A psychology degree opens the door to a variety of careers across industries, from healthcare and education to business and technology. While some psychology-related jobs require advanced degrees, others offer strong earning potential with just a bachelor’s or master’s.
This guide explores some of the highest paying jobs with a psychology degree, outlining salary expectations, educational requirements, and career responsibilities. Whether you’re a student planning your future or a professional considering a career shift, this list provides insight into lucrative psychology-related careers.
Highest Paying Jobs for Psychology Graduates
Psychology careers span various industries, including healthcare, education, business, and technology. While salaries vary based on experience, education level, and industry, several psychology-related careers offer high earning potential. Below are some of the highest-paying jobs for psychology graduates, based on May 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which was gathered in 2025.
1. Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychologist
What they do: Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychological principles to workplace settings to improve productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational efficiency. They may work in consulting firms, corporations, government agencies, and academic settings.
Education required: Master’s or Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology.
Median annual salary: $147,420
2. Specialized Psychologist (Neuropsychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Rehabilitation Psychologist, and Others)
What they do: Psychologists in specialized fields study human behavior and mental processes in various professional settings.
- Neuropsychologists focus on how brain function impacts behavior and treat neurological conditions such as brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Forensic psychologists work in the legal system, assessing criminal behavior, testifying in court, and providing expert psychological evaluations.
- Rehabilitation psychologists help individuals with physical or developmental disabilities improve their independence and well-being.
Education required: Ph.D. or Psy.D. in a specialized field of psychology.
Median annual salary: $117,750
For those interested in forensic psychology or neuropsychology, the path to these careers follows many of the same steps as becoming a clinical psychologist. Learn more about how to become a psychologist.
3. Clinical and Counseling Psychologist
What they do: Clinical and counseling psychologists diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They may work in private practice, hospitals, or mental health clinics, providing therapy to individuals, couples, and groups.
Education required: Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology, plus state licensure.
Median annual salary: $96,100
4. School Psychologist
What they do: School psychologists support students by addressing behavioral, emotional, and academic challenges. They design and implement intervention plans, collaborate with educators and parents, and conduct psychological assessments.
Education required: Master’s or Ph.D. in school psychology.
Median annual salary: $84,940
If you’re considering a career in school psychology, you can explore the steps to become a school psychologist.
5. Human Resources (HR) Manager
What they do: Human resources managers oversee hiring, training, and employee relations within organizations. Their role involves applying psychological principles to improve workplace culture, resolve conflicts, and enhance employee satisfaction.
Education required: Bachelor’s or master’s in psychology, human resources, or business administration.
Median annual salary: $136,350
6. UX (User Experience) Researcher
What they do: UX researchers analyze how users interact with digital products and services to improve design, accessibility, and overall user experience. They often work in tech companies, conducting usability studies and designing experiments.
Education required: Bachelor’s or master’s in psychology, human-computer interaction, or UX design.
Median annual salary: The median annual wage for web and digital interface designers (a related field) was $98,540 in May 2023, according to the BLS.
7. Psychology Professor (Postsecondary Educator)
What they do: Psychology professors teach at colleges and universities, conduct research, and publish academic work in psychology-related fields.
Education required: Ph.D. in psychology.
Median annual salary: $82,140
How to Increase Earning Potential with a Psychology Degree
A psychology degree can open the door to many career opportunities, but maximizing earning potential often requires additional education, specialized training, or a strategic career path. Here are some of the best ways to increase your salary as a psychology professional.
Pursue an Advanced Degree
While a bachelor’s degree in psychology can lead to various career paths, higher salaries are often associated with advanced education. Many of the highest-paying psychology careers require a master’s degree or doctorate.
- A master’s degree can qualify you for specialized roles such as industrial-organizational psychology, forensic psychology, or counseling.
- A Ph.D. or Psy.D. is typically required for clinical psychology, neuropsychology, or research-intensive positions.
- Many professionals start with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and later pursue graduate studies to expand their career options.
Specialize in High-Demand Psychology Fields
Certain psychology specialties command higher salaries due to demand in healthcare, business, and technology. Some of the most lucrative specializations include:
- Industrial-organizational psychology – Applying psychological principles to workplace productivity and employee well-being.
- Neuropsychology – Studying how brain function impacts behavior and treating neurological conditions.
- Forensic psychology – Working within the legal system to assess offenders, victims, and legal cases.
- User experience (UX) research – Using psychology to enhance digital interactions and product usability.
Gain Certifications and Additional Training
Beyond formal degrees, certifications and professional training can help boost salary potential. Depending on your field, you may consider:
- Board certification in clinical or forensic psychology.
- Human resources or organizational psychology certifications for business-related roles.
- Data science or behavioral analytics training to enter tech-driven psychology careers.
Many psychology professionals pursue additional training while working, often through online courses or part-time programs at a 4-year university.
Consider Alternative Careers That Leverage Psychology Skills
Not all psychology majors work in traditional psychology roles. Many professionals use their expertise in human behavior, research, and data analysis in high-paying careers outside of mental health or academia. Some alternative career paths include:
- Human resources management – Overseeing hiring, employee relations, and organizational development.
- Market research analysis – Studying consumer behavior to help companies make data-driven decisions.
- Technology and UX research – Improving user interactions with digital products.
By combining psychology knowledge with business, technology, or healthcare expertise, professionals can unlock higher salaries and expanded career opportunities.
FAQ: High-Paying Psychology Careers
Do I need a Ph.D. to earn a high salary in psychology?
Not necessarily. While clinical, counseling, and research psychologists typically require a Ph.D. or Psy.D., some high-paying psychology-related careers, such as industrial-organizational psychology, human resources management, and UX research, may only require a master’s degree. Additionally, market research analysts and behavioral consultants can earn competitive salaries with a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience.
Can I get a high-paying psychology job with only a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, though opportunities may be more limited. Careers such as human resources, market research analysis, and UX research can offer strong earning potential with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Many students also choose to complete an online bachelor’s degree in psychology for flexibility before advancing to a graduate program.
Which psychology field has the best job outlook?
According to the BLS, fields such as clinical psychology, school psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology are expected to see steady growth. Demand for mental health professionals is increasing due to greater awareness of psychological well-being, and applied psychology roles in business and tech are expanding as companies seek insights into consumer behavior and workplace productivity.
Next Steps: Choosing a High-Paying Psychology Career
If you’re considering a psychology career with strong earning potential, it’s important to take strategic steps to align your education and skills with high-paying opportunities. Here’s how to move forward:
1. Research Degree and Certification Requirements
Each psychology career has different education and licensing requirements. Start by determining whether your target role requires a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree. For clinical roles, check licensing requirements in your state to ensure you’re on the right path.
2. Explore Graduate Programs or Alternative Career Paths
If you’re currently earning or have completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology, consider whether a graduate degree would enhance your career prospects. Some roles, such as industrial-organizational psychology or forensic psychology, may require a master’s or Ph.D., while others, like market research or UX research, allow entry with a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience.
3. Gain Relevant Experience and Specialize
Many psychology careers reward specialization. Whether through internships, research assistantships, or relevant work experience, hands-on exposure to your field of interest can give you a competitive edge. Specializing in high-demand areas such as neuropsychology, forensic psychology, or human behavior analysis can also increase earning potential.
4. Prepare for Licensing Exams (If Required)
For careers in clinical, counseling, or school psychology, passing state licensure exams is essential. Research the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) or any specific requirements for your field to stay on track.
By choosing the right educational path, gaining relevant experience, and specializing in a high-demand field, you can maximize your earning potential with a psychology degree. Whether you pursue clinical practice, research, business, or tech-focused roles, psychology offers diverse and rewarding career options.