Student Resources Careers 5 of the Lowest Paying Psychology Careers By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book." Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 30, 2023 Fact checked Verywell Mind content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print Trending Videos Close this video player 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 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. Forensic Psychology Career Profile Substance Abuse 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 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 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 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. Which Psychology Career Is Right for You? 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. Stamm K, Lin L, Christidis P. Datapoint: What do people do with their psychology degrees? Monitor on Psychology. 2016;47(6):12. U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Psychiatric technicians and aides. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Social and human service assistants. 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." See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit