Overview
Psychologists are professionals who study human mind and behavior by researching, seeing and recording how people react to their environment. Their job is to diagnose and evaluate different types of psychological disorders of people from many different groups. Some psychologists work individually while others work with medical and surgical patients/clients who survive from illness and injury. Those who work in private practice will be more flexible as they set their own schedules, usually working evenings and weekends.
Employment Outlook
Employment of psychologists is projected to increase 22 percent through 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. There are lots of job opportunities for psychologists; however, it would be best for those who achieve a doctoral degree in school psychology.
Average Psychologist Salary
Highest salary: $43,500
Median salary: $82,192
Lowest salary: $120,884
Psychologist Salary [Source: Payscale. Inc]
Industries:
Clinical psychology offers a salary range from $39,985 to $120,271 while healthcare department provide $48,949 to $102,246. For those who work in hospital may expect to earn up to $101,155 per annual, while medical service department offers an annual maximum of $98,873.
Psychologist Salary by industry [Source: Payscale. Inc]
Geographic location:
Location plays a significant role in defining your compensation packages. Recent research shows that Massachusetts, California, Texas and New York are the ideal places for this field.
Salary range in Massachusetts is ranked first in the best states to work at for psychologists, varying from $38,000 to $155,000. Staying close to Massachusetts is California. Those who work in California can find relatively high starting rates at $43,001, up to 115,872 per annual.
Ranking third in the top paying states is Texas. Employment opportunities in Texas offer up to $116,933 annually. New York and Pennsylvania also have good packages, with an annual maximum of $107,659 and $102,439 respectively.
Psychologist Salary by state [Source: Payscale. Inc]
Working experience:
Experience is a very vital factor that influences the salary range, regardless of the field of profession. Psychologists who earn the most are those who are 20 years experience or more. They usually earn a maximum of $128,769 annually. A new entry psychologist might expect to earn an average of $ 52,000 per annual, while 4 years experienced psychologist could have an amount of $62,500 annually.
Qualifications:
In order to start a career as a psychologist, once must have a doctoral degree in psychology-which usually takes five to seven years to complete, including finishing a dissertation. Practicing psychologists are required to be licensed or certified.
Psychologist Salary,
