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.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
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
How to Become a Psychologist In most states, practicing psychology or using the title of “psychologist” requires licensure. Psychologists typically need an advanced degree, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, in psychology. Licensing requirements vary by state and position.
Education
Psychologists typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the occupation. Applicants to graduate-level psychology programs typically have a bachelor's degree in a field such as psychology, education, or social science. Clinical and counseling psychologists typically need a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree. Ph.D. programs usually emphasize research that culminates in a dissertation, while Psy.D. programs focus on applying psychological principles to working with clients or patients. As part of either program, students are typically required to complete an internship. Industrial–organizational psychologists typically need a master’s degree. Programs for these psychologists usually include courses in statistics, research design, and topics specific to understanding the relationships between people and workplaces. School psychologists typically need at least a master’s degree in school psychology. Other degrees for school psychologists include education specialist (Ed.S.) and doctoral (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) degrees. School psychologist programs include coursework in education and psychology to address both of these components in students’ development. These programs also usually require completion of an internship.
Training
Most psychologists need supervised experience to qualify for licensure, which may include an internship or postdoctoral training. These experiences provide an opportunity for prospective psychologists to use their knowledge in an applied setting. The required number of hours for internships varies by state.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Most states require licensure for those who provide psychology services or use the title “psychologist.” All states and the District of Columbia require that psychologists who practice independently be licensed where they work. Licensing laws vary by state and by type of position. For more information, contact your state’s licensing board. Clinical and counseling psychologists are licensed in every state. School psychologists also typically need a credential, such as a license or certification from their state’s board of education. Licensure typically requires applicants to have earned a master’s or doctoral degree and completed supervised experience. They also may need to have passed an exam. All states require psychologists to complete continuing education to maintain licensure. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStop. Certification, which may be optional or may be required by employers, is available from professional associations. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
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. Employment Projected employment of psychologists varies by occupation (see table). Employment for psychologists is projected to grow due to demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social service agencies. Demand for clinical and counseling psychologists is projected to increase as more people turn to psychologists for help with their problems. Employment of school psychologists is projected to continue to grow because of an increased awareness of the connection between mental health and learning. These workers also will likely be needed to help students whose educational, behavioral, or developmental issues affect the ability to learn. Projected declines over the decade in the school-age demographic and student enrollment may limit demand for school psychologists in elementary and secondary schools. Employment of industrial–organizational psychologists is projected to grow to help with tasks such as selecting and retaining employees, implementing trainings, and improving office morale. Psychologists Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Psychologists 6% Social scientists and related workers 4% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Psychologists 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. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors.
Duties
Psychologists typically do the following:
- Study behavior and brain function by observing, interviewing, and surveying individuals
- Identify psychological, emotional, behavioral, or organizational issues and diagnose disorders
- Research and identify behavioral or emotional issues, such as anxiety and depression
- Test for patterns that will help them better understand and predict behavior
- Discuss the results of testing with clients or their families and, if needed, develop treatment plans
- Write articles, research papers, and reports to share findings
Psychologists seek to understand and explain thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Through techniques such as observation, assessment, and experimentation, they try to gain a better understanding about how beliefs and feelings influence people.
Psychologists often gather information and evaluate behavior through controlled laboratory experiments, psychoanalysis, or psychotherapy. They may administer personality, performance, aptitude, or intelligence tests. They look for patterns of behavior or relationships between events, and they use this information in their research or when treating clients.
The following are examples of types of psychologists:
Clinical and counseling psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They help people deal with problems ranging from everyday issues to severe, chronic conditions.
Clinical and counseling psychologists typically interview clients, administer diagnostic tests, and provide psychotherapy to individuals, families, and groups. They help clients identify their strengths and available resources to prevent or manage problems, and they design behavior modification plans that they help clients to implement.
Clinical and counseling psychologists sometimes work with a specific population, such as older people, or focus on a specific condition, such as cognitive disorders. Some states permit clinical psychologists to prescribe medication.
Industrial–organizational psychologists apply psychological principles to solve workplace problems and improve work-life quality. They study issues such as productivity, employee testing and selection, and organizational dynamics. They may work closely with top executives, training and development managers, and training and development specialists.
School psychologists study strategies to address educational, behavioral, or developmental problems that impact students’ learning. They may design and implement performance plans, evaluate performance, and counsel students and families. They may consult with teachers, administrators, and other educators.
Other psychologists include forensic psychologists, who work with judges, attorneys, and related specialists to understand the psychological aspects of a legal case; neuropsychologists, who study how dysfunction or damage to the brain, spine, or nerves affects behavior and cognition; and rehabilitation psychologists, who help foster independence in clients who have physical or developmental disabilities due to illness or injury.
Psychologists are among several specialists who focus on mental and behavioral health. For more information about some of these specialists, see the profiles on psychiatrists, a type of physician; marriage and family therapists, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, and social workers.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Psychologists held about 209,400 jobs in 2025. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up psychologists was distributed as follows:
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | 81,300 |
| School psychologists | 64,000 |
| Psychologists, all other | 60,000 |
| Industrial-organizational psychologists | 4,000 |
The largest employers of psychologists were as follows:
| Ambulatory healthcare services | 25% |
| Elementary and secondary schools; local | 24 |
| Self-employed workers | 23 |
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 8 |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 5 |
Some psychologists work alone when researching, consulting with clients, or counseling clients. Others work as part of a team, collaborating with specialists to treat clients and promote overall wellness.
Work Schedules
Most psychologists work full time, but part-time work is common. They may work evenings or weekends to accommodate their clients’ schedules.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. Psychologists examine the information they collect and draw logical conclusions. Communication skills. Psychologists spend much of their time speaking with people, writing reports, and describing their research. They must be able to convey ideas both orally and in writing. Compassion. Psychologists often work with people who are dealing with stressful and difficult situations, so they must empathize with their clients. Integrity. Psychologists need to keep client discussions confidential. Clients must be able to trust psychologists’ expertise in treating sensitive issues. Interpersonal skills. Psychologists must be able to build a rapport with clients and work well with a variety of specialists. Observational skills. Psychologists study individuals and groups to understand their interactions. For example, they may observe facial expressions and other body language for clues about their clients’ attitudes and behaviors. Patience. Psychologists must be able to remain calm when working with all types of clients, including those who may be distressed. Problem-solving skills. Psychologists collect information, design research, evaluate programs, and find treatments or solutions to mental and behavioral problems.
More Information
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.
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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.