How much does a psychologist make?
a year · about $53 an hour
A typical psychologist in the United States makes $110,840 a year, about $53 an hour, about 2.2× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A psychologist in this broad group might talk with someone, give a thinking or behavior test, then study the results for clues. They may explain what they found to the person or family and write a report for other professionals.
Did you know? Some psychologists help judges and lawyers understand the psychological side of a court case.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $54,990 and $168,520How do you become one?
A common U.S. path is a bachelor’s degree, then a psychology doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and an internship. To practice independently, meet state supervised-training rules, pass required exams such as the EPPP, and get licensed; requirements vary.
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can depend on experience, advanced training or licenses, specialty, employer type, location, and whether someone works full time or nights and weekends. More complex duties can also make pay differ.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($157,540), lowest in Illinois ($69,810).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $54,990 | $110,840 | $168,520 | about 19,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $157,540 | about 2,000 |
| Virginia | $140,640 | about 510 |
| Florida | $134,690 | about 910 |
| New York | $128,320 | about 680 |
| North Carolina | $126,440 | about 570 |
Official definition: All psychologists not listed separately.
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/print/psychologists.htm
- www.apa.org/education-career/grad/faqs
- www.apa.org/gradpsych/2004/01/get-licensed
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY