What are the most popular types of psychology jobs? With a doctorate in psychology, you can work as a counseling psychologist, school psychologist, or clinical psychologist.
A master's in psychology, meanwhile, can help you land roles like industrial-organizational psychologist and counselor.
But a psychology degree prepares you for much more than just psychologist and counselor careers — you can also work as a social worker or behavior specialist. Here, we list some of the most popular psychology careers you can pursue.
12 Popular Psychology Jobs and Specializations
Explore our list of psychology careers below to find salary data, job growth stats, and the minimum degree you'll need for different specializations.
1 Clinical Psychologist
- Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $82,510
- Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 10%
- Minimum Degree Required: Doctorate
Clinical psychologists provide mental and behavioral healthcare to individuals and families. You'll have broad career options in this role, from working with a variety of patients to focusing on research.
2 Counseling Psychologist
- Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $82,510
- Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 10%
- Minimum Degree Required: Doctorate
Counseling psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat patients with emotional, social, and physical challenges that affect their mental health. Many work in private practices and at public health organizations.
3 Child Psychologist
- Median Annual Salary (Oct. 2022): $63,280
- Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 3% (all other psychologists)
- Minimum Degree Required: Doctorate
Child psychologists provide psychological services to babies, toddlers, children, and teenagers — in other words, patients whose needs change over time.
Considering a Job in Psychology? Get Your Degree First
4 School Psychologist
- Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $78,780
- Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 6%
- Minimum Degree Required: Doctorate
School psychologists help students with family issues, learning disabilities, and other emotional and psychological challenges. Many school districts across the U.S. employ full-time school psychologists.
5 Marriage and Family Therapist
- Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $49,880
- Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 14%
- Minimum Degree Required: Master's
These professionals study family systems and human behavior, focusing on the psychological health of people in the context of families. Many work at private practices, at hospitals, or in advocacy.
6 Forensic Psychologist
- Average Annual Salary (Oct. 2022): $73,150
- Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 3% (all other psychologists)
- Minimum Degree Required: Doctorate
Forensic psychology is an ideal specialization if you're interested in the relationship between psychology and crime. These psychologists study human behavior as it relates to the law and may even provide expert testimony in certain cases.
You must have an excellent understanding of the legal system, mental health conditions, and family systems.
Did You Know?
Psychologists earned a median salary of $81,040 per year in May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Every year, around 120,000 undergraduates earn bachelor's degrees in psychology. Psychologists will benefit from a projected 14,100 job openings each year from 2021-2031. The American Psychological Association recognizes over 50 subfields of psychology.
7 Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
- Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $105,310
- Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 4%
- Minimum Degree Required: Master's or doctorate/li>
These psychologists focus on improving the quality of work life in order to increase productivity and maintain a healthy atmosphere. Industrial-organizational psychologists often work for companies as management consultants and human resources officers.
8 Health Psychologist
- Average Annual Salary (May 2021): $83,100
- Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 3% (all other psychologists)
- Minimum Degree Required: Doctorate
Health psychologists work to understand how biological, psychological, and social factors can affect health and wellness. They may study how people react to illness and create plans with other healthcare professionals to improve recovery times.
Most health psychologists work in hospitals or private practices.
9 Neuropsychologist
- Average Annual Salary (Oct. 2022): $96,970
- Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 3% (all other psychologists)
- Minimum Degree Required: Doctorate
These specialists examine how the brain influences behavior. They study memory, perception, and behavior, as well as the effect of injury on the brain. Some neuropsychologists assist patients in figuring out long-term care.
Most neuropsychologists work in research and development or at hospitals or universities.
10 Rehabilitation Counselor
- Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $38,560
- Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 11%
- Minimum Degree Required: Master's
Rehabilitation counselors improve the lives of people with mental and physical disabilities or injuries. These specialists often work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. They might also work in policymaking to advocate for patient care.
11 Mental Health Counselor
- Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $48,520
- Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 22%
- Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's
Mental health counselors help clients improve their relationships, emotional health, and mental health. Some specialize in treating children, couples, or people with anxiety or depression.
Related specialties include addiction counseling and behavioral disorder counseling. Some roles require a license and a master's degree.
12 Consulting Psychologist
- Average Annual Salary (Oct. 2022): $82,770
- Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 3% (all other psychologists)
- Minimum Degree Required: Doctorate
Consulting psychologists conduct individual assessments, provide group consultations, and help organizations through their knowledge of psychology.
They may create psychological assessments for hiring employees, advise executives on organizational change, or consult on organizational issues.
Additional Careers in the Field of Psychology to Consider
Educational Psychologist Cognitive Psychologist Developmental Psychologist Engineering Psychologist Biopsychologist Environmental Psychologist Evolutionary Psychologist Experimental Psychologist Geropsychologist Quantitative and Measurement Psychologist Social Psychologist Sport Psychologist
How to Become a Psychologist
Many psychology career paths require a doctorate in psychology. Clinical psychologists, for example, need a Ph.D. and a license to practice.
That said, some jobs in psychology only require a bachelor's or master's degree.
As you research psychology jobs, consider the degree requirement. Mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and industrial-organizational psychologists typically don't need a doctorate.
Other popular psychology degree career paths include roles in counseling, social work, human services, education, and business.
Jobs in Psychology, Counseling, and Therapy: How Do They Compare?
What's the difference between psychology, counseling, and therapy jobs? If you're interested in psychology, you've probably considered therapist and counselor roles.
Learn more about the differences in the table below.
Job | Description | Minimum Degree Required | Licensure |
---|---|---|---|
Psychologist |
|
Doctorate | Mandatory state licensure |
Counselor |
|
Master's | Varies by state |
Therapist |
|
Master's | Mandatory licensure in states where the term "therapist" is protected |
Psychology Degree Career Paths Besides "Psychologist"
Not all psychology majors go to graduate school to become psychologists. In fact, tons of fields value professionals who understand how people think and operate.
If you're not interested in the long road to becoming a psychologist, you might consider psychology career paths in other fields like healthcare, marketing, and criminal justice.
Job | Minimium Degree Required | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) |
---|---|---|---|
Marketing Manager | Bachelor's | $135,030 | 10% |
Sales Manager | Bachelor's | $127,490 | 5% |
Training Manager | Bachelor's | $120,130 | 7% |
Social and Community Service Managers | Bachelor's | $74,000 | 12% |
Public Relations Specialist | Bachelor's | $62,800 | 8% |
Human Resources Specialist | Bachelor's | $62,290 | 8% |
High School Teacher | Bachelor's | $61,820 | 5% |
Social Worker | Bachelor's or master's | $50,390 | 9% |
Resources for Jobs in the Psychology Field
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Career Paths
What are the highest-paying jobs in psychology?
The highest-paid psychologists make more than $133,000 per year, according to BLS data.
The best-paying specialties include industrial-organizational psychology and neuropsychology. The best-paying industries for psychologists include public sector and hospital jobs.
What types of jobs can you get with a bachelor's in psychology?
With a bachelor's in psychology, you can apply for jobs in social services, business, human resources, and criminal justice. You can also work in the public and nonprofit sectors.
Learning about human behavior benefits psych majors in many fields. You'll bring strong analytical, research, and writing skills to whatever role you choose.
If you're interested in more specialized careers in the field of psychology, you can also apply to graduate school.
Is a degree in psychology worth it?
Studying psychology can lead to opportunities in business, healthcare, education, and the nonprofit sector. Psych majors may also pursue careers in government, social services, or law.
Because psychology is such a versatile analytical and research degree, you can also apply to graduate programs in many fields with a bachelor's in psych.
Which branch of psychology is in high demand?
Clinical psychologists and counseling psychologists both report high demand. Other growing psychology degree career paths include marriage and family therapist and mental health counselor.
Unlike many psychology jobs, counseling and therapist roles typically require a master's degree rather than a doctorate.