Psychology Career Information and Outlook

Psychology careers span many fields, including criminal justice, education, business, and mental health, to name a few. Psychology is one of the most popular majors on college campuses because it arms graduates with transferable skills applicable to various fields and industries.¹ An online bachelor’s program in psychology prepares students for entry-level jobs or graduate degree programs for specialized psychology careers.

To practice in a clinical setting, psychologists must have a doctoral-level degree and licensure. However, graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or even an associate degree in psychology can qualify for many psychology-related career options.

Why Pursue a Career in Psychology?
Jobs You Can Get with a Psychology Degree: Associate Degree Level; Bachelor’s Degree Level; Master’s Degree Level; Doctorate Degree Level; Careers with a PhD or PsyD
Psychology Schools by State
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Resources

Why Pursue a Career in Psychology?

Graduates with a degree in psychology may find employment in the field of psychology or in a wide range of careers related to psychology. In fact, according to a 2019 survey of college graduates, only 27% of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher in psychology worked in psychology or a closely related field.² In contrast, 35% worked in a field “somewhat related” to psychology and 38% worked in an unrelated field.².² So what is it about psychology that provides such a broad range of career options? Students who study psychology:

Learn how people and animals think and behave in ordinary and extreme situations.
Use the scientific method of data collection and analysis that has practical application in many occupations (for example, business analytics).
Gain critical thinking skills by studying and applying psychological paradigms to problem-solving.
Build written and oral communications through essays, group projects, and class participation.

Mastery of these skills creates well-rounded candidates that many employers seek. A degree in psychology is applicable to jobs in almost every industry, especially in roles that involve understanding human behavior such as business, counseling, teaching, and social services. Each degree level prepares graduates for different job opportunities. Continue reading to learn more about psychology-related careers by degree level.

Jobs You Can Get With a Psychology Degree

Psychology degrees at any level prepare graduates for job security in a number of fields. Higher education expands career opportunities for psychology graduates. As a psychology degree holder, you can pursue a job that fits your interests, strengths, and salary requirements. Tailoring your psychology degree with specialized electives or a minor can give you an edge during the job application process. For example, adding criminology coursework to your psychology degree will prepare you for jobs as a correctional officer or police officer. Similarly, a health minor will be beneficial for securing health educator positions.

Psychology Careers With an Associate Degree

An associate degree in psychology prepares you for many entry-level jobs. Minimum educational requirements for associate-level jobs might include a high school diploma, a certificate, or a two-year college degree. Jobs found near or in major cities tend to offer more competitive pay but often require higher education.

Correctional Officer

Correctional officers are responsible for safeguarding prison inmate populations. This includes supervising inmates’ activities, enforcing the rules in jails or prisons, reporting on inmate conduct, and escorting/transporting inmates. Most correctional officer jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent. However, employment in federal prisons usually requires a bachelor’s degree, commonly in security/protective service or a related field such as psychology. Correctional officers earned an average annual salary of $53,420 per year as of May 2021, though a decrease in employment (of 7%) is expected in this field overall through 2030.^3,4

Police Officer

A police officer’s primary duty is to enforce the laws that protect people and property in their jurisdiction. The specific responsibilities of a police officer vary depending on department size and the officer’s rank. Officers may spend significant time patrolling assigned areas, making arrests, and performing investigations as necessary. Though the educational requirements for police officers vary, many agencies look for applicants who have completed at least some college, preferably with coursework in subjects like psychology or criminal justice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), police and sheriff’s patrol officers earned an average of $70,750 per year as of May 2021 and will see job growth of 7% between 2020 and 2030.^4,5

Psychiatric Technician

Psychiatric technicians assist clinical professionals and patients alongside psychiatrists, psychologists, and medical doctors. Psychiatric technicians usually work with patients who are elderly, have been psychiatrically hospitalized, and with developmental disabilities. Daily responsibilities for psychiatric technicians include observing patients and helping them with daily activities, providing updates to physicians and other providers, and documenting patients’ conditions in the medical record. Psychiatric technicians may also administer therapeutic aid and medications. Most psychiatric technician roles require a postsecondary certificate, though an associate degree including psychology coursework is also a common requirement. The BLS reports that psychiatric technicians earned an average of $30,000 per year as of May 2021.⁶ The areas of highest employment levels include psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals and general medical and surgical hospitals.⁶

Social Work Assistant

Social work assistants generally have a degree in the behavioral sciences, such as a sociology or psychology degree. Many social work assistants work in individual and family services or community relief services. Social work assistants work alongside social workers to assist clients with daily activities, coordinate available services, and check in with them periodically. Clientele commonly includes the elderly, children, and people living with addictions, disabilities, or mental illnesses. The typical educational requirement for social work assistant jobs is a high school diploma, though it is becoming common for employers to require a certificate or associate degree in social science such as psychology. The BLS reports that social and human service assistants, with whom social work assistants are grouped, earned an average salary of $40,460 per year as of May 2021, and can anticipate a job growth rate of 12% between 2020 and 2030.^7,4

Psychology Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree

Administrative Services Manager

An administrative services manager’s primary responsibilities center on coordinating and directing employee support services provided by an organization. These professionals can find work in the public or private sector. Administrative services managers plan and distribute supplies, supervise administrative workers, and coordinate record-keeping. Those working in management may manage budgets and contracts, and plan departmental goals. Most administrative services managers need a bachelor’s degree, often in business or a related field including psychology. The BLS estimates that administrative services managers earned an annual average salary of $113,030 as of May 2021, and expects employment to grow by 9% between 2020 and 2030.^8,4

Career Counselor/Academic Advisor

Career counselors and academic advisors typically work in the guidance or counseling departments of elementary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, or professional schools. These professionals stay up-to-date on education and workforce developments so they can provide informed advice to individuals making school and career choices. Academic and career counselors also offer guidance through career development programs, school visits, technical skills development, and other enrichment activities. The BLS groups career counselors and academic advisors with school counselors. While school counselors need a master’s degree, the BLS reports that career counselors and academic advisors typically need a bachelor’s degree and work experience. In addition, various associations offer optional certifications for career and academic advisors. Projections Central estimates that employment for education, guidance, school, and vocational counselors will grow by 12% between 2020 and 2030.⁴ The BLS reports the average salary for these professionals at $63,090 per year as of May 2021.¹⁸

Community Service Manager

Community service managers organize, coordinate, and manage community-based service programs and organizations while managing a staff that provides social services to the public. As such, a community service manager’s work has strong ties to social work and psychology. Communities in rural and urban settings can benefit from the work of community service managers. Typically, these managers work for not-for-profit organizations or government entities, although some find employment with private social services companies. These professionals usually need a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, such as psychology. The BLS groups community service managers with social and community service managers, who earned an annual average salary of $76,790 as of May 2021.⁹ Projections Central expects employment for this occupation group to grow by 13% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average projected growth for all occupations.⁴

Computer Programmer

It might be surprising to learn that psychology graduates have career opportunities in computer programming. With technology focusing more on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI), this career needs more graduates with a psychology background. Computer programmers develop and execute programs for end users and work to improve existing programs. Psychology degree holders bring critical thinking skills and an understanding of user psychology to this field. Computer programmers earned an average of $96,650 per year as of May 2021 and should expect a negative job growth rate of nearly -10% through 2030, according to Projections Central.^10,4

Health Educator

Health educators work in community-based organizations creating, deploying, and analyzing education programs designed to help people understand personal health and well-being. These professionals focus on community outreach and may take on roles as instructors or facilitators to connect individuals with available health and wellness programs. Health educators must be familiar with topics such as nutrition, physical fitness, stress management, and mental health. In addition to knowledge of psychology, the ability to speak a second language may be helpful in this career. Health educators normally need a bachelor’s degree and may or may not need certification. According to the BLS, health education specialists earned an average annual salary of $64,930 per year as of May 2021 and can expect an employment growth of 12% through 2030.^11,4

Human Factors Specialist

A human factors specialist (or ergonomist) uses design to influence the behavior of people in certain situations. Human factors, also known as ergonomics or human engineering, is a scientific discipline that uses principles of psychology to design products and equipment for maximum safety, effectiveness, and satisfaction. Human factors specialists may design an airplane cabin to increase passenger satisfaction or develop a workplace ergonomics program to reduce employee injuries. An ergonomist can hold an undergraduate degree in psychology although some practitioners also have a master’s or doctorate in human factors engineering or a similar degree. Learn more on our Human Factors Psychology Degree Guide.

Human Resources Specialist

Human resources (HR) specialists assist in the recruiting process for an organization. This includes screening initial applications and applicants, interviewing, and new hire placement. Many human resources specialists also work in supplemental areas of a human resources department, such as employee relations and training. These professionals may consult with an organization on hiring needs and make recommendations to further organizational goals. Knowledge of psychology qualifies human resource professionals to understand and communicate with employees meaningfully while improving the quality of their work environment. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, HR specialists should consider pursuing certification in human resources, such as the ones offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Projections Central projects employment growth of 21% for human resources specialists between 2020 and 2030.⁴ Human resources specialists earn an average salary of $70,720 per year.¹²

Human Services Professional

Human services professionals help clients respond to a variety of life pressures, including psychological, health, social, and financial challenges. These professionals work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including survivors of abuse, and help these clients access available aid programs and services. Most careers in this field require a bachelor’s degree in social science such as psychology. More specifically, career paths include social and human service assistants, who earn an average of $40,460 per year; community and social service specialists, who earn an average of $50,510 per year; and community health workers, who earn an average of $47,780 per year, according to the BLS’s May 2021 salary data.^7,19,20 Projections Central projects steady growth in employment through 2030 for each of these roles, from 12% for community and service specialists to 21% for community health workers.⁴

Management Analyst

Management analysts, also known as management consultants, make recommendations to organizations on organizational efficiency and behavior. In most cases, an organization calls upon management analysts to identify and correct organizational issues related to management structure and operations. A management analyst may recommend departmental reorganization or process or systems changes. Because management analysts rely on quantitative skills in statistics and analysis, degrees in experimental, psychometric, or cognitive psychology are especially useful for this role. Projections Central estimates that management analysts will see faster-than-average job growth of 14% between 2020 and 2030, with the average salary at $100,530 per year as of May 2021.^4,13

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts frequently work in consumer psychology studying why consumers make the choices they do and what organizations can do to influence those choices. Market research analysts analyze how different types of packaging, marketing slogans, or messages impact consumer behavior. They also use data to determine what types of messaging an organization should use to effectively achieve its goals. In many cases, market research analysts design research studies to provide answers to an employer’s market questions. These employers may be corporations, businesses, non-profit organizations, political parties, or other entities interested in better understanding the market. Market research analysts and marketing specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in business, communications, or a social science field such as psychology. They earned a median annual salary of $76,080 as of May 2021 and can expect a much faster-than-average job growth rate of 22% between 2020 and 2030.^14,4

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists assist organizations in understanding consumer behavior, the benefits of brand recognition, and how to increase audience engagement. Their primary focus is to help create and maintain a positive public image for the client. This includes writing and publishing press releases, arranging media appearances, responding to media inquiries, and coaching clients on public communication tactics. Public relations specialists frequently have a bachelor’s degree in communication, a social science like psychology, or business. Employment for public relations specialists is projected to grow by 11% between 2020 and 2030. These professionals earned an average annual salary of $73,250 as of May 2021.^4,15

Sales Manager

A sales manager is responsible for hiring, training, and guiding a team of sales representatives to meet established sales goals. In most cases, a sales manager does little direct sales; their primary objective is ensuring the sales team is reaching its full potential. Most sales managers have a bachelor’s degree in business, management, economics, accounting, finance, or mathematics, but a bachelor’s in psychology is also helpful. With a background in psychology, sales managers can better understand workplace behavior and apply psychological knowledge to management principles and activities. Additionally, an understanding of psychological research and analysis can help sales managers analyze data and make better decisions. According to Projections Central, job growth for sales managers is projected to increase by 7% between 2020 and 2030.⁴ As of May 2021, sales managers earned a median annual salary of $142,390.¹⁶

Sales Representative

Sales representatives sell goods and services to a specific marketplace. These professionals work in wholesale or retail operations for a variety of organizations. Sales representatives rely on consumer psychology to understand consumer needs, prepare sales pitches and presentations, and reach their sales goals. Knowledge of organizational behavior can also be helpful to sales representatives looking to make major sales at the enterprise level. Whether working in business-to-business or business-to-consumer sales, sales representatives use psychology skills daily. Sales representatives earned a median annual salary of $75,423 as of May 2021, according to the BLS, and should experience job growth of 7% between 2020 and 2030.^17,4

Teacher

Teachers with degrees in psychology work at all levels of the US education system, from kindergarten to high school as well as in public or private colleges and universities. To teach psychology in a public school, you must have a psychology degree, complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, gain certification, and become licensed. Private school requirements may vary. A psychology background helps teachers better understand human development and communication. This should improve their effectiveness to prepare students for lifelong learning. The BLS reports that kindergarten and elementary school teachers earned average annual salaries of $64,490 and $67,080 per year, respectively, as of May 2021, with job growth expectations of 8% and 7% between 2020 and 2030, respectively.^21,22,4 Middle school and high school teachers earned average annual salaries of $66,880 and $69,530 as of May 2021, respectively, and are projected to experience job growth of 7-8% through 2030.^23,24,4

Victim Advocate

Victim advocates support and promote the rights of people who have survived or witnessed a crime and are involved in a trial proceeding. An advocate explains to an affected person their rights, provides emotional support and acts as an intermediary between the victim or witness and the court. Advocates frequently work in district attorney’s offices but also work for other court bodies or private practice law firms. A degree in psychology is helpful in this career because advocates work directly with victims and witnesses who have been subjected to traumatic experiences and may need emotional support while navigating court processes. Victim advocates have strong prospects for career advancement with a variety of career options in law, government, and politics.

Psychology Careers With a Master’s Degree

While some students in master’s degree programs in psychology go on to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) (the terminal degrees in psychology), others may enter the field with a master’s degree. Applicants with a master’s degree have improved job opportunities and competitiveness when looking for psychology jobs. A master’s in psychology might be useful in:

Coaching and training, as in sport psychology
Human resources management, as in I/O or business psychology
Police chiefs, sheriffs, and investigators, as in criminal psychology
Product design, as in human factors and engineering psychology

Psychology Careers with a Doctorate Degree

The majority of students obtaining a PhD in Psychology or a PsyD will go on to practice as a clinical psychologist or teach and/or conduct research at a college or university. Practicing clinical psychology in all 50 states and Washington DC requires one of these doctoral degrees.

Duties

Psychology Careers Psychologists have a wide range of duties, with the ultimate goal of helping their clients better understand themselves and their environments. The American Psychological Association (APA) notes that psychologists are also scientists who follow basic scientific principles in their work. Specifically, psychologists might observe, interview, survey, and test their clients. Some of their specific duties include:

Studying a client’s behavior through scientific studies and finding patterns
Helping clients change their behavior
Diagnosing disorders (emotional, behavioral or mental)
Developing treatment plans
Prescribing medicine for psychological disorders
Developing programs for schools, companies, and workplaces
Collaborating with other professionals, such as social workers or physicians
Testing theories of behavior
Gathering information through controlled laboratory experiments

To be successful, psychologists should also possess analytical and observational skills, reliability, trustworthiness, excellent communication skills, and patience. A calm and patient demeanor is essential when faced with clients with behavioral or mental disorders.

Work Schedules

Many psychologists can create their own work schedules, especially if they work in private practice. Some choose to offer after-hours sessions – on weekends or evenings – to accommodate their clients’ needs. Psychologists who work in nursing homes or hospitals may be required to work on evenings or weekends. Those employed by schools, clinics, or government agencies tend to work regular business hours.

Licensure Requirements for Psychologists

All 50 states and Washington DC require that independently practicing psychologists be licensed. However, according to the BLS, those licensing requirements differ from state to state and by job type. Most psychologists working in a clinical or counseling setting must have a doctorate in psychology with an internship, one to two years of experience, and a passing grade on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

School psychologists must have specific licensure or certification. The exact requirements vary by state, but many states accept certification from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) as a route to licensure or certification. In general, the main requirements include a doctoral degree in school psychology with a supervised 1,200-hour internship and a passing grade on the Praxis School Psychologist test.

Specialty certification is also available through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). The body recognizes 13 different types of psychology, and certification demonstrates expertise in one or more of these areas. Some employers require ABPP certification.

To find out more about licensure requirements for psychologists in your state, click on your state on our licensure page.

Psychologist Salary and Career Outlook

Psychologists, excluding educators, earned an average annual salary of $98,435 as of May 2021, with the top-earning psychologists being industrial-organizational psychologists, who earned an average of $113,320 per year.^25-28 Employment growth varies by specialty or discipline, from 10% for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists to 2% for industrial-organizational psychologists and 2% for all other psychologists, according to the BLS.⁴

Careers with a PhD or PsyD

Graduates with a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or a PhD in Psychology, are qualified for many fields of specialization. School psychologists, clinical psychologists, and industrial-organizational psychologists are just a few of the specialties within the field. For most of the following jobs, you will need to get licensed in your state once you have obtained your doctorate in order to practice.

Child Psychologist

Child psychologists must possess exceptional communication skills since connecting with young clients can be particularly challenging. They should be empathetic and compassionate toward patients and enjoy helping the youngest members of society. Some psychologists in this field focus more on research, necessitating the ability to remain objective in their work. The BLS does not offer specific child psychologist salary information; however, it reports that psychologists in the clinical and counseling category earned an average annual salary of $99,640 as of May 2021.²⁷ Many professionals who specialize in child psychology work as school psychologists, who earned an average of $82,770 as of May 2021.²⁶ Find out more information on our Child Psychology Degree Guide.

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues. Their goal is to improve their clients’ behavior and effectiveness while helping them adapt to their immediate environment. They may assist with short-term problems or have long-term clients with chronic disorders. Clinical psychologists can work in universities, clinics, hospitals, correctional institutions, the military, private practice, or the insurance industry. Clinical psychologists may specialize in one or more areas of psychology, including health psychology or neuropsychology. As of May 2021, clinical and counseling psychologists earned an average annual wage of $99,640.²⁷ Projections Central expects employment growth for this specialty to be faster than average, at 10% through 2030.⁴

Counseling Psychologist

Counseling psychologists work closely with their patients, helping them understand the root of their issues and take steps to address and improve them. This specialty of psychology uniquely focuses both on average developmental problems and more complex concerns, such as emotional, physical, or mental illnesses. However, counseling psychologists tend to focus more on psychologically stable patients than patients with more severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia. Counseling psychologists work in a wide variety of settings, including government agencies, universities, health clinics, schools, and private organizations. They are typically well-trained in psychological principles and practices but often focus their work on one or a few different areas of interest, such as substance abuse, anxiety, or depression. Those who specialize in this profession are grouped with clinical psychologists by the BLS, who earned an average annual salary of $99,640 as of May 2021.²⁷. Find out more on our counseling psychology degree guide.

Educational Psychologist

Educational psychologists focus on the bigger educational picture, applying theory and methodology to broader issues concerning learning, teaching, and training. In many cases, they study student performance as well as cultural and socioeconomic factors that impact the classroom. Educational psychologists might work on program development and evaluation; consult with teachers, parents, and school administrators; and implement intervention programs for students. The BLS does not list specific salary information for educational psychologists but reports that school psychologists made an average wage of $82,770 per year as of May 2021.²⁶

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychology uses psychological principles and methods to assist legal professionals such as attorneys and judges. Forensic psychologists help those in the legal system understand the psychological aspects of cases and the people involved in the proceedings. In many cases, forensic psychologists testify in court as expert witnesses, but they can also assess the testimonies of eyewitnesses and jury behavior. Forensic psychologists may specialize in criminal, civil, or family cases. In addition to recognizing psychological principles and practices, they must also understand the justice system. While the salaries for forensic psychologists vary, they generally fall in line with those of traditional psychologists. Learn more information in our related degree guide.

Gerontologist

Gerontologists assist elderly patients in senior centers, public health centers, nursing homes, and hospitals. In many cases, they work with other professionals – such as attorneys, physical or occupational therapists, dietitians, or counselors – to address their clients’ needs. Applied gerontologists tend to work one-on-one with elderly clients and their families. Research gerontologists investigate the aging process and research how to better meet the needs of the elderly population. Gerontologists come from various backgrounds, including nursing and sociology. The APA recommends completing a gerontology certificate program in addition to a doctorate.

Health Psychologist

A health psychologist focuses on helping individuals overcome and avoid health problems, often in a medical setting such as a hospital or clinic. Health psychologists work at universities, government agencies, and corporations to research and provide solutions for health problems. They administer behavioral tests, educate people about healthy behavior, lead group therapy sessions, and conduct research. Health psychologists may focus on a specific area of the health field such as clinical psychology, public health, community health, and occupational health. Most employment opportunities in health psychology require a doctorate-level degree in psychology. Learn more on our related health psychology degree guide.

Industrial Organizational or Business Psychologist

An industrial-organizational psychologist (also I/O psychologist or business psychologist) focuses on providing solutions for workplace problems and increasing worker productivity and performance. Specific tasks include developing employee training programs, conducting research studies of the workplace environment, studying consumer reactions to new products, assessing individual employees, and providing managers with recommendations. I/O psychologists typically need a master’s degree to work in this field. Projections Central predicts job growth of 2% through 2030 for psychologists working in industrial or business environments .⁴ Learn more information on our related Business Psychology Degree Guide.

Neuropsychologist

Because they focus on the relationship between behavior and the brain, neuropsychologists often work with clients who have suffered from a stroke, dementia, or a brain injury. They may also work with patients with psychiatric, medical, or developmental issues. In addition to neurological methods, neuropsychologists use psychological and physiological methods to assess their clients’ emotional states and cognitive abilities. They pair this information with assessments from other healthcare providers to diagnose a patient’s disorder and implement a treatment plan. The BLS reports that “other” psychologists, which includes neuropsychologists, earned an average of $98,010 annually as of May 2021.²⁵

Professor

Psychology professors conduct research studies, publish academic papers, and teach courses at colleges and universities. They can also provide consulting services for businesses, non-profits, or government agencies. The popularity of psychology as a college major means there will be a demand for professors of psychology to fill teaching positions. The projected job growth for postsecondary psychology teachers from 2020 to 2030 of 10% is higher than the average occupation as student enrollment at colleges and universities continues to grow.⁴ The BLS notes, however, that colleges and universities are likely to hire more part-time teachers to meet this demand and will limit the number of full-time nontenure and tenure positions. Schools will likely hire more doctoral degree candidates and even master’s degree holders to fill these part-time, nontenure positions. The average annual salary for psychology postsecondary teachers was $88,390 as of May 2021.²⁹

Psychometrician

Psychometricians design exams engineered to measure clients’ psychological attributes, then score and analyze the data. The job requires skills in mathematics and statistics, as well as good communication skills. Psychometricians work for testing companies, government agencies, mental health clinics, universities, hospitals, or large corporations. While the BLS does not compile data on psychometricians, professionals working as statisticians, who do closely related work, earned an average of $99,450 as of May 2021.³⁰ Projections Central predicts high job growth of 36% through 2030 for statisticians, with an average of 5,000 openings per year.⁴

School Psychologist

School psychologists help clients change their behavior in an effort to improve their ability to learn. They share some responsibilities with educational psychologists, both working to improve the education system. They help schools address problems such as bullying and substance use and improve programs for students with special needs or disabilities. Psychologists in school settings also work with teachers and other administrative staff to shape learning strategies for specific students or groups. They also counsel family members and evaluate student performance. School psychologists find employment in a wide range of settings, including universities, public and private schools, day-treatment facilities, residential clinics, school-based health centers, juvenile justice facilities, and private practice. They earned a median annual salary of $82,770 as of May 2021, with a predicted 10% increase in employment through 2030 (including clinical and counseling psychologist positions).^26,4 Demand for school psychologists will increase as school populations grow and more school psychologists are needed to assess differently-abled students. Learn more information on our related school psychology degree guide.

Sport Psychologist

Sport psychologists help athletes meet their goals, stay motivated, and conquer sports-related fears or anxieties. Sport psychologists working with athletes or teams may need to travel with them. Many sports psychologists work for the military, which has become the largest employer of sport psychologists. Sport psychologists in the military teach soldiers how to adapt to adversity. The BLS does not report the average salary for sport psychologists, but they fit within the “all other” psychologist category, which has an average annual salary of $98,101 as of May 2021.²⁵ Learn more on our related sport psychology degree guide.

Psychology Schools by State

To learn more about becoming a psychologist in your state, click on one of the links below. There you will find information about psychology schools, profiles of graduate programs, and a comprehensive directory of psychology degree programs in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some careers for psychology majors?

Since psychology majors learn a broad range of skills including understanding how the human mind works, how people think, and why they act the way they do, psychology degree holders have many opportunities for employment. If they do not want to be clinical psychologists, they may choose to work in fields such as business psychology, school psychology, or sport psychology. Read more about careers for psychology majors with an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree.

What kind of degree do I need for a career in psychology?

Psychology jobs require different degree levels, from an associate degree or bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree or doctoral degree. Before you decide on a degree level, you should examine your career goals and decide on the type of psychology career you want. Then, you should pursue the degree level needed for that job. If you plan to practice clinical psychology, you will need a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or PhD in Psychology degree. Find out more about psychology degrees on our degrees page.

How much does a psychologist make?

A psychologist’s salary is impacted by education level, geographical location, years of experience, and type of practice. The BLS reports that US psychologists in the “all other” category earn an average of $99,010 per year, while industrial-organizational psychologists earn $113,320, and clinical and counseling-psychologists earn $99,640 per year, and school psychologists earn $82,770.^25-28

Additional Resources

American Psychological Association (APA): Offers more information on careers in all fields in psychology.
Council of Specialities in Professional Psychology (CoS): Promotes a broad awareness of the various specialties available within the field and implements policies to further the development and training of psychologists.
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP): Provides information on careers for school psychologists.
Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP): Provides information about industrial-organizational psychologists.
Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (SCCAP): A division of the APA, offers a number of resources to help its members advance their training and professional experience, as well as a psychology career center that links to job opportunities across the country.

References:
1. Forbes, What Are The Most Popular Majors Among Prospective College Students?: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2022/02/16/what-are-the-most-popular-majors-for-prospective-college-students/
2. National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, 2019 National Survey of College Graduates: https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf22310
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Correctional Officers and Jailers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm
4. Projections Central, Long-Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm.
5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Police and Detectives: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Psychiatric Technicians: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292053.htm
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Social and Human Service Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211093.htm
8. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Administrative Services Managers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113012.htm
9. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Social and Community Service Managers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes119151.htm
10. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Computer Programmers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes151251.htm
11. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Health Educators and Community Health Workers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm
12. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Human Resources Specialists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes131071.htm
13. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Management Analysts: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes131111.htm
14. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes131161.htm
15. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Public Relations Specialists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes273031.htm
16. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Sales Manager: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes112022.htm
17. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes414011.htm
18. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211012.htm
19. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211099.htm
20. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Community Health Workers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211094.htm
21. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252012.htm
22. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252021.htm
23. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252022.htm
24. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252031.htm
25. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Psychologists, All Other: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193039.htm
26. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, School Psychologists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193034.htm
27. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Clinical and Counseling Psychologists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193033.htm
28. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193032.htm
29. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes251066.htm
30. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Statisticians: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes152041.htm

Psychology Career Center

Table of Contents