Healthcare
Psychologist Salary
Psychologists diagnose and treat mental health conditions and conduct research on cognitive and emotional functioning.
Median Salary
$85,330
Mean Salary
$96,350
Total Employed
192,300
Job Growth
+6%
Psychologist Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level psychologists earn around $52,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $88,000. Senior-level psychologists can earn $145,000 or more.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,000 Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,000 Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,000 Salary Percentile Breakdown
The salary range for psychologists varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $48,000, while the top 10% earn $155,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $48,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $85,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $155,000 |
Psychologist Salary by State
Psychologist salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $151,887, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $69,117.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $151,887 | Details → |
| #2 California | $124,582 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $122,022 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $110,076 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $108,369 | Details → |
| #6 New Jersey | $102,396 | Details → |
| #7 Washington | $101,543 | Details → |
| #8 Connecticut | $98,983 | Details → |
| #9 Maryland | $97,276 | Details → |
| #10 Oregon | $95,570 | Details → |
| #11 New Hampshire | $92,156 | Details → |
| #12 Rhode Island | $92,156 | Details → |
| #13 Colorado | $91,303 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $90,450 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $87,890 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $87,890 | Details → |
| #17 Minnesota | $86,183 | Details → |
| #18 Florida | $85,330 | Details → |
| #19 Maine | $85,330 | Details → |
| #20 Nevada | $84,477 | Details → |
| #21 Pennsylvania | $84,477 | Details → |
| #22 Arizona | $82,770 | Details → |
| #23 Illinois | $82,770 | Details → |
| #24 Utah | $82,770 | Details → |
| #25 Texas | $80,210 | Details → |
| #26 Wisconsin | $80,210 | Details → |
| #27 Georgia | $79,357 | Details → |
| #28 Montana | $79,357 | Details → |
| #29 Idaho | $78,504 | Details → |
| #30 North Carolina | $78,504 | Details → |
| #31 Ohio | $78,504 | Details → |
| #32 Louisiana | $77,650 | Details → |
| #33 New Mexico | $77,650 | Details → |
| #34 Tennessee | $77,650 | Details → |
| #35 Indiana | $76,797 | Details → |
| #36 Michigan | $76,797 | Details → |
| #37 Nebraska | $76,797 | Details → |
| #38 North Dakota | $76,797 | Details → |
| #39 Wyoming | $76,797 | Details → |
| #40 Iowa | $75,944 | Details → |
| #41 South Carolina | $75,944 | Details → |
| #42 Missouri | $75,090 | Details → |
| #43 South Dakota | $75,090 | Details → |
| #44 Alabama | $74,237 | Details → |
| #45 Kansas | $74,237 | Details → |
| #46 Kentucky | $74,237 | Details → |
| #47 Oklahoma | $71,677 | Details → |
| #48 Arkansas | $69,971 | Details → |
| #49 West Virginia | $69,971 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $69,117 | Details → |
Key Responsibilities
- ● Assess mental health disorders
- ● Provide psychotherapy
- ● Develop treatment plans
- ● Conduct psychological testing
- ● Research human behavior
Top Skills
Psychotherapy Psychological Assessment CBT/DBT Research Methods Clinical Documentation Ethics
Education Required
Doctoral degree
Job Outlook
Faster than average — projected 6% growth over the next decade
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Frequently Asked Questions About Psychologist Salaries
How much does a Psychologist make per year? ▼
The median psychologist salary in the United States is $85,330 per year. Entry-level positions start around $52,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $145,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $96,350.
How much does a Psychologist make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $85,330 per year, a psychologist earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for psychologists? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for psychologists, with a median salary of $151,887. Other top-paying states include California ($124,582) and Massachusetts ($122,022).
What education do you need to become a psychologist? ▼
Most psychologist positions require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Psychotherapy, Psychological Assessment, CBT/DBT, Research Methods. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for psychologists? ▼
Employment for psychologists is projected to grow 6% over the next decade, which is faster than average. There are currently 192,300 psychologists employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level psychologist make? ▼
An entry-level psychologist with 0-2 years of experience earns around $52,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $88,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $48,000, while the top 10% earn $155,000.