as a licensed clinical psychologist.

Clinical psychologists are trained in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illness. This is also the largest area of employment within psychology. Clinical psychologists work in various settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practice.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that in May 2019, those employed in individual and family services earned an average of $85,140. Those employed in the offices of other health practitioners earned an average of $100,300 per year.

Engineering Psychologist

Average Salary: $79,818 per year

Educational Requirements: Entry-level positions require a master's degree, but those with a doctorate will find greater employment opportunities and better salaries.

Engineering psychologists work to improve the design of systems, operations, and equipment in order to increase efficiency, improve productivity, and minimize injury. As with other specialty areas of psychology, the area of employment plays a major role in determining salary. Engineering psychologists who work in the private sector earn considerably more than those employed in university settings.

Counseling Psychologist

Average Salary: $72,540 per year

Educational Requirements: A PhD, PsyD , or EdD degree is required to become a counseling psychologist.

Counseling psychologists perform many of the same tasks as clinical psychologists such as offering psychotherapy and mental health treatment, but they typically work with clients suffering from less severe forms of mental illness.

While mental health is one of the largest areas within counseling psychology, some people in this field opt to conduct research. They also teach university courses or provide vocational counseling.

Forensic Psychologist

Average Salary: $59,440

Educational Requirements: While there are some jobs available with a master's degree, you will typically need a doctorate degree in clinical, counseling, or forensic psychology.

Forensic psychologists deal with psychological issues related to the law. Some of the duties that a professional in this field might perform include developing psychological profiles of criminals, dealing with child custody issues, investigating child abuse, providing expert testimony, preparing witnesses to testify in court, and offering training to law enforcement.

School Psychologist

Average Salary: $58,360

Educational Requirements: Most states require completing a 60-credit school psychology specialist program, which leads to a master's or EdS degree. Approximately 32% of school psychologists hold a PhD , PsyD, or EdD degree.

School psychologists work within the educational system to diagnose and treat behavior and learning problems in children. They often collaborate with other professionals, including teachers and doctors as well as parents, to help kids overcome social, emotional, behavioral, and academic problems.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor, jobs in this field are expected to grow by approximately 10% over the next decade.

Sports Psychologist

Average Salary:  $55,000 per year

Educational Requirements:  Most jobs require a master's or doctorate degree in sports psychology or in related areas such as clinical or counseling psychology. Sports psychologists  are interested in the psychological components of sports and athletics.  

Professionals in this field often focus on topics such as  motivation  and athletic performance. They utlizie their knowledge of psychology to help athletes perform better or to help people recover from sports injuries.

While salaries for sports psychologists typically range between $60,000 and $80,000, those working with professional athletes often earn over six figures.

What Psych Career Is Best For You? Take the Quiz

This fast and free psychology careers quiz can help you get a better sense for which kind of psychology career might be the best fit for your personality, career interests, salary needs, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

While specific salaries vary depending on factors including experience and location, psychiatry tends to be the highest-paying psychology-related career.

They can! However, it is important to recognize that individual salaries vary a great deal. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for psychologists is $81,040. However, the lowest paid 10% made less than $47,850 per year. Your own salary may depend on factors such as your specialty, training, experience, area of employment, and geographic location.

Psychology can be a good career if it is suited to your interests and goals. The field is expected to experience modest growth in the coming year, and there are always opportunities for growth depending on where your interests lie. The growing need for mental health services and an aging population means that there will be a need for trained psychologists.

A Word From Verywell

Choosing a career is a big decision, and the salary is just one of many factors you need to consider. Money is an important component, but factors such as job outlook and quality of life are also essential.

So is becoming a psychologist worth it? Only you can decide. Think about how a particular career may suit your personality and goals in life before committing. In the end, the best job for you is the one you will enjoy the most and fulfills your personal and professional needs.

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By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."