Employers of Psychology majors in the U.S.

Psychologists

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors. Some psychologists work independently, conducting research, consulting with clients, or working with patients. Others work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with physicians and social workers, or in school settings, working with students, teachers, parents, and other educators. Those in private practice often work evenings and weekends to accommodate clients. Although psychologists typically need a doctoral degree in psychology, a master’s degree is sufficient for some positions. Most psychologists also need a license. The median annual wage for psychologists was $77,030 in May 2017. Employment of psychologists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Job prospects should be best for those who have a doctoral degree in an applied specialty.

Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists

Diagnose and treat mental disorders; learning disabilities; and cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems, using individual, child, family, and group therapies. May design and implement behavior modification programs. The median annual wage for clinical, counseling and school psychologists was $75,090 in May 2017.

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity. The median annual wage for industrial-organizational psychologists was $87,100 in May 2017. Employment of psychologists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Job prospects should be best for those who have a doctoral degree in an applied specialty.

Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors

Counsel individuals and provide group educational and vocational guidance services. The median annual wage for educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors was $55,410 in May 2017.

Marriage and Family Therapists

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders. The median annual wage for marriage and family therapists was $48,790 in May 2017. Employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 23 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected due to the increasing use of integrated care.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education. The median annual wage for mental health and substance abuse social workers was $43,250 in May 2017.

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. The median annual wage for postsecondary psychology teachers was $73,770 in May 2017.