If you’re considering a career in psychology, you might be wondering what types of jobs are available to those with a bachelor’s degree. While many psychology graduates go on to earn a master’s or doctoral degree, it’s important to know that there are still plenty of high-paying jobs available to those with just a bachelor’s degree.
In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for psychology professionals was $81,040 in May 2021, and demand for these professionals is expected to grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031.
In this article, we’ll highlight the 15 highest-paying jobs available to those with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. From industrial-organizational psychology to counseling psychology, these careers offer a diverse range of opportunities for those interested in understanding and improving human behavior and mental processes.
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Why Psychology?
Are you fascinated by the complexities of the human mind and behavior? Do you want to learn more about how we think, feel, and interact with the world around us? If so, then psychology may be the perfect field for you!
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior, and it offers a wealth of insight into the human experience. From exploring the ways we form and maintain relationships, to understanding the underlying causes of mental health issues, psychology provides a unique perspective on the inner workings of the human psyche.
Not only is psychology fascinating in its own right, but it also has practical applications in a wide range of fields. Psychologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, businesses, and government agencies, using their expertise to improve the lives of individuals and communities.
So why psychology? Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in the field or simply want to learn more about yourself and others, psychology has something to offer everyone.
The List of 15 High-paying Jobs With a Bachelor in Psychology
If you have an interest in pursuing a profitable career in psychology, there are many paths you can look into. Surely, some job roles pay more than others; but ultimately, the following career paths are considered to be the best of them all.
Here is the list of the 15 high-paying jobs for you if you have a bachelor’s degree in psychology:
- Industrial-organizational psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Counseling Psychologist
- School Psychologist
- Research Psychologist
- Health Psychologist
- Neuropsychologist
- Sports psychologist
- Forensic psychologist
- Social psychologist
- Cognitive psychologist
- Consumer psychologist
- Engineering psychologist
- Military psychologist
- Business psychologist.
15 High-paying Jobs With a Bachelors in Psychology
A bachelor’s degree in psychology can open the door to a wide range of rewarding and high-paying careers, from clinical and counseling psychology to research and industrial-organizational psychology.
If you’re considering a career in psychology, read on to learn about 15 top options and the salaries you can expect.
1. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Who they are: Industrial-organizational psychologists, also known as I-O psychologists, apply psychological principles to the workplace. They may help organizations improve productivity, morale, and overall performance by studying leadership, communication, and teamwork factors.
I-O psychologists may also conduct research on topics such as job satisfaction and employee turnover, and they may be involved in the selection and training of new employees.
How much they make: The mean annual wage for I-O psychologists is $113,320, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This profession often offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including bonuses, retirement plans, and health insurance. I-O psychologists may also have opportunities for advancement, such as becoming department managers or consultants.
Entry-Level Education: To become an I-O psychologist, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree, and a doctoral degree may be necessary for certain positions or to qualify for certification as a professional psychologist. Experience in research or data analysis is also helpful for this profession.
2. Clinical Psychologist
Who they are: Clinical psychologists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. They may use a variety of techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help individuals cope with personal, social, and emotional problems. Clinical psychologists may work in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, and community health centers.
How much they make: The median annual wage for clinical psychologists is $82,510, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This profession often offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including retirement plans, health insurance, and paid time off. Clinical psychologists may also have opportunities for advancement, such as becoming department managers or opening their own private practice.
Entry-Level Education: To become a clinical psychologist, you’ll typically need a doctoral degree in psychology, as well as a state license. Doctoral programs in clinical psychology typically take 4-7 years to complete and involve coursework, research, and supervised clinical experience. After earning a doctoral degree, you’ll need to pass a licensure exam and complete a certain amount of supervised experience before you can practice independently.
3. Counseling Psychologist
Who they are: Counseling psychologists help individuals cope with personal, social, and emotional problems. They may use a variety of techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help individuals develop coping skills and improve their overall well-being. Counseling psychologists may work in various settings, including schools, universities, and community mental health centers.
How much they make: The median annual wage for counseling psychologists was $82,510, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This profession often offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including retirement plans, health insurance, and paid time off.
Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
4. School Psychologist
Who they are: School psychologists work with students, parents, and teachers to promote the academic and social-emotional development of students. They may use a variety of techniques, including assessments and counseling, to help students overcome learning and behavior problems. School psychologists may work in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, as well as community mental health centers.
How much they make: The median annual wage for school psychologists is $78,780, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This profession often offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including retirement plans, health insurance, and paid time off.
School psychologists also have opportunities for advancement in their careers, which opens them up for bigger pay and bonuses.
Entry-Level Education: To become a school psychologist, you’ll typically need a specialist or bachelor’s degree to practice.
5. Research Psychologist
Who they are: Research psychologists conduct studies to understand human behavior and mental processes. They may use a variety of techniques, including experiments, surveys, and observations, to collect data and draw conclusions about topics such as cognition, perception, and motivation. Research psychologists may work in a variety of settings, including universities, research institutes, and government agencies.
How much they make: The median annual wage for research psychologists is $90,000, according to Zippia.
Entry-Level Education: To become a research psychologist, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, as well as a state license.
6. Health Psychologist
Who they are: Health psychologists study the psychological factors that influence physical health and illness. They may use a variety of techniques, including counseling and education, to help individuals adopt healthy behaviors and cope with chronic conditions. Health psychologists may work in various settings, including hospitals, community health centers, and private practices.
How much they make: The median annual wage for health psychologists is $79,767, according to Payscale.
Entry-Level Education: To become a health psychologist, you’ll typically need a specialist degree in psychology.
7. Neuropsychologist
Who they are: Neuropsychologists study the relationship between the brain and behavior. They may use a variety of techniques, including brain imaging and cognitive assessments, to diagnose and
Neuropsychologists study the relationship between the brain and behavior and may use a variety of techniques, including brain imaging and cognitive tests, to understand how the brain functions and to diagnose and treat neurological conditions. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, and research institutes.
How much they make: $76,700 (medium salary).
8. Sports Psychologist
Who they are: Sports psychologists help athletes improve their performance and mental toughness. They may use a variety of techniques, including counseling and visualization, to help athletes overcome performance anxiety and develop strategies for success. Sports psychologists may work with individual athletes or sporting clubs, and they may also work with coaches and trainers to optimize performance.
How much they make The median annual wage for sports psychologists is currently hovering around $76,990.
Entry-level Education: To become a sports psychologist, You need a sports psychology degree, counseling degree, or sports sciences degree as an undergraduate or graduate student.
9. Forensic Psychologist
Who they are: Forensic psychologists provide expert testimony and conduct evaluations for the legal system. They may work with law enforcement agencies, courts, or correctional institutions to assess the mental health and competency of individuals involved in legal proceedings. Forensic psychologists may also be involved in the rehabilitation and treatment of offenders.
How much they make: $76,990.
Entry-level Education: To become a forensic psychologist, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in forensic psychology, as well as a state license.
10. Social Psychologist
Who they are: Social psychologists study social behavior and attitudes. They may use a variety of techniques, including experiments and surveys, to understand how people influence and are influenced by others. Social psychologists may work in a variety of settings, including universities, research institutes, and government agencies.
How much they make: Payscale reports that the median salary for Social Psychologists is $79,010.
Entry-level Education: To become a social psychologist, you’ll typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
11. Cognitive Psychologist
Who they are: Cognitive psychologists study mental processes such as perception, attention, and memory. They may use a variety of techniques, including experiments and computer simulations, to understand how people process information and make decisions. Cognitive psychologists may work in a variety of settings, including universities, research institutes, and government agencies.
How much they make: The median annual wage for cognitive psychologists is $81,040, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
12. Consumer Psychologist
Who they are: Consumer psychologists study consumer behavior and help companies develop marketing strategies. They may use a variety of techniques, including surveys and experiments, to understand how people make purchasing decisions and how companies can influence those decisions. Consumer psychologists may work in a variety of settings, including consulting firms, market research firms, and advertising agencies.
How much they make: Like most non-niche psychologists, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that these professionals make a median salary of $81,040 per year. But this largely depends on several employment factors.
To become a consumer psychologist, a bachelor’s degree is enough to practice.
13. Engineering Psychologist
Who they are: Engineering psychologists apply psychological principles to the design and improvement of products, systems, and environments. They may use a variety of techniques, including experiments and simulations, to optimize human performance and reduce errors. Engineering psychologists may work in a variety of settings, including consulting firms, manufacturing companies, and government agencies.
How much they make: $81,000 – $96,400 (PayScale)
Entry-level Education: Generally, engineering psychologists begin their careers with a bachelor’s degree. But higher certifications mean more career advancement for you in this field. To become an engineering psychologist, you need education and training in the discipline of human factors psychology.
14. Military Psychologist
Who they are: Military psychologists provide mental health care and support to military personnel and their families. They may help soldiers cope with the stresses of deployment, as well as any physical or mental injuries they may have sustained. Military psychologists may work in various settings, including military bases, hospitals, and community health centers.
How much they make: $87,795 (ZipRecruiter).
Entry-level Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology. To become a military psychologist, it is not necessary to major in military psychology in order to practice.
15. Business Psychologist
Who they are: Business psychologists help organizations improve productivity, teamwork, and leadership skills. They may use a variety of techniques, including assessments and training programs, to help companies optimize their operations and achieve their goals. Business psychologists may work in a variety of settings, including consulting firms, human resources departments, and executive coaching practices.
How much they make: $94,305 a year (ZipRecruiter).
Entry-level Education: Bachelor’s degree.
FAQs
Do I need a graduate degree to work in psychology?
While many jobs in psychology do require a graduate degree, such as a master's or doctoral degree, there are also many rewarding career options available with just a bachelor's degree. These may include roles in research, applied psychology, and support roles in clinical and counseling settings.
What should I consider when choosing a career in psychology?
When choosing a career in psychology, it's important to consider factors such as your personal interests and skills, the job outlook and salary, and the location and availability of job openings. You should also think about the specific subfield of psychology that aligns with your interests and goals, as well as any additional education or training you may need to qualify for certain roles.
Can I work in psychology without a license?
Most states require psychologists to be licensed in order to practice independently. However, there are some roles in psychology that do not require a license, such as research assistant or support staff in a clinical setting. It's important to check the specific requirements for your state and the type of job you're interested in.
What kind of work environment can I expect as a psychologist?
Psychologists may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, government agencies, research centers, and private practices. They may work full-time or part-time and may have flexible or irregular schedules depending on their role and the needs of their clients. Some psychologists may also travel for work or have the option to work remotely.
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Wrapping It Up
As you can see, there are many high-paying jobs available to those with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. From industrial-organizational psychology to counseling psychology, these careers offer a diverse range of opportunities for those interested in understanding and improving human behavior and mental processes. Whether you’re interested in working in a hospital, a school, or a business, there’s a psychology career that’s right for you.
If you’re considering a career in psychology, we encourage you to explore the resources available to you. Professional organizations, such as the American Psychological Association, can provide valuable information and networking opportunities. Job boards, such as Indeed or LinkedIn, can help you find job openings in your area. And networking events, such as conferences or career fairs, can help you make connections and learn more about the profession.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information and inspiration as you explore the many rewarding and high-paying career opportunities available to psychology graduates.
