How to Start a Career In Psychology

Illustrated psychology concept
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At a Glance

There are many paths you can take if you’re interested in a career in psychology, including researching, teaching, and working with people to improve their mental health.

If you’re thinking about a career in psychology, learning about the different paths you can take will help you figure out which one will be the best fit for your interests, needs, and goals.

In this career profile, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions by people who are considering a psychology career, including what education you need and how much money you could earn in different fields of psychology.

Types

The title “psychologist” is often used to describe anyone who works in the psychology field; however, there are different types of psychologists.

For example, clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat people who are experiencing psychological symptoms. They can work in schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, or private practice.

A school psychologist works in educational settings. They work with students, parents, and teachers to create a supportive academic and emotional environment that facilitates learning and growth.

An industrial-organizational psychologist works with businesses and other organizations to solve work-related challenges. They may help design safe and efficient workspaces or create organizational structures that maximize employee productivity and efficiency.

A forensic psychologist works with criminal justice and legal experts. They may assess the mental health of a person who has been involved in a crime and provide expert testimony during a trial.

A sports psychologist works with athletes to help them understand how their mind affects their body and how using psychological strategies can improve their performance.

How do you decide which type of psychologist you would like to be? The first thing to consider is the general type of psychology you would like to practice and where you want to work.

For example, if you’re interested in helping people improve their lives directly, consider a career in mental health or an applied area outside of mental health. If you are more interested in researching how people think and behave, consider a career in experimental psychology, where you could do experiments.

Psychology Specialties

Once you’ve thought about the type of psychologist you’d like to be, start thinking about the specialty area that is most suited to your goals and interests. 

One of the great things about psychology is that there are so many career paths to choose from. Whether you're fascinated by research or interested in applying psychological theories in the real world, you'll be able to find a specialty that's exciting and rewarding.

Clinical psychology, experimental psychology, educational psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, social psychology, forensic psychology, and sports psychology are just a few specialty areas in psychology to explore.

Education and Training

How long does it take to become a psychologist? The answer depends on the specialty you choose to pursue. Different psychology jobs have different educational requirements. You can choose to get a doctoral, master's, or bachelor’s degree in the field. Before you pick a psychology specialty, find out what training and qualifications you’ll need to get a job in the field.

For example, if you are interested in becoming a clinical psychologist, you will need to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology first (which usually takes four or five years) before going on to get a doctorate (which takes another five to seven years, on average).

However, some doctorate programs require you to earn a master's degree in psychology before you can enroll. A master's usually takes two or three years to complete.

Once you have finished your graduate training, you’ll need to do an internship and pass state licensing exams before you can become licensed to practice in your state.

If you want to become an experimental psychologist, you will not need a license to start building your career. You could start by earning a bachelor's degree in psychology before enrolling in a master's program devoted to research and experimental studies.

Many people who are interested in experimental psychology go on to do a doctoral program because an advanced degree is often required to get hired to work on studies or to get grant money for research.

Bachelor's Degree

What if you want to work in a psychology-related profession but don’t want to go to graduate school? There are jobs you can get with a bachelors-level degree in psychology, but they won’t be the same as the ones you can get with a higher-level degree.

While there are entry-level jobs in psychology that are suited for college graduates with a bachelor's degree, options are more limited compared to what you could pursue with a graduate degree.

That said, having an undergraduate education in psychology provides you with skills that are valuable in a variety of careers, such as education and business.

Graduate Degree

Earning a graduate degree in psychology opens you up to opportunities for career advancement. Professionals with a graduate degree in a psychology field are usually more in demand and may have an easier time finding a job in their chosen specialty area.

The salaries are also higher at this level. However, how much you can earn working in psychology varies based on where you work, your years of experience, and other factors.

Remember that for many careers, such as clinical and counseling psychology, having a graduate degree is a requirement before you can become licensed.

What Psychologists Do

Psychologists work in a range of professional areas. Even psychologists who are working in the same specialty may find that their specific duties are not the same as those of their colleagues. The nature of psychology work varies depending on where a professional is employed, the needs of their employer, and the needs of the people they work with.

Mental health, academics, and research are just some areas of interest that a psychologist might have. Psychologists are well suited to work in business, government, and education.

Work Environment for Psychologists

How a psychologist spends their day and the conditions in which they work depend on where they’re located. For example, some psychologists work at colleges and universities, while others work in prisons, hospitals, or private practices. Some people work one-on-one with clients, while others work on a team that treats patients collaboratively.

Think about where you’d like to work. Would you want to have your own office? Would you be happier working at a hospital or dedicated mental health treatment center? Would you like to work in the criminal justice system? At a school or college?

How Much Do Psychologists Make?

A 2018 study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that bachelor’s students who graduated with psychology degrees had an average starting pay of $35,285, which was significantly lower than the pay for similar majors. However, it is important to note that the salaries of psychologists vary depending on their education level, experience, and specialization.

The U.S. Department of Labor reported that in 2018, the median annual salary for psychologists was $79,010. People who earn a master's or doctoral degree in psychology have a much higher earning potential than people who only hold a bachelor's degree.

Money certainly isn’t the only factor to consider if you’re pursuing a career in psychology, but it’s a reality of the profession that you’ll want to be aware of as you’re thinking about your options.

Job Outlook for Psychologists

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts demand for psychologists will grow by 14% between 2018 and 2028, a much faster rate than the average for all professions in the U.S. (5%). However, job growth also depends on the specialty area in which a psychologist is employed.

For example, clinical psychologists, school psychologists, and industrial-organizational psychologists are expected to be in high demand in the years to come.

Is a Career in Psychology Right for You?

Psychology is a diverse field with a wide range of career options. To figure out what field is best, you’ll need to think about factors like how long you want to be in school, where you want to work, the kind of work you want to do, and how much you hope to earn.

If you’re interested in a career in psychology but still aren’t sure which field would suit you, take a quick quiz to get an idea of where to start with your career planning.

5 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. American Psychological Association. Pursuing a Career in Clinical Psychology.

  2. American Psychological Association. Pursuing a Career in Experimental Psychology.

  3. The Princeton Review. Experimental Psychology.

  4. National Association of Colleges and Employers. First destinations for the college class of 2018: Findings and analysis.

  5. U.S. Department of Labor. Psychologists. Occupational Outlook Handbook.

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