If you’re considering a career in psychology, look no further. With so many specializations and jobs within the broader field of psychology to choose from, choosing the right one presents a challenge. Thankfully, College Magazine made a list of some of the best careers in psychology that won’t make you want to tear your brains out.
Read on to find psychology careers that put your passion to good use (and can make some money).
1. Licensed Clinical Social Worker
A career in social work involves helping all kinds of people with all kinds of problems including psychological, financial, health, relationship and substance abuse problems to name a few. “Working as a licensed clinical social worker in a social worker capacity affords me the ability to advocate for vulnerable populations and provide assistance by linking them to resources that benefit them,” licensed social worker Kristel Sarmiento said. As a social worker, you will use social theories to make sense of your clients’ issues and connect them to resources that can improve their lives. People who enjoy helping and advocating for others will undoubtedly enjoy this line of work.
- Minimum education: bachelor’s degree
- Average U.S. salary: about $56,000 per year
2. Counseling Psychologist
As a counselor, expect an exciting workload. You will help people through all kinds of problems mostly focusing on the emotional aspects of their issues. However, it does take quite a bit of schooling, approximately two years after a bachelor’s degree — you’ll need approximately two more years after your bachelor’s degree to earn a master’s in counseling. Mental health counselors typically work in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, mental health clinics and even their own private practices. “I love the diverse clientele that I get the chance to work with. All ages, races, backgrounds, etcetera. The stories, upbringings and current situations are all so different and this job never gets boring,” mental health counselor at Bexar County Jail Halley Guerra said. Using techniques such as crisis intervention, mental health counselors receive training to connect people with the resources they need for all areas of their life.
- Minimum education: master’s degree and in many cases, one year of internship
- Average U.S. salary: about $77,000 per year
3. University Psychology Professor
If your passion for psychology lies more in learning the material, consider teaching at the college level. Psychology professors teach courses such as child, clinical and developmental psychology, just to name a few. As a professor, you can also conduct your own research experiments in labs, publish your findings in renowned journals and give nationwide or local lectures. Find what area of psychology excites you the most and teach future generations what you know!
- Minimum education: master’s degree
- Average U.S. salary: about $75,000 per year
4. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Industrial-Organizational (I-O) psychologists work in company settings with a focus on workplace behavior. While working for a company, you’ll use your knowledge of psychological principles to increase worker productivity and select employees best suited for the job. As an I-O psychologist, you can focus on areas like training and assessing employees or human resources management. Believe it or not, this job is in great demand and employees with a doctorate can end up making up to $180,000 after 25 years—a major bang for your buck. Put on your best suit and get ready for an exciting new career in psychology.
- Minimum education: master’s degree
- Average U.S. salary: about $87,000 per year
5. Neuropsychologist
A neuropsychologist applies their knowledge of the methods of psychology to help older persons and their families maintain physical and emotional well-being. Additionally, you’ll work with patients to overcome their problems and achieve maximum potential during the latter half of their lives. Neuropsychologists do everything from keeping older adults (usually around ages 65 and older) mentally and physically healthy to working with those who deal with frailty and have cognitive impairments. As a neuropsychologist, you will focus on helping those with depression, dementia, anxiety and even people struggling to find the meaning in the latter part of their lives. This career provides you with so many life lessons to learn from and that you can apply to your own life.
- Minimum education: master’s degree
- Average U.S. salary: about $89,000 per year
6. Child Psychologist
If you love working with children, consider going into child psychology. As a child psychologist, you will diagnose and treat children who experience mental, emotional or social disorders whether severe or mild. “Despite being a labor intensive practice it gives me a lot of satisfaction to see children getting help. I feel if I really want to bring some positive change in mental health of people it is always imperative to focus on the younger population. Fortunately, children, if intervened early, give better results than adult populations,” child and adolescent psychiatrist Syed Karrar said. You will work closely with their family to help ensure proper care and development with your knowledge of how a child’s mind works. Also, child therapy involves many approaches. Play-therapy and art-therapy, which allow you to participate in fun activities with children to observe their behaviors. Children everywhere are in need of help growing up, as a child psychologists you can make a vast impact on their future.
- Minimum education: master’s degree
- Average U.S. salary: about $79,000 per year
7. Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychology involves diagnosing psychological, emotional and behavioral issues/disorders in patients including anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorders and post-traumatic stress, just to name a few. They work alongside their patients to develop achievable goals and implement treatment plans for personal, social, educational and vocational development. Many clinical psychologists also teach classes and conduct their own research on the side – you can really do just about anything in clinical psychology. Publish your research findings in journals and help advance the practice you own or work for!
- Minimum education: doctorate degree
- Average U.S. salary: about $70,000 per year
8. Recreational Therapist
This job is for those of you that like to combine mental and physical health through engaging activities. Recreational therapy involves utilizing recreation and other activity-based interventions to improve the lives of patients with mental illnesses and/or physical disabilities. You will provide treatment services using a variety of techniques including art, crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music and community outings. Sounds like a great way to have fun and also help people!
- Minimum education: bachelor’s degree
- Average U.S. salary: about $48,000 per year
9. Cognitive Psychologist
Interested in how the inner workings of the mind work? Consider becoming a cognitive psychologist (also known as a neuropsychologist). As a cognitive psychologist, you work to examine processes of memory, perception, learning and language. With this, observe how people understand, diagnose and solve problems. Cognitive psychologists focus on conducting research on the human thought process. They can teach or work for government agencies. Aside from that, they also work with all kinds of populations from Alzheimer patients to children to understand memory formation. Choose a disorder and population that interests you or try your hand at many, the world is your oyster!
- Minimum education: master’s degree
- Average U.S. salary: about $45,000 per year
10. Market Research Analyst
Many psychologists branch into market research. Their skills help in uncovering consumer buying habits: what products sell and why they sell. They work collaboratively with companies, from medical equipment to video games, to study things such as buying habits, consumer loyalty and brand preferences. When corporations launch new products, they trust market research analysts to ensure their product will be a successful investment. Your duties will involve researching, as well as gathering and presenting data with a team of other market research analysts. The tasks are often arduous and time-consuming, but if you enjoy statistics and research, you’ll shine in this field.
- Minimum education: bachelor’s degree
- Average U.S. salary: about $59,000 per year
