8 High Paying Careers in Psychology

When it comes to human behavior and thought processes, modern psychology is comprehensive. It explores everything from the neurological level to the cultural level. It gives us exclusive insights into the brain’s inner workings, allowing us to understand the people around us.

What causes them to behave in a certain way? What triggers them to react violently? And what incites love in them?

Opting for a career in psychology will open up several opportunities for you; it will spoil you for choice, which can be a little overwhelming. So if you are interested in knowing the different career options and their salaries, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve mentioned nine of the most popular and highest-paying psychology professions. 

1. Clinical Psychologist 

Clinical psychologists work with patients and identify the emotional, behavioral, and mental issues in their lives. Based on their observations and assessment, they diagnose them with potential disorders. Then, they create a customized treatment plan for each patient and closely monitor their care and progress.

Clinical psychologists work in various settings, such as mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practices. This profession is for people who value ethics and integrity and love helping others. 

Becoming a clinical psychologist requires enrolment in accredited PsyD programs to acquire a clinical psychology degree. In addition to the degree, one to two years of practice under supervised residency and passing state licensing exams are also required. The average salary for clinical psychologists is $81,330 per year. However, it may be as high as $100,300 based on the facility you work in. 

2. Psychiatrist 

Psychiatry is one of psychology’s most competitive fields, focusing on a more medical-oriented approach. It requires several years of education and training. However, the job comes with a hefty salary package. 

Psychiatrists are medical doctors that diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders using medication and psychotherapy like electroconvulsive therapy and rTMS.

You will need to earn a bachelor’s degree to become a psychiatrist. Then, you must attend four years of medical school, followed by a four-year residency program.

So it takes up to 12 years of education and training after high school to qualify as a psychiatrist. The average salary in this profession is $216,090 per year. However, it can vary depending upon your specialty area and your responsibilities.

3. Industrial Organizational Psychologist 

Industrial Organization Psychologists, or I/O psychologists, are trained to tackle workplace issues using psychology. They use their skills to improve employee productivity and choose the best workers for particular jobs. They may also develop market research surveys that help the company grow and succeed. 

I/O psychologists require at least a master’s degree in psychology. However, completing a doctorate will also be advantageous as it increases job opportunities. You may even get higher pay if you own this optional degree. The average salary that an I/O psychologist makes per year is $105,310.

4. Neuropsychologist 

Neuropsychologists are experts in the study of cognitive science and the brain. They run brain scans and perform cognitive tests to assess people that may have a brain injury. Their main job is treating patients experiencing difficulties with concentration, memory, language, and reasoning. They also help people deal with emotional changes following a diagnosis. 

Becoming a neuropsychologist requires 10-13 years of post-high-school education. You will need a bachelor’s degree, a Doctor of Psychology degree, and a postdoctoral fellowship. Then, you have to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, EPPP, to begin practicing. The mean salary of a neuropsychologist is $90,460 per year. 

5. Engineering Psychologist

Engineering Psychologists study people’s interactions with machines and technology. They work to improve systems, operations, and equipment design to boost productivity, increase efficiency and decrease risks of injury. Their primary focus is on safety and performance. Moreover, these psychologists work in various settings, including universities and private sectors. Those working in the latter earn more than those in the former. 

You will need a master’s degree to work as an Engineering Psychologist. However, it is recommended to earn a doctorate as well. Owning one will improve your chances of finding better employment opportunities. The average salary of engineering psychologists is $79,818 per annum. 

6. Counseling Psychologist 

Their role coincides with clinical psychologists as they offer mental health treatment and psychotherapy. However, they primarily work with patients suffering from less severe mental illnesses. Their main objective is to reduce patients’ psychological burdens and promote their well-being. Counseling psychologists also work in the educational field, such as teaching university courses.

You have a variety of programs to choose from for becoming a counseling psychologist. In addition, you can opt for a PsyD, Ph.D., or EdD degree. Clinical psychologists earn approximately $72,540 per year. 

7. Sports Psychologist 

Sports psychologists deal with improving the performance of athletes and minimizing their risk of injury. They are also responsible for boosting morale and motivating team members. Additionally, professionals in this field help athletes prepare for competitions and deal with their competitive fears. They also develop pregame routines that improve efficiency and allow the team to perform spectacularly under pressure. 

Working as a sports psychologist requires a master’s degree or a doctorate in sports psychology or similar fields like clinical psychology. Their annual salary is approximately $55,000. However, if you work with a professional athlete like an NFL champion, you may earn a six figures salary! 

8. School Psychologist 

School Psychologists work in educational institutions to diagnose mental illnesses in students and treat them. In addition, they aim to collaborate with teachers and parents to help kids cope with emotional, behavioral, social, and academic problems. 

You must complete a school psychology specialist program with 60 credit hours in most states to work as a school psychologist. The average salary in this profession is $58,360 per annum. 

Final Remarks

Choosing the right career is one of the most crucial decisions in your life, and a good salary package is only one of the many factors that influence it. While money is essential, a good job outlook and work-life balance are also important factors. Keep in mind that the best job is the one that fulfills your professional and personal needs.

Similar Stories