Begin a Psychology Career

Updated November 16, 2023 · 1 Min Read

This guide covers important information for careers in psychology, including education requirements, job responsibilities, and potential salaries.

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Interested in becoming a psychologist, but want more information about the field? This guide describes and explains a variety of specializations within the discipline. These career profiles provide information on the education and credentials you need to pursue advanced positions, salary and employment trends for each specialization, and organizations and resources available for students and professionals alike.

This page also offers information for prospective psychology students, detailing various program options and specialty fields. Keep reading to learn more about this growing industry, including which specializations offer the highest pay and the most employment opportunities.

FOR EACH PSYCHOLOGY CAREER, WE COVER:

  • Specific psychology job titles and psychology career specializations
  • The academics and credentials psychology job-seekers need to advance
  • The numbers behind the psychology career, like salary trends and job growth projections
  • The societies, journals and research efforts moving the psychology field ahead

Explore Psychology Careers

Child Psychologist

Median Annual Wage $69,000
Average Hourly Wage $33.79
Who They Work With Children age 17 or younger
Where They Work Schools, group practices/clinics, private practices

Clinical Psychologist

Median Annual Wage $79,000
Average Hourly Wage $51.04
Who They Work With Patients of all ages
Where They Work Private practice, hospitals and medical centers, with other medical providers

Cognitive Psychologist

Counseling Psychologist

Median Annual Wage $59,000
Average Hourly Wage $35.00
Who They Work With Patients of all ages dealing with mental health issues
Where They Work Hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, psychiatric facilities

Educational Psychologist

Median Annual Wage $73,000
Average Hourly Wage $70.00
Who They Work With Students, particularly those facing challenges and problems in school
Where They Work Schools and educational settings

Forensic Psychologist

Median Annual Wage $69,000
Average Hourly Wage $30.87
Who They Work With Alongside law enforcement professionals to assess those involved in criminal investigations
Where They Work Courts, prisons, government agencies

Health Psychologist

Median Annual Wage $79,000
Average Hourly Wage $50.46
Who They Work With Patients dealing with both psychological and physiological ailments
Where They Work Hospitals, universities, private practices

Industrial Organizational Psychologist

Median Annual Wage $74,000
Average Hourly Wage $25.96
Who They Work With Managers, supervisors, and employees
Where They Work Businesses, organizations, companies

School Psychologist

Median Annual Wage $61,000
Average Hourly Wage $43.26
Who They Work With Parents, teachers, students
Where They Work Schools

Sports Psychologist

Median Annual Wage $75,000
Average Hourly Wage $60.50
Who They Work With Athletes, coaches
Where They Work University athletic departments, schools, club sport leagues

Sources: PayScale, BLS, American Psychological Association

Featured Online Psychology Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

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