phd educational psychology salary

Getting a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology – Everything You Need to Know in 2024

What’s in this guide, why get a phd in educational psychology, what do you cover in a phd in educational psychology, how much does a phd in educational psychology cost, what jobs can you do with a phd in educational psychology, how much can you earn with a phd in educational psychology.

By PsychologyJobs.com Staff Writer

A PhD in  clinical psychology  is an advanced academic degree that delves into the scientific study, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders and behavioral conditions. This rigorous program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in research, teaching, and direct clinical practice. Through the blend of coursework, research, and hands-on clinical training, students are equipped with comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary to become leaders in the field of psychology.

Typically, a PhD in clinical psychology takes between 4 to 7 years to complete, with the variation in duration often depending on the specific requirements of the program, the nature of the student’s research, and the requisite clinical training hours. Most programs include a combination of classroom-based learning, research projects culminating in a dissertation, and applied clinical experience through internships or  practicums .

The curriculum for a PhD in clinical psychology encompasses a wide range of topics. Core areas of study usually include foundations of clinical psychology, research methods, psychopathology, psychological assessment, and various psychotherapy and counseling techniques. Additionally, students often delve into specialized subjects such as  neuropsychology ,  forensic psychology ,  child psychology  and health psychology. This comprehensive training ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address diverse psychological needs across different populations and settings.

Career Advancement

A PhD in Educational Psychology can open up a range of career opportunities, particularly in academia and research. Graduates may go on to become  professors ,  researchers , administrators, or consultants in a variety of educational settings.

Educational Psychology research has the potential to make a significant impact on education and learning. PhD students in this field have the opportunity to conduct original research that can contribute to the development of new theories and practices, and ultimately improve educational outcomes.

Career Prospects & Earning Potential

A PhD in Educational Psychology opens up a plethora of career opportunities as well as significantly boosting your earning potential over your career. We cover some of the jobs open to you later in this guide but each command salaries in excess of $70,000 per year. It is worth noting that if salary is the most important factor for you then pursuing a  PhD in Organizational Psychology  or  Psychiatry  may be more suitable.

Specialization

Educational Psychology is a specialized field of study that allows students to develop expertise in a particular area of interest, such as cognitive development, educational technology, or learning disabilities.

Intellectual Challenge

Pursuing a doctorate level program generally can be intellectually challenging and rewarding. Students are exposed to cutting-edge research and theory, and have the opportunity to engage in critical thinking and problem solving.

A PhD in Educational Psychology typically involves coursework and research in a variety of areas related to human learning and development.

• Human Development:  This may include courses on cognitive, social, and emotional development across the lifespan, as well as developmental theories and research methods.
• Learning and Cognition:  This may include courses on learning theories and principles, memory, attention, problem-solving, and creativity.
• Educational Research Methods:  This may include courses on experimental design, statistical analysis, and research ethics.
• Motivation:  This may include courses on the psychology of motivation and how it affects learning and achievement.
• Assessment and Evaluation:  This may include courses on measurement theory, assessment methods, and evaluation of educational programs and interventions.
• Instructional Design:  This may include courses on the design and implementation of educational interventions, curriculum development, and instructional technology.
• Special Education and Inclusive Education:  This may include courses on identifying and addressing the needs of students with disabilities, as well as promoting inclusive education practices.

The actual curriculum of a PhD in Educational Psychology may differ based on the program but here is a sample curriculum to give you a sense of how a PhD in educational psychology program might be structured:

• Introduction to Educational Psychology
• Developmental Psychology Across the Lifespan
• Learning and Cognition
• Quantitative Research Methods in Education
• Qualitative Research Methods in Education
• Elective Course

Second Year

• Educational Measurement and Assessment
• Psychology of Motivation and Achievement
• Instructional Design and Technology
• Introduction to Special Education
• Research Apprenticeship
• Advanced Seminar in Educational Psychology
• Seminar in Educational Research Methodology
• Elective Courses (to support research interests)

Fourth Year

• Advanced Research Apprenticeship
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• Dissertation Research and Writing
• Dissertation Defense

According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition and fees for doctoral degree programs in psychology and counseling was $16,840 per year for in-state students at public institutions and $37,150 per year for private institutions during the 2020-2021 academic year.

However, it’s important to note that this is an average and tuition can vary significantly by program and institution. For example, the University of Pennsylvania or Harvard University, have annual tuition and fees for PhD programs in the range of $50,000-$60,000 per year.

The career opportunities available to individuals with a PhD in Educational Psychology are diverse. We have  700+ educational psychology jobs  on our board currently.

• Professor or Researcher: Many PhD graduates in Educational Psychology go on to work as professors or researchers at colleges and universities. They may teach and conduct research in areas such as human learning and development, educational technology, motivation, assessment, and evaluation.
• Educational Consultant: Educational psychologists with a PhD may work as consultants, providing guidance and support to schools, school districts, or other educational organizations. They may help with program development, evaluation, or assessment, or provide professional development training for educators.
• Assessment and Evaluation Specialist: Educational psychologists with a PhD may work in the development and validation of educational assessments or evaluations, such as standardized tests, educational surveys, or program evaluations.
• Education Researcher: Educational psychologists with a PhD may work in research organizations or educational institutions, conducting research on issues related to learning and development, such as improving educational outcomes, reducing achievement gaps, or promoting social-emotional learning.
• Government or Non-profit Organization: Educational psychologists with a PhD may work in government agencies or non-profit organizations, such as think tanks or research centers, conducting research, analyzing policy, or developing educational programs.
• Private Industry: Some educational psychologists with a PhD may work in private industry, such as educational technology companies, training and development firms, or publishing companies. They may be involved in product development, research, or consulting.

Here are some estimated salary ranges for a few common careers that someone with a PhD in Educational Psychology might pursue:

• Professor – $78,180 per year
• Researcher – $87,000 per year
• Educational Consultant: $72,000 per year
• Assessment and Evaluation Specialist: $74,040 per year

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Career Opportunities for Educational Psychology Ph.D.s

Educational Psychology is a highly specialized area within the education field. Educational psychologists study how people learn and retain knowledge in classroom settings based on emotional, social, and cognitive factors. Educational psychologists strive to understand what goes on in the classroom and how to improve it. According to the Psychology Career Center, educational psychologists primarily have careers in elementary and secondary education schools or engage in research at colleges and universities. They go on to say that "Educational psychologists with doctorate degrees in counseling, school psychology, or related fields generally have the best job opportunities, especially those with expertise in information technology and quantitative research methodology." ( source ) Because more and more advancements are being made in the education field - including distance learning - educational psychologists are in high demand to help implement smart policies and practices across a brand new industry. Additionally, as large companies and corporations invest more time and finances into their company culture and employee education, they'll be looking to educational psychologists to help make their education programs more effective and increase revenue.

With a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, you have the potential to make upwards of $100,000 for an annual income, with a median salary of around $87,000 ( source ). Below is a list of potential career opportunities available for Educational Psychologists:

• Elementary Schools Teacher Training
• Secondary Schools Teacher Training
• College or University Research Programs
• Government Research Programs
• College Professors
• Directing Corporate Employee Programs
• Distance Learning Companies
• Education Policy Regulation
• Development of Instructional Materials

About FSU's Educational Psychology Program

Florida State's Learning and Cognition program is a nationally ranked program focused on preparing students for a career as a researcher or a practitioner in a classroom, organizational, government, or research setting. As a Top 20 Educational Psychology program, countless employers await FSU graduates because they are well prepared for their careers. The Educational Psychology faculty experience spans a wide range of studies, including early childhood psychology, science education, teacher development, and more. Each member of the faculty is nationally and internationally recognized for their research expertise. FSU offers both master's (online and on-campus) and doctorate degrees in Education Psychology, both of which are covered below:

Master's in Educational Psychology

The master's program in Educational Psychology: Learning and Cognition consists of 33- 36 credit hours. Students develop their program of study in conjunction with their advisor and follow one of two tracks: Thesis-track or Exam-track. The Thesis-track is geared toward students who want more practical research training or would like to pursue a Ph.D. The Thesis-track MS takes approximately 3 years to complete, while the Exam-track MS takes less than 2 years. View the M.S. Degree Outline PDF

Ph.D. in Educational Psychology

Our doctoral program is designed to train research-oriented doctoral students who are conversant with current theory and research, and who are competent in methodological and statistical research skills. Students who complete their doctorates in our program become university faculty or researchers in a variety of settings, including with Pre-K-12 education organizations, government, think tanks, and private industry. View the Ph.D. Degree Outline PDF

Learn More About Our Educational Psychology: Learning and Cognition Program  

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Salary Outlook with PhD in Educational Psychology

Educational psychologists study children in every age group and how they learn. As they investigate how children process social, emotional, and cognitive stimuli, they perform assessments based on how the child reacts to stimuli. They use this information to identify learning, social, and behavioral problems that affect the child’s learning.

Educational psychology has grown beyond preschool and elementary schools to help adults in educational settings. Adults who have learning disabilities may benefit from working with educational psychologists. ( TUW.edu ).

Some of the areas of focus in this degree program are teaching, testing, assessment methods, psychometrics, classroom and learning environments, and learning, social, and behavioral problems that can slow the learning process. ( WSU.edu ).

Other topics of note in educational psychology programs are:

• Educational technology: Understanding how different types of technology help students learn.
• Instructional design: Designing innovative learning materials.
• Special education: Helping students who might need specialized instruction.
• Curriculum development: Devising curriculums that improve the learning process.
• Organizational learning: Studying how children and adults learn in an organizational setting.
• Gifted learners: Assisting students who have been identified as gifted learners.

Graduates in educational psychology can expect to find work in school districts, universities, private companies, or state and local social service agencies.

To become an educational psychologist, it is required to earn a Ph.D. in the field. If you are interested in this degree, below is detailed salary information for educational psychologists with a Ph.D.

Ph.D. in Educational Psychology Salary Information

American Psychological Association (APA)

According to the APA, educational psychologists with a postgraduate degree earn a median salary of $75,000 per year. ( APA.org ). That organization also reported that most psychologists of all types earn between $60,000 and $120,000.

To earn more money, the APA reported that the Middle Atlantic region paid the most with a salary of $108,000 per year. Psychologists in the East South Central region earned $59,000 per year.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary for all psychologists was $79,010 as of May 2018. The lowest 10% earned less than $43,800, and the top 10% earned more than $129,000 per year. Median wages for psychologists by specialty were: ( BLS.gov )

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

Salaries for psychologists in different fields were:

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

Another common occupation for professionals with this degree is postsecondary education administrator. The median salary for professionals in this field was $94,300 in May 2018. The top 10% earned more than $190,000 per year. ( BLS.gov ).

• Colleges and universities: $95,900
• Junior colleges: $90,400

Ziprecruiter.com

Ziprecruiter.com reports the national average salary for educational psychologists is $93,175 per year with a range between $23,000 and $215,000. ( Ziprecruiter.com ). The site reports the typical range for this field is between $64,000 and $99,000. Also, it notes that there could be fewer opportunities for higher salary and advancement based on skill level. Instead, increased pay can come based on location and years of work experience.

Payscale.com

Payscale.com reports the average educational psychologist’s salary is $72,000, with a range between $48,000 and $103,000. ( Payscale.com ). The website also states that an early career educational psychologist with one to four years of work experience earns $70,000 per year, while a psychologist with five to nine years of experience earns $82,000 per year.

Glassdoor.com

Glassdoor.com reports the average salary for educational psychologists is $78,400, with a range between $55,000 and $104,000. ( Glassdoor.com )

Indeed.com reports the average salary for educational psychologists is between $64,300 to $95,700 per year. ( Indeed.com ). The website also reported the following salaries:

• Psychologist: $86,100
• Clinical psychologist: $95,700
• Assistant professor: $63,400

Salary.com reports the average educational psychologist salary is $78,163 with a range between $61,995 and $147,500. ( Salary.com ).

Job Demand for Ph.D. in Educational Psychology

The overall demand for psychologists will grow by 14% through 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. ( BLS.gov ).

Employment for counseling, clinical, and educational psychologists will grow because of enhanced demand for psychological services in hospitals,  mental health centers, schools, and social service agencies. Demand for counseling and clinical psychologists will rise as people are more often turning to psychologists to help them with their mental health issues.

Psychologists also will be needed to offer services to a population that is getting older, and to help them to handle the physical and mental changes of aging. Psychological services also will be required for veterans that suffered from war trauma.

Job demand for postsecondary education administrators will grow by 7% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than average. Growth is expected due to higher student enrollment in universities and colleges.

People will seek postsecondary education to gain better skills in the modern employment market; the significant advances in technology mean that more workers must have greater levels of skill to earn a good living in America. As more students go to college, there will be more postsecondary educators needed to serve the needs of students. ( BLS.gov ).

Educational psychologists are employed in critical work today, with many in the field focusing on the educational development of children, adults, and adolescents. Others focus on people with learning challenges, such as ADHD or dyslexia. Whatever your specialty or population focus, this work is vital to ensure that people are given the learning tools they need to succeed.

Earning a Ph.D. in educational psychology offers the student a high potential salary in psychological research, or an institution of higher learning. The career potential with this advanced degree makes it worth exploring if you have a passion for educational psychology.

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What Can You Do With an Educational Psychology Degree? [Updated For 2024]

What are the careers in educational psychology, educational psychologist.

You can use your doctorate (Ph.D.) in educational psychology to practice as an educational psychologist . An educational psychologist mainly works with families, children, groups, agencies and/or organizations, unlike a school psychologist who primarily works with just children in an academic setting.

Your primary tasks as an educational psychologist will consist of developing and implementing educational programs and helping teachers create classroom curriculum that enhances the learning process. You may also be required to train teachers and students how to use educational technology within the classroom.

Your main function will be to help teachers incorporate different learning styles and formats into their classroom learning environment. This may include improving teaching and communication skills and enhancing the learning process for children with learning disabilities, developmental delays and/or behavioral problems.

Educational Researcher

You can also use your educational psychology degree in the area of educational research. An educational researcher examines learning processes throughout all stages of life.

As an educational researchers you will be responsible for designing training programs and developing new instructional programs that will benefit infants, children, individuals, groups, elderly, social service agencies, government agencies, private corporations, families, etc.

A master’s degree in educational psychology is normally required to be an educational researcher, but some employers may require a doctorate for employment.

School Psychologist (Elementary, Middle and High School)

Another career field you can enter with a doctorate in educational psychology is school psychology. The primary goal of a school psychologist is to improve the learning process for all students, regarding of development and skill level.

You will also be responsible for helping students process conflicting, confusing and/or disturbing feelings so that they do not affect their learning experience.

You will provide counseling services to children with behavioral, social, emotional, mental problems and those with developmental delays and learning disabilities.

You will also be part of a team that consists of parents, teachers and school administrators. Together you will develop educational programs for gifted students and those with physical, emotional and social delays. It is important to note that most states require a educational doctorate (Ed.S.) to practice as a school psychologist. In rare cases, a master’s degree is accepted in place of a doctorate.

College Counselor

You can use your bachelor degree and/or master’s degree to become a college counselor. A college counselor provides counseling services to a wide variety of students in an academic setting (college campus). The students may consist of non-traditional students, traditional students, students of different cultures, races, religions, sexual orientations and ethnic groups, married students and those with children, etc. You may offer group, family and/or individual counseling sessions.

Your main goal will be to help college students, and possibly their families, cope with life’s stressors (both at school and at home).

Some of your tasks will include teaching students how to cope with the college environment (being away from home for the first time, interacting with different types of people and handing an increase in coursework and academic tasks), emotional distress, mental illnesses, social issues and/or health problems.

College Professor

Many people use their educational psychology doctoral degree to teach college courses. College professors work in a college setting as instructors and/or researchers. Your primary function will be to teach psychological courses to undergraduate and graduate college students.

In some cases, part of your time will be spent teaching students and part of it will be spent developing and supervising research studies in a college research laboratory.

When you are not teaching or conducting research, you may consult with other psychologists or provide counseling services to children, individuals, groups and/or families. In some cases, you may develop educational programs that improve the learning experience in the classroom.

Conducting research is a popular career option for professionals in the educational psychology field. Various public and private organizations as well as the military and other government agencies often employ researchers to help with organizational improvement.

Professionals in this role research how certain settings and instructional techniques impact learning. The results are then used to improve the instructional strategies of various educational and training programs in schools, within the government, and in the corporate world. This research is fundamental to the development of new educational initiatives and policies nationwide.

Private Practitioner

Some educational psychologists choose to become private practitioners . These professionals often contract with government agencies, corporations, court systems, and other public and private organizations as a Consultant.

Private practitioners use their skills to help organizations provide more effective trainings and workshops for their employees. They are also asked to evaluate existing programs or to develop new educational curriculums. Private Practitioners are also known to analyze educational data to determine what program changes should be initiated.

These professionals are often hired by school districts to evaluate teaching strategies, assessment measures, and program quality. The results often give school administrators valuable insight into various areas that are not working for specific groups of learners. The recommendations of Private Practitioners are often implemented by schools to improve the overall quality of their educational programs.

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Psychologist - Ph.D. Salary in the United States

Psychologist - ph.d. salary.

How much does a Psychologist - Ph.D. make in the United States? The average Psychologist - Ph.D. salary in the United States is $115,454 as of March 26, 2024, but the range typically falls between $104,960 and $128,302 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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What skills does a Psychologist - Ph.D. need?

Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.

Leadership: Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.

CPA: A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a trusted financial advisor who helps individuals, businesses, and other organizations plan and reach their financial goals.

Psychological Evaluations: A psychological evaluation may consist of a series of formal or structured psychological or neuropsychological tests as well as clinical interviews designed to identify and describe emotional, behavioral, or learning problems.

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Job Description for Psychologist - Ph.D.

Psychologist - Ph.D. evaluates patients for mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. Diagnoses disorders, including nature and extent, and determines the appropriate course of treatment for the patient. Being a Psychologist - Ph.D. uses talk therapy to treat patient illness or distress, cannot prescribe medication. Requires a PhD in clinical psychology. Additionally, Psychologist - Ph.D. requires a valid state license to practice. Typically reports to a medical director. The Psychologist - Ph.D. works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. To be a Psychologist - Ph.D. typically requires 10+ years of related experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)... View full job description

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Career Path for Psychologist - Ph.D.

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Psychologist - Ph.D., the first career path typically progresses to Psychological Services Director.

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What does a psychologist - ph.d. do, are you an hr manager or compensation specialist.

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Psychologist - Ph.D. salary varies from city to city. Compared with national average salary of Psychologist - Ph.D., the highest Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is in San Francisco, CA, where the Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is 25.0% above. The lowest Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is in Miami, FL, where the Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is 3.5% lower than national average salary.

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Jobs with different levels of education may pay very differently. Check the Psychologist - Ph.D. salary of your education level.

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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.

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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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational employment and wages, May 2021: 19-3032 industrial-organizational psychologists .

Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The SIOP income and employment report is here !

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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational employment and wages, May 2019: 19-3031 clinical, counseling, and school psychologists .

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American Psychological Association. Hot careers: Sports psychology .

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. 

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

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Dr. Tasmia Hai, ECP, Recipient of 2024 IMPaCT Salary Award

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Dr. Tasmia Hai , Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, is a recipient of 2024 IMPaCT Salary Award .

The funding for this project is provided by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research's 'Increasing Capacity for Maternal and Paediatric Clinical Trials' (IMPaCT), a Clinical Trials Training Platform. It will support training on how to design, conduct and communicate about clinical trials in children.

Dr. Hai's project, HOPE (Helping Our Parents and children Excel) Trial: Family Intervention for Immigrants with Preschool Children, will specifically support immigrant parents and children by offering a family-focused and culturally-based intervention that will empower parents and ultimately improve the well-being and life trajectories of vulnerable children.

As an immigrant person of colour, Dr. Hai hopes to bring a voice to immigrant families and children, many of whom are experiencing complex societal pressures. Through the IMPaCT program's curriculum, mentorship and networking opportunities, Dr, Hai will be better equipped to lead impactful research projects that improve healthcare outcomes for these underserved populations.

• Dept. of Educational and Counselling Psychology
• Faculty of Education

Department and University Information

• McGill University
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• Simon Fraser University
• Technische Universität Wien
• University of Hawaii
• University of Oxford
• University of Toronto
• Institute for the Study of Teaching and Learning in the Disciplines
• Oxford Learning Institute
• Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation, Toronto
• Department of Education, Oxford
• Institute of Software Technology and Interactive Systems, Vienna
• Integrated Studies in Education, Montreal
• Jiao Tong Graduate School of Education, Shanghai
• Kapiolani Community College, Hawaii
• European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction (EARLI)-SIG 24
• American Educational Research Association (AERA)-SIG 168