Psychology
Psychology studies how people think, feel and behave. Licensed psychologists usually hold a doctorate; many psychology graduates also become mental health counselors (with a master's) or use the degree in business, education and research.
Where Psychology can lead
A field of study is not one job. These are the occupations BLS tracks for this pathway, with median annual pay (May 2025) and projected change in employment (2025–35); total U.S. employment is projected to grow 3.5%.
| Occupation | Median pay | Outlook | Openings / year | Typical entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologists | $99,110 | +6% Faster than average |
11,300 | Master's or doctoral degree (varies by specialty) |
| Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors | $59,350 | +18% Much faster than average |
50,500 | Master's degree |
Median: half of workers earned more, half earned less. Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, checked 2026-10-07.
Key numbers to know
What psychologists earn
Pay varies widely with experience, employer and location. BLS figures for May 2025.
Often new graduates
Half earned more, half less
Often senior or specialized roles
Median pay by specialty
| Specialty | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Industrial-organizational psychologists | $193,950 |
| Psychologists, all other | $110,840 |
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | $100,580 |
| School psychologists | $95,990 |
Where they work: 25% work in ambulatory healthcare, 24% in elementary and secondary schools and 23% are self-employed.
Source: BLS, psychologists (pay and work environment tabs).
What the work is really like
From O*NET, which surveys people working in the job (shown for clinical and counseling psychologists, one of the main specialties). Most work full time, though part-time work is common; some work evenings or weekends to fit clients' schedules.
Common tasks
- Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.
- Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.
- Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
- Write reports on clients and maintain required paperwork.
What workers report
| Share of workers who… | Share |
|---|---|
| Have face-to-face discussions every day | |
| Have a lot of freedom to make decisions | |
| Work a typical 40-hour week | |
| Say the consequence of an error is extremely serious |
Technology used on the job
Interests that fit this work (Holland codes): Social, Investigative. Source: O*NET OnLine, 19-3033.00, checked 2026-10-07.
How to get there, step by step
A typical route. Many people reach the same job in different ways.
- Step 1
People and science
Psychology, biology, statistics and writing.
- Step 2
Bachelor's degree
Psychology or a related field; get research experience.
- Step 3
Master's or doctorate
Ph.D. (research) or Psy.D. (practice) with an internship; Ed.S. for school psychology.
- Step 4
EPPP
Required by all ASPPB member boards; supervised hours set by each state.
- Goal
Licensed psychologist
Or a counselor license with a master's.
High school preparation
- AP Psychology where offered
- Biology and statistics
- English and writing
- Volunteering in schools, crisis lines or community programs
Course suggestions are Margdarshan's guidance; what you can take depends on your school. See the high school guide for GPA, AP and dual enrollment.
Degrees and what you study
A bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field, then graduate study: Ph.D. programs emphasize research and a dissertation, Psy.D. programs emphasize practice; both include an internship. School psychologists may need a master's or Ed.S.
Education workers say their job requires (O*NET)
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Post-doctoral training | |
| Doctoral degree | |
| Master's degree |
Costs and aid: see College & Money. Important qualities BLS lists for psychologists: analytical skills, communication skills, compassion, integrity, interpersonal skills, observational skills, patience, problem-solving skills.
Licensed psychologist
Granted by state and provincial psychology boards. Most states require a license to provide psychology services or use the title 'psychologist'; supervised-hour and exam rules vary.
Not always required: Industrial-organizational psychologists and many research roles may not need a clinical license (BLS: I-O roles usually need a master's).
Full step-by-step licensing route →Why demand is changing
BLS points to demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers and social service agencies, and workplace needs for hiring, training and morale.
Faster than average
Psychologists
Average over the decade, including replacements
Studying from outside the U.S.? Education and immigration are separate pathways — see the international student guide.
Advice for getting in
Margdarshan's guidance, based on the data above.
- Decide early whether you want research (Ph.D.) or practice (Psy.D.) — programs differ a lot.
- Get research or lab experience as an undergraduate; doctoral programs look for it.
- Compare routes: a master's leads to counseling roles faster, while psychologist licensure usually needs a doctorate.
Frequently asked questions
Related career pathways
Where these facts come from
Official sources only, checked on the dates shown.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Psychologists checked 2026-10-07
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors checked 2026-10-07
- O*NET OnLine: 19-3033.00 · U.S. Department of Labor checked 2026-10-07
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates via the BLS Public Data API checked 2026-10-07
- Occupational Outlook Handbook · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics checked 2026-10-07
- Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) · ASPPB checked 2026-10-07