How much does a psychologist make?
a year · about $48 an hour
A typical psychologist in the United States makes $100,580 a year, about $48 an hour, about 2× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A psychologist talks with clients, families, or groups to understand what is troubling them, sometimes using tests too. Then they discuss results, plan ways to help, and write reports.
Did you know? In some U.S. states, clinical psychologists can prescribe medicine—a surprising role beyond talking therapy.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $55,170 and $180,960How do you become one?
Earn a bachelor's degree, often in psychology, then a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical or counseling psychology, including a one-year internship. Next, complete supervised practice, pass required licensing exams, and get a state license; rules vary.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like helping and teaching and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can rise with experience, advanced education, or credentials employers value, and it varies by location and employer type. Specialists may have different roles, and part-time schedules can mean different total yearly earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Oregon ($134,350), lowest in Tennessee ($76,820).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $55,170 | $100,580 | $180,960 | about 76,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $134,350 | about 540 |
| New Jersey | $127,090 | about 3,000 |
| Arizona | $119,010 | about 730 |
| California | $116,000 | about 13,000 |
| Washington | $115,240 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients. Excludes “Psychiatrists” (29-1223).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm
- www.apa.org/education-career/guide/subfields/clinical/education-training
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3033.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY