Healthcare Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Psychologist Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median psychologist salary in Reading, PA is $77,650 per year, which is 9% below the national median and 8.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$77,650
vs State Avg
$-6,827
vs National
$-7,680
Cost of Living
88%

Psychologist Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median psychologist salary of $77,650, which is $6,827 below the Pennsylvania state average of $84,477. Compared to the national median of $85,330, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $77,650 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $88,239 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for psychologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for psychologists in Reading spans from $43,680 at the 10th percentile to $141,050 at the 90th percentile — a $97,370 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,320, while senior psychologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $131,950. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Psychologist Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level psychologist earns around $47,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,320
$-4,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,080
$-7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,950
$-13,050 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $43,680
25th Percentile $58,240
Median (50th) $77,650
75th Percentile $104,650
90th Percentile $141,050

Psychologist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$89,597
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$82,770
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$81,917
Pop. 302,971
Erie, PA
$74,237
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Psychologist in Reading

Education

Most psychologist positions require a doctoral degree. Reading 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 Reading may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Psychologist Jobs in Reading

Browse open psychologist positions in Reading, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Psychologist Salary in Reading

How much does a Psychologist make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median psychologist salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $77,650 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $43,680 (10th percentile) to $141,050 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychologist make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,650, a psychologist in Reading earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for psychologist pay? ▼
Reading's median psychologist salary of $77,650 is 8.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $84,477. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a psychologist salary of $77,650 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a psychologist in Reading? ▼
Most psychologist positions in Reading 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.