5 of the Lowest Paying Psychology Careers

Are you interested in a psychology career but concerned about how much money you'll make? Learning more about some of the differences between the lowest and highest paying psychology jobs can help you make a better decision about which field might be right for you.

Psychology can be a rewarding career. Some people do traditional "talk therapy," while others work in applied or research fields. Many who earn psychology degrees don't work in a psychology-related field at all! Those who do continue to graduate school work in a variety of areas, all with different ranges of pay. Some pay very well; others do not.

At a Glance

People are often interested in the highest paying psychology jobs, but what about some of the lowest paying? Obviously, no one sets out looking for a profession that offers poor compensation, but having a realistic idea about your earning potential can help you make more informed decisions about your future career.

The following jobs may not come with high salaries, but they often serve as great entry-level careers for people just starting in psychology. People who choose these jobs do so because they love their work. After all, money isn't everything!

Probation Officer

Probation and Community Control Officers
Probation and Community Control Officers supervise and counsel convicted criminals. DAJ/Getty Images

Median Annual Salary: $59,860

Training Requirements

Working as a probation officer or correctional specialist generally requires a bachelor's degree in criminology, psychology, social work, or a related area. Applicants are required to undergo a background check, and many states require additional training.

Interest in criminal justice is high right now, and probation officer gigs are listed as one of the growing jobs in criminology.

Job Duties

Probation officers perform a range of duties and supervise individuals who have been convicted of crimes. They often help make recommendations to the courts, coordinate with other professionals, and track client behaviors at home, work, and other settings.

Substance Abuse Counselor

A young adult woman gestures as she shares with her mature adult female counselor.

SDI Productions / Getty Images

Median Annual Salary: $49,710

Training Requirements

The specific training requirements for this field can vary. Usually, a minimum of a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field, although some states require a master's degree. Your state may also require certification in chemical dependency or a related area.

Job Duties

Substance abuse counselors often work one-on-one with clients who have an alcohol or substance use disorder. They may also provide family therapy or group counseling.

These professionals often work in chemical dependency programs run by hospitals, private clinics, and other agencies. In many cases, they deal directly with people who are currently experiencing a crisis or who have come into contact with the criminal justice system.

Substance abuse counselors may also collaborate with other professionals, including licensed psychologists, social workers, physicians, family members, and others to help their clients.

Psychiatric Technician

Psychiatric Technician
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Getty Images

Median Annual Salary: $37,330

Training Requirements

The specific training requirements for psychiatric technicians vary. Some job descriptions require applicants to have a minimum of a high school diploma. Others require a minimum of 32 credit hours in the social sciences or a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.

Job Duties

Psychiatric technicians work with patients who are experiencing psychological disturbances. They often work in clinical settings under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional.

They typically help patients with basic tasks and may help teach clients new skills that can be used at home or in a workplace setting.

Social Service Assistant

Social Services Worker
Simon Punter / The Image Bank / Getty Images

Median Annual Salary: $38,520

Training Requirements

The training and background requirements vary depending on your state and the position. Most require a minimum of a high school diploma, while others may specify some completion of college coursework or a bachelor's in a social science area.

Job Duties

Social service assistants work with people who need additional help and support. This might include individuals with developmental delays, the elderly, children, and families.

They coordinate with other professionals, including social workers, psychologists, and employers, to ensure that clients have access to the resources that they need in the community.

Daily tasks might include monitoring clients, helping with daily care, determining eligibility for social services, seeking out additional services in the community, and collaborating with other professionals to develop treatment plans.

Child Care Worker

Child Care Worker
Maskot / Getty Images

Median Annual Salary: $28,520

Training Requirements

The training and background you will need to work as a childcare provider varies depending on your state and employer. Some positions require a high school diploma, while others require certification in early childhood education.

Job Duties

Childcare workers attend to children in daycare and preschool settings. Duties may include supervising children, preparing meals, directing activities, changing diapers, and establishing consistent daily schedules.

For those who work in preschool or educational settings, other duties can include helping children prepare for kindergarten by working on social skills and leading learning activities.

What to Consider Before Choose a Career

Remember, salaries can vary dramatically based upon factors such as where you live, how much experience you have, and the setting where you are employed. While median annual salaries might look low on a national level, you might find that employment for a specific field is strong in your area.

This is why you need to learn more about careers, but also be sure to check out the actual job market where you plan to work.

Some of the highest paying psychology jobs—such as psychiatrist, industrial-organizational psychologist, and neuropsychologist—require much more advanced training and experience. Those fields pay more because the costs and training needed to qualify for those professions are much higher.

What This Means For You

Being aware of the lowest and highest paying psychologist jobs can help you make a more informed decision about your future. While salary is an important consideration when choosing a career, it shouldn't necessarily be the sole deciding factor. Job satisfaction, security, availability, and lifestyle factors all play a vital role in the profession that people ultimately choose.

6 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Stamm K, Lin L, Christidis P. Datapoint: What do people do with their psychology degrees? Monitor on Psychology. 2016;47(6):12.

  2. U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists.

  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. Occupational Outlook Handbook.

  4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Psychiatric technicians and aides.

  5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Social and human service assistants.

  6. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Childcare workers.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd
Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."