Healthcare Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Psychologist Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median psychologist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $89,597 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 6.1% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$89,597
vs State Avg
+$5,120
vs National
+$4,267
Cost of Living
102%

Psychologist Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median psychologist salary of $89,597, which is $5,120 above the Pennsylvania state average of $84,477. Compared to the national median of $85,330, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for psychologists in Philadelphia spans from $50,400 at the 10th percentile to $162,750 at the 90th percentile — a $112,350 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,600, while senior psychologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,250. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Psychologist Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level psychologist earns around $54,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,600
+$2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,400
+$4,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,250
+$7,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $50,400
25th Percentile $67,200
Median (50th) $89,597
75th Percentile $120,750
90th Percentile $162,750

Psychologist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$82,770
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$81,917
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$77,650
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$74,237
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Psychologist in Philadelphia

Education

Most psychologist positions require a doctoral degree. Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PsychotherapyPsychological AssessmentCBT/DBTResearch MethodsClinical DocumentationEthics

Job Outlook

Nationally, psychologist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Philadelphia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Psychologist Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open psychologist positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychologist Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Psychologist make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median psychologist salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $89,597 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $50,400 (10th percentile) to $162,750 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychologist make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,597, a psychologist in Philadelphia earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for psychologist pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median psychologist salary of $89,597 is 6.1% above the Pennsylvania state average of $84,477. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a psychologist salary of $89,597 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a psychologist in Philadelphia? ▼
Most psychologist positions in Philadelphia require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Psychotherapy, Psychological Assessment, CBT/DBT, Research Methods. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.