Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Psychologists typically need an advanced degree, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, in psychology. Licensing requirements vary by state and position. PayThe median annual wage for psychologists was $99,110 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 11,300 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for psychologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of psychologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about psychologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for psychologists was $99,110 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 11,300 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for psychologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of psychologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about psychologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 11,300 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for psychologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of psychologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about psychologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments.
Work Environment
Psychologists work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, and private practice. Most are full time, but part-time work is common. Some work evenings or weekends to accommodate their clients' schedules.
How to Become a Psychologist
Psychologists typically need an advanced degree, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, in psychology. Licensing requirements vary by state and position.
Pay
The median annual wage for psychologists was $99,110 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 11,300 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for psychologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of psychologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about psychologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Psychologists work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, and private practice. Most are full time, but part-time work is common. Some work evenings or weekends to accommodate their clients' schedules.
How to Become a Psychologist
Psychologists typically need an advanced degree, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, in psychology. Licensing requirements vary by state and position.
Pay
The median annual wage for psychologists was $99,110 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 11,300 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for psychologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of psychologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about psychologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for psychologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of psychologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about psychologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about psychologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.