Is a Career as a Developmental Psychologist Right for You?

A developmental psychologist studies human growth and development throughout the lifespan. This includes not only people's physical development but also their cognitive, social, intellectual, perceptual, personality, and emotional changes over time. These professionals look at how we mature and the different factors that influence this growth.

Before deciding whether a developmental psychologist career path is right for you, it's helpful to develop a clear understanding of this role. Here we do a deep dive into this psychology career, including why it's important, what a development psychologist does, and how to become one.

Importance of the Developmental Psychologist Role

Developmental psychologists help us better understand how people change and grow with age. By understanding the typical rates at which we mature and the specific things that generally take place at each stage of life, these psychologists can better identify when children and adults may need special assistance.

While children tend to follow certain patterns of development, all people reach different milestones at their own pace. Some children learn to walk before they turn one, for example, while others may not develop this skill until they are around 15 or 16 months old.

The knowledge provided by developmental psychologists allows both professionals and parents to understand what's typical. This enables them to watch for potential issues that might require some type of intervention.

By adding to our understanding of how people change throughout life, these professionals play an important role in addressing developmental concerns. We can also apply the knowledge gained in their studies to help us live up to our full potential.

What Developmental Psychologists Do

Specific tasks performed by developmental psychologists can vary based on the specialty area in which they work. Some work with specific populations, such as developmentally delayed children. Others specialize in a particular age range, such as adolescence or old age.

Some of the tasks that a developmental psychologist might perform in their daily roles include:

• Evaluating children to determine if they have a developmental disability
• Exploring ways to help elderly individuals remain independent
• Investigating how language skills are acquired
• Learning more about how moral reasoning develops in children
• Researching infant development
• Studying treatments for developmental issues associated with the aging process

Where Developmental Psychologists Work

Developmental psychologists can work in a wide range of settings. Some work in educational settings, such as colleges and universities, conducting research on developmental topics while also teaching courses. Others work in government agencies to help assess, evaluate, and treat individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities.

Additional workplace settings where a developmental psychologist might be found include:

• Assisted living homes for the elderly
• Teen rehabilitation clinics
• Centers for the homeless
• Psychiatric clinics and hospitals

Salary of Developmental Psychologists

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for developmental psychologists as of May 2022 is $106,420 per year. Those working in certain settings may earn a different amount.

• Hospitals; state, local, and private - $101,030
• Offices of other health practitioners - $80,590
• Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private - $81,620
• Government - $106,690

Training Needed to Become a Developmental Psychologist

While there are employment options at the master’s degree level, those holding a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in developmental psychology may find more employment opportunities. Individuals with a doctorate can teach at the university level and be employed in private practices, hospitals, mental health clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

In most cases, students start by earning an undergraduate degree in psychology. They may then continue their schooling to earn a master’s degree followed by a doctorate, or they may go straight from an undergraduate degree into a Ph.D. program.

Job Outlook for Developmental Psychologists

The BLS reports that the expected job growth for psychologists is 6% over the next decade, resulting in roughly 12,800 new positions each year. This growth rate is higher than the average growth rate for all other occupations combined.

The demand for professionals to assess, evaluate, diagnose, and treat students with mental, developmental, and emotional issues contributes to this growth rate. It's also anticipated that there will be a greater demand for psychological services at mental health centers, social service agencies, and hospitals.

Summary

Developmental psychologists have made major contributions to our understanding of how children and adults change and grow all through life. While we often think developmental psychology focuses primarily on childhood, many important events take place as people grow older.

By gaining a better understanding of these processes, psychologists can provide better prevention strategies and treatments for developmental concerns that might affect a person's well-being at all stages of life.