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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.

Zavlin D, Jubbal KT, Noé JG, Gansbacher B. A comparison of medical education in Germany and the United States: from applying to medical school to the beginnings of residency. Ger Med Sci. 2017;15:Doc15. doi:10.3205/000256

Torpey E. Business careers with high pay.  Career Outlook,  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016.

Kossek EE, Baltes BB, Matthews RA. How Work-Family Research Can Finally Have an Impact in Organizations. Ind Organ Psychol . 2011;4(3):352-369. doi:10.1111/j.1754-9434.2011.01353.x

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 !

Harvey PD. Clinical applications of neuropsychological assessment. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2012;14(1):91-9.

Wahass SH. The role of psychologists in health care delivery. J Family Community Med. 2005;12(2):63-70.

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

Iudici A, Salvini A, Faccio E, Castelnuovo G. The clinical assessment in the legal field: An empirical study of bias and limitations in forensic expertise. Front Psychol. 2015;6:1831. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01831

Burrow-sanchez J, Call ME, Adolphson SL, Hawken LS. School psychologists' perceived competence and training needs for student substance abuse*. J Sch Health. 2009;79(6):269-76. doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2009.00409.x

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Psychologists: Job outlook . Occupational Outlook Handbook .

Röthlin P, Birrer D, Horvath S, Grosse holtforth M. Psychological skills training and a mindfulness-based intervention to enhance functional athletic performance: design of a randomized controlled trial using ambulatory assessment. BMC Psychol. 2016;4(1):39. doi:10.1186/s40359-016-0147-y

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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Psychologist Salaries - The Ultimate Guide

Reviewed by Jacob Imm

Aug 18, 2023

So, you’re thinking about majoring in psychology and you have some serious questions. 

Which degrees will get you where you want to be? How many years of studying does that equate to? What do psychologist salaries look like where I live? Will your interest in a particular branch of psychology help you negotiate a better annual salary?

Before you fully dive into how to become a psychologist , you should also be aware of the labor statistics and the salary schedule involved in this career path. This guide will address these critical points, enabling you to make the best possible decisions for your future so you can reap the benefits of studying psychology.

Psychologist Salaries: Based on Experience

If you type “psychology degree salary” into Google, you’ll find on any job posting that salary is directly related to your level of education, universally acknowledged by what degree you hold.

Associate’s Degree 

This intermediate step between a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree is a two-year degree from a community or junior college. It provides the basic knowledge, skills, and understanding of psychology necessary to enter the workforce and gain experience. 

A sample of positions a graduate with an associate’s degree is eligible for includes: 

• Teacher’s Assistant – National average salary: $29,000/year
• Psychiatric Technician or Aide – National average salary: $33,000/year

Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS)

A bachelor’s degree in psychology is the fifth most popular choice of all undergraduate degrees. With the skills attained from this versatile four-year degree, job prospects open up significantly.

Here are a couple of examples of roles you can apply for with a bachelor’s degree in psychology: 

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselor – National average salary: $47,660/year
• Psychologist – National average salary: $81,120/year

Master’s Degree (MA or MS)

A one to three year graduate level degree in psychology typically offers advanced courses in research methods, data analysis, and psychological theories. While most who attain their master’s stay within psychology, a degree of this caliber will make it possible for you to go after a more prestigious job posting outside of psychology, as well. Here are some examples of jobs you can apply for with a master’s degree in psychology:        

Mental Health Field

• Industrial-Organizational Psychologists – National average salary: $96,270/year
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – National average salary: $111,840/year

Alternative Field

• Human Resources Manager – National average salary: $106,910/year
• Talent Acquisition Specialist – National average salary: $64,090/year

Doctoral Degree (PhD or PsyD)

The PsyD is the doctorate in psychology , whereas someone with a PhD in psychology is usually a ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ with a major in psychology. While the latter usually takes a year longer and focuses more on research, both degrees typically take five to seven additional years of study. 

Positions for graduates with a PhD or PsyD tend to be highly competitive, lucrative, and fulfilling. Moreover, these advanced degrees are usually accompanied by one, if not multiple, areas of specialization, which afford their holders academic and professional opportunities that run the psychological gamut. Examples of careers for doctors of psychology include:

• Clinical Psychologist – National average salary: $111,575
• Neuropsychologist – National average salary: $115,790
• PhD Psychology Professor – National average salary: $107,100

Psychologist Salaries: Based on Specialization

In addition to the effect your degree can have on your level of employment, specific niche subsets of psychological practice require unique skill sets, creating massive demand for those qualified. This demand can further dictate a psychologist’s earning potential. 

There are 15 of these types of certifications that are recognized and approved by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP): 

• Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology
• Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Clinical Health Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Clinical Neuropsychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Couples and Family Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Geropsychology
• Group Psychology
• Organizational and Business Psychology
• Police and Public Safety Psychology
• Psychoanalysis
• Rehabilitation Psychology
• School Psychology

While psychology certifications and specializations aren’t mandatory to practice, they undoubtedly enhance your marketability and, subsequently, your employability. In addition to higher earnings, each specialized psychologist also gains more control over when and where they work.

See related : Ethics in Psychology Careers

Psychologist Salaries: Based on Location

Luckily, with a degree in psychology, you can be employed almost anywhere in the United States. However, some markets tend to pay higher salaries, primarily based on the cost of living, but also in conjunction with experience and specializations.

In 2023, ZipRecruiter ranked all 50 states by average psychologist salaries. With a national average annual salary of a psychologist recorded as $116,009, the labor statistics list reveals that these 11 states top that national average: 

• Hawaii: $132,909
• Nevada: $130,790
• Massachusetts: $129,284
• Rhode Island: $126,510
• Oregon: $126,302
• Alaska: $124,564
• North Dakota: $123,023
• Washington: $120,768
• New York: $118,080
• South Dakota: $117,974
• Maryland: $116,232

Walk Confidently into Your Future in Psychology

Regardless of where you are in your journey as a psychologist, hopefully this guide has shown that there are many ways to bolster your resume, earn wages within your goal set, and broaden your horizons. Along the way, with the right educational support, you can even supplement your degree with certifications that allow you to expand your practice and broaden your career paths in psychology. 

If you’re a prospective student considering a degree in psychology, a school like North Central College can help you start your career. Approximately 30% of North Central psychology alumni go on to receive their master’s degree, and 10% their doctorate. No matter what school you choose, your future is yours to create with the right combination of degree, specialization and location.

Jacob Imm is the associate director of communication in the North Central College Office of Marketing and Communications. He has 13 years of collegiate communications experience and has worked with hundreds of college students. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University.

Ziprecruiter.com. What is the average psychologist salary by state - ZipRecruiter . https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/What-Is-the-Average-Psychologist-Salary-by-State 

Coursera. (2022, August 8). What is an associate degree? Requirements, costs, and more .  https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-an-associate-degree-key-information-to-know 

BestPsychologyDegrees.com. (2021, November 9). Highest-paying jobs with an associate's degree in psychology . Best Psychology Degrees | Your guide to top Psychology Degree Programs. https://www.bestpsychologydegrees.com/posts/highest-paying-jobs-associates-degree-in-psychology/#:~:text=If%20you're%20asking%20yourself,an%20associate%20degree%20in%20psychology. 

Bouchrika, I. (2023, April 25). Psychology careers: 2023 guide to career paths, options & salary . Research.com. https://research.com/careers/psychology-careers 

Psychologyjobs.com. (2023, April 26). Master's in psychology jobs - what jobs can you do with a master's in psychology? Psychology Jobs. https://psychologyjobs.com/career-advice/masters-psychology-jobs/ 

Michalski, D. S., & Fowler, G. (2016, January). Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different? American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2016/01/doctoral-degrees#:~:text=Doctor%20of%20Psychology%20(PsyD),-The%20PsyD%20degree&text=The%20focus%20of%20PsyD%20programs,to%20individuals%2C%20groups%20and%20organizations

Psychologist-License.com. (2021, March 24). Psychology doctorate Phd defined: Explore academic, internship and research requirements for a psychology Phd . Psychologist-License. https://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/psychologist-doctorate-phd/#:~:text=A%20psychology%20PhD%20is%20a,multiple%20types%20of%20PhD%20programs

Careers in Psychology. (2021, November 17). 10 Phd in Psychology Jobs . CareersinPsychology.org https://careersinpsychology.org/phd-in-psychology-jobs/

Indeed. (2023, April 29). Clinical psychologist salary in United States - indeed . Indeed.com. https://www.indeed.com/career/clinical-psychologist/salaries 

Salary.com, S. built by: (n.d.). Clinical neuropsychologist salary . Salary.com.  https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/clinical-neuropsychologist-salary  

Salary.com, S. built by: (n.d.). Professor - psychology salary. Salary.com. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/professor-psychology-salary

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Psychologist phd salary in the united states.

How much does a Psychologist Phd make in the United States? The salary range for a Psychologist Phd job is from $101,828 to $124,850 per year in the United States. Click on the filter to check out Psychologist Phd job salaries by hourly, weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly, and yearly.

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• Clinical Licensed Psychologist Ph.D.
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Is a Ph.D. in Psychology Worth it – (Pros VS. Cons)

There’s no doubt that getting a Ph.D. in Psychology can be a valuable investment. Studying psychology that can lead to many interesting and fulfilling careers. But is a Ph.D. in psychology worth it? This article will cover what you need to know before making your decision. We will talk about 25 reasons why a Ph.D. in psychology is worth it and also 7 reasons why it may not be the right degree for you. This article is not meant to dictate what you should do, but to provide you with the information to make an informed choice.

WHAT IS A Ph.D. IN PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE?

How long does a ph.d. in psychology degree take, how much does a ph.d. in psychology degree cost, what are the admission requirements for a ph.d. in psychology degree.

• A master’s degree, not necessarily in psychology. In some cases, a bachelor’s degree is also acceptable. • A GPA of at least 3.0 • Letters of recommendation • A letter of intent • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) • A Resume

IS A Ph.D. IN PSYCHOLOGY WORTH IT? – THE PROS

Reason #1: a ph.d. in psychology can provide you with the opportunity to teach at the college level., reason #2: a ph.d. in psychology can give you a greater understanding of human behavior and mental processes., reason #3: a ph.d. in psychology can help lead to careers in research., reason #4: a ph.d. in psychology can give you the chance to work with different ethnic and racial groups, reason #5: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a career in public health., reason #6: a ph.d. in psychology can help you start your own business., reason #7: a ph.d. in psychology can help you become a voice for social and political change., reason #8: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to opportunities to take leadership positions in prominent psychology organizations., reason #9: a ph.d. in psychology can make you less vulnerable to job loss during economic downturns., reason #10: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a career working with children., reason #11: a ph.d. in psychology may lead to opportunities to meet and collaborate with thought leaders in the field of psychology through networking events., reason #12: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a corporate career as an industrial-organizational psychologist., reason #13: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a career in forensics., reason #14: a ph.d. in psychology can allow you to help people with drug addiction., reason #15: a ph.d. in psychology can help you develop stellar communication skills., reason #16: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a career in sports psychology., reason #17: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a lucrative marketing career., reason #18: a ph.d. in psychology can help you become an administrator at colleges and universities., reason #19: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a career in the military., reason #20: a ph.d. in psychology can prepare you for a career in social work., reason #21: a ph.d. in psychology can help you become an environmental psychologist., reason #22: a ph.d. in psychology can make you a credible writer on psychology-related topics., reason #23: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a career as a neuropsychologist., reason #24: a ph.d. in psychology can give you the skills to help people discover their dream careers., reason #25: a ph.d. in psychology allows you to work in correctional settings., why a ph.d. in psychology may not be worth it for you – the cons, reason #1: it takes a long time to complete a ph.d. in psychology., reason #2: a ph.d. in psychology can be an expensive degree to pursue., reason #3: it’s possible to lose income while pursuing your ph.d. in psychology., reason #4: you may lose time with family and friends., reason #5: finding an internship or residency can be difficult., reason #6: you may have to publish in psychology journals often., reason #7: if your goal is to be a psychology professor, you may find a lot of competition., what are the 3 main reasons behind the demand for ph.d. in psychology degree holders, 1. many industries perceive people with a ph.d. in psychology as top experts., 2. there is increased accessibility to healthcare services, including services from psychologists., 3. the mental health needs of people have accelerated due to the pandemic and other recent events in today’s world., what is the average salary for ph.d. in psychology degree holders, what are the 3 best jobs you can get with a ph.d. in psychology degree, 1. professor:, 2. research psychologist:, 3. psychologist in private practice:, bonus 3 tips to make more money with a ph.d. in psychology degree, 1. specialize in a high-demand area:, 2. get experience in the private sector:, 3. start your own business:, is a ph.d. in psychology worth it for you – my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered, 1. what is the best age to do a ph.d. in psychology degree, 2. how hard is it to get into a ph.d. in psychology degree program, 3. is the gre required for those wishing to pursue a ph.d. in psychology degree, 4. do i need work experience to get into a ph.d. in psychology degree program, 5. what is the minimum gpa to get into a ph.d. in psychology degree program, 6. can i get into a ph.d. in psychology degree program with a low gpa, 7. are online ph.d. in psychology degree programs worth it, 8. are scholarships and grants available for ph.d. in psychology degree programs, 9. can ph.d. in psychology, students have a life, 10. can i work part-time and successfully complete the ph.d. in psychology degree program, 11. can i work full-time and successfully complete the ph.d. in psychology degree program, 12. do students fail in ph.d. in psychology degree programs, 13. will i ever regret getting a ph.d. in psychology degree, 14. how much does a ph.d. in psychology graduate make per hour, 16. will ph.d. in psychology graduates be paid less in the future, 17. are all ph.d. in psychology graduates successful in their careers, 18. are ph.d. in psychology graduates happy with their jobs, 19. can ph.d. in psychology degree holders become rich, 20. what are some ph.d. in psychology degree alternatives, 21. can i get a ph.d. in psychology without a masters in psychology, 22. what is the difference between a ph.d. in psychology and a psyd.

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Salary Outlook with PhD in Behavioral Psychology

A doctoral degree represents the highest possible level of academic achievement in most fields of study, and that includes in the arena of behavioral psychology. For many scholars, earning a Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology enables them to advance their knowledge and opens up career opportunities.

Students of behavioral psychology have a couple of different doctoral options — a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.). How do the degrees differ, and what are some possible job titles and salary rates graduates could expect upon completing their doctorates?

Behavioral Psychology Doctorate Options

When it comes to psychology doctoral programs, students have a big choice to make between two possible degrees — a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. While both culminate in the completion of a doctoral program, they are usually quite different, even within the same field.

Every program is unique, but in general, Ph.D. programs are ideal for those who want to be able to focus on academic and scientific research, while Psy.D. programs are best for those who primarily want to study the clinical practice of psychology , including providing therapy and counseling services.

SEE ALSO: Top 4 Online Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology Programs

While it’s entirely possible for graduates of either type of program to hold many of the same jobs, the differences in how the two programs are set up can make that a challenge. For example, if a behavioral psychology student is interested solely in providing hands-on therapeutic services but pursues a Ph.D. course that includes no clinical experience or internships, it’s unlikely they’ll be prepared enough for that career track.

Similarly, for those wishing to teach at higher levels and contribute to the scientific understanding of behavioral psychology, the advanced research training at the heart of most Ph.D. programs is critical.

Behavioral Psychology PhD Career Tracks

Behavioral psychology as a field is uniquely focused on the reasons why people do what they do and how problem behaviors could potentially be modified. Students in this field will study the connections between the brain and behavior to discern behavioral patterns that may be problematic.

Behavioral psychology students who intend to practice clinically will most often treat patients or serve clients who have diagnosable behavioral disorders, such as OCD or autism spectrum disorders.

Possible careers in the field, whether clinical or academic, include:

• ABA Therapist
• Behavioral Psychologist
• Behavioral Health Counselor
• Rehabilitation Counselor

Depending on an individual’s previous experience, it may also be possible to pursue non-psychology careers after completing a behavioral psychology Ph.D. This could include serving in roles like marketing or advertising, where deep understanding of human behavior is helpful.

Behavioral Psychology PhD Salary Overview

There isn’t a single obvious job title that a person becomes qualified for after earning a Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology. Simply having a Ph.D. can be greatly beneficial, not only to opening up a world of career possibilities but to providing for a comfortable living.

Those with Ph.D. degrees make about double the median annual income rate for high school graduates, and doctoral-holders earn salaries about one-third higher than those with only a bachelor’s degree.

So while these professionals can expect to earn far more than the average American, how do their salaries vary depending on the area of the country in question? To understand that, we calculated an average annual salary rate for four selected jobs in behavioral psychology, according to the most recent figures published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . Those jobs are:

• Psychology Professor

The most generous annual salary for the four jobs we analyzed was in the District of Columbia, where behavioral psychology Ph.D. graduates can expect to earn almost $82,000. Not far behind were California and New Jersey, each with an average of about $80,000. The average behavioral psychology salary was lowest in West Virginia at about $47,000.

Average annual behavioral psychology PhD salary by state

Overall, the average U.S. wage for the four jobs was just over $62,000, but salaries for Clinical Psychologists averaged out to the highest level — just over $81,000. Rehabilitation Counselors had the lowest average salary ($41,463), but it’s important to note that many people in this job do not have advanced degrees, so that holds the average down a bit.

Average annual U.S. salary, selected behavioral psychology Ph.D. jobs

In every state where data is available, the U.S. Department of Labor expects job openings for behavioral psychology professionals to expand through 2028. (Data for Alabama, Arizona, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Texas and Washington was not available.)

The fastest average change across the four jobs should be in Utah, where openings are projected to grow by nearly 22%. New York is second at nearly 28%, followed by Georgia and Colorado, both of which have growth rate projections in excess of 25%. Alaska’s rate is the lowest at just over 5%, which is about average compared to all U.S. jobs over the next several years.

Average projected growth in behavioral psychology job openings by state, 2018-2028

Each of the behavioral psychology jobs we studied is expected to see positive job opening growth nationally, led by Behavioral Health Counselors, who should see an increase of nearly 23% in job openings through 2028. Even the slowest average rate, that for Rehabilitation Counselors, is nearly double the expected national growth rate for all jobs. That means the future looks very bright for behavioral psychology students.

Average U.S. projected growth in behavioral psychology Ph.D. job openings, 2018-2028

Understanding the reasons why people do the things they do is at the very heart of the study of psychology. For many scholars of the field, going deeper and diagnosing behavioral disorders, and potentially helping people alleviate them, means completing a rigorous advanced academic course, such as a Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology.