Industries with the highest levels of employment for psychologists are the Federal Executive Branch, colleges, universities and professional schools, outpatient care centers, general medical and surgical hospitals, and offices of other health practitioners.²

A psychologist’s average annual salary is $70,650.³ Pay can vary depending on specialization, with a $247,000 median salary for self-employed clinical psychologists at the higher end.⁴ Other skills that most correspond to increased pay are neuropsychology, forensic psychology, clinical research and health psychology (via PayScale).

Career roles for psychologists are far-ranging. Some of the most common types include clinical, health, counseling, developmental, forensic, industrial-organizational, school, social and neuropsychologists.⁵

The career arc for a clinical psychologist might include a move into forensic psychology, or it may include varying duties related to a clinical or clinical services director, such as:⁶

• Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
• Executive director, non-profit organization
• Senior director, clinical services
• VP, operations
• Program director, healthcare
• Behavioral health director

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19 percent growth rate in its current job outlook for psychologists.⁷

Most graduates with a bachelor’s degree in psychology end up working in fields other than psychology. The good news is graduates report their studies have assisted them in “both life and work,” according to the American Psychological Association.⁸

A career in research presents many opportunities, typically at a university or government agency (for laboratory settings), or out in the field. Those interested in research have their choice of subjects, for example:⁹

• Animals
• Human infants
• Well-functioning people
• Emotionally disturbed people
• Older persons
• Students
• Workers

The American Psychological Association advises would-be psychologists to get a master's in psychology and research academic programs in conjunction with their preferences.¹⁰ Looking to specific faculty member expertise or research interests can illuminate potential career paths that track to student desires.

• B.A. in Psychology
• M.A. in Psychology
• M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology