CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Psychologists help people learn to cope more effectively with stressful life issues or mental health problems.
Career Level
Salary
National average, per year
$79,010
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
17,544
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: June 2019
OVERVIEW
Psychologist Job Description
Psychologists observe, assess and diagnose disorders. They counsel patients and help them learn how to cope with and overcome many situations. Some psychologists choose to go into research or forensics.
Whichever field of psychology they choose, the educational path is extensive. The end result however, is a rewarding career that offers the benefits of a great salary, job stability, flexible working hours and the ability to be self-employed.
Psychologist Job Responsibilities
Psychologists may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Counsel patients and help them learn to cope with stressful situations
- Determine which type of therapy is best for a patient
- Administer psychological tests and assessments
- Conduct research
- Conduct personality and intelligence testing
- Diagnose disorders
- Observe and assess patients
Psychologist Salary
The actual salary of the psychologist can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $79,010*
National average per hour: $37.99*
- $88,458 per year, $42.53 per hour**
- $75,738 per year, $36.41 per hour***
- $76,640 to $99,607 per year****
- $105,397 per year, $50.67 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Psychologist Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a psychologist? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Growing career field
- Good salary
- Rewarding to help people overcome their challenges
- Flexible work schedule
- Ability to be self-employed
- Opportunity to work with a variety of people
Cons
- Extensive education and training
- Potentially high educational debt
- Can be emotionally draining
- Starting out and obtaining clients can be challenging
- Possibility of patient violence
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Psychologist?
If you are considering a career as a dentist, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Earn your high school diploma.
- Complete 4 years of undergraduate study to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
- Complete an additional 2 years of study to earn a master’s degree. A master’s degree provides for limited job opportunities and a doctorate degree in highly recommended.
- Earn a doctorate degree in psychology (Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D)).
- Complete an internship.
- Obtain state licensure which includes passage of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Suggested Career Path
A psychologist is at the end of the medical career pathway. A sample career path could look like this:
Medical Assistant > Social Worker > Psychologist
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology
- Master’s degree (very limited job opportunities)
- Doctorate degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D)
- State Licensure
Typical Work Experience Required
Experience typically gained during internship.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by location.
- Compassion/Empathy
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
- Exceptional listening skills
- Ability to set boundaries
- Keen observation skills
- Emotional stability
- Patience
- Open-mindedness
- Trustworthiness
Psychologist Certifications
Certification is not mandatory, but can demonstrate professional expertise and should be considered. The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) awards 15 specialty certifications in areas of psychology such as clinical health psychology, couple and family psychology, and rehabilitation psychology. The American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) offers certification in neuropsychology.
Psychologist Licenses
Most states require practicing psychologists to be licensed. This includes passage of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Specific state requirements can be found on the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) website.
Psychologist Training and Preparation
Once you have earned your master’s or doctorate degree, you must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) in order to become licensed to practice. Proper preparation for the exam is vital to your success. There are many ways to prepare for the exam and you can choose the methods that work best for you.
There are many online resources that offer practice exams and quizzes, practice questions and even access to online lectures. Review and test prep books are also excellent tools and there are many available to buy online or in your local bookstore. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) website is an excellent resource. It offers test and scoring information and practice materials to help you prepare.
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