The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for Applied Psychology around the country.
What We Do
Applied psychology is a very wide field within the discipline of psychology. Applied psychologists aim to increase their understanding about why people behave and think in certain ways, and how they feel in different situations. This type of psychologist uses the gained knowledge in order to improve the quality of life of people across the board. They often focus on a specific area of applied psychology, depending on their personal choices, interests, and skills, with the most common specializations being human services, health, and general psychology.
Work Environment
An applied psychologist can work in a variety of different fields, depending on the chosen specialization. This includes working within the field of mental health care, and also in outreach work, whereby the general public is provided with information on how they can improve their quality of life. Applied psychologists are often part of multidisciplinary research teams, working in hospitals, businesses, offices, private practices, schools, and community centers. Alternatively, they may become academics and teach the next generation of psychologists, or they can run their own research projects.
How to Become a Applied Psychology
To become an applied psychologist, you must first complete a four year bachelor’s degree. While this does not have to be in psychology, it is often recommended to build a solid foundation of the subject area. After the bachelor’s degree, you must enroll in a two year master’s degree, where you can choose the medical psychology specialization. In order to call yourself a psychologist, you must also complete a doctoral degree, with is either the research based Ph.D., or the clinically based Psy.D.
Training & Certification Requirements
Each state has its own requirements in terms of licenses and certification. The American Psychological Association and the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards both list what the requirements within each state are. Certification is usually valid for a certain period of time only, and must be maintained either through proof of continuous education credits, or by retaking the examination.
Applied Psychology Related Job Titles
According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Applied Psychology.
Career/Job Title | Average Salary |
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Psychological Clinician | $47,000 |
Aba Teacher | $34,000 |
Army Reserve Clinical Psychologist | $46,000 |
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Worker | $54,000 |
Cfs Prevention Specialist | $32,000 |
Health Wellness Coach | $44,000 |
Aba Counselor | $24,000 |
Social Services Program Manager | $58,000 |
Aba Therapist | $34,000 |
Dcc Parole Probation Officer | $42,000 |
Applied Psychology Earning Potential
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, all psychologists, regardless of their field of specialization, had a median salary of $72,580 per year as of May 2015.
Applied Psychology Job Outlook
Growth in employment opportunities is strong in the field of psychology, including applied psychology, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expecting a 19% growth between the years of 2014 and 2024, which is much faster than the national average for most other professions.
According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Applied Psychology was $46,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 21% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.
Applied Psychology Salary by State
The following lists Applied Psychology salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings by employers through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $58,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $28,000.
Alaska – $34,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 48th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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Alabama – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 13th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Alabama A&M University, Auburn University Faculty, ChanceLight Behavioral Health and Education, and Auburn University. |
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Arkansas – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 10th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Acadia Healthcare Facilities, University of Arkansas, Thrive Autism Solutions, and JB Hunt. |
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Arizona – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 42nd | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Honeywell, Trumpet Behavioral Health, Southwest Behavioral Health Services, and Touchstone Health Services. |
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California – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 8th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc., Easterseals Southern California, California Psychcare Inc., and Trumpet Behavioral Health. |
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Colorado – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 32nd | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Trumpet Behavioral Health, Colorado Department of Human Services, Kaiser Permanente, and Colorado State University. |
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Connecticut – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 4th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like St. Vincent’s Health Services, Beacon Services of Connecticut, Human Services Management Corporation, and 24Seven. |
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DC – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 1st | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like George Mason University, IVYMOUNT, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics Information Technology. |
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Delaware – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 37th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Bancroft, Brandywine Center for Autism, Delaware Technical Community College, and NHS. |
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Florida – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 26th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Behavior Analysis Support Services, Nemours, and Tallahassee Community College. |
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Georgia – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 5th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Shepherd Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia Mentor, and Reaching Milestones. |
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Hawaii – $28,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 51st | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc., The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, Marimed Foundation, and McREL International. |
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Iowa – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 16th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The University of Iowa, Tanager Place, and UnityPoint Health. |
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Idaho – $30,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 50th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Access Behavioral Health Services Inc., Idaho Division of Human Resources, Idaho National Laboratory, and Innovative Health Care Concepts Inc.. |
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Illinois – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 6th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like JMK Behavior Services Inc., KGH Consultation and Treatment, ZS Associates, and Total Spectrum. |
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Indiana – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 20th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sycamore Services, CRF FIRST CHOICE, INC, Damar Services, Inc., and The Hope Source. |
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Kansas – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 29th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Integrated Behavioral Technologies, Inc., Home Credit US, Aspire Behavioral Solutions, and Children's Mercy Hospitals & Clinics. |
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Kentucky – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 38th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Home of The Innocents, ChanceLight Behavioral Health Therapy & Education, Early Autism Project, Inc., and ChanceLight Behavioral Health and Education. |
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Louisiana – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 33rd | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Learn it Systems, Learn It Family of Companies, Alternate Therapeutic Solutions, LLC, and ChanceLight Behavioral Health and Education. |
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Massachusetts – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 2nd | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Proven Behavior Solutions, Behavioral Health Works, South Bay Community Services, and Human Services Management Corporation. |
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Maryland – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 11th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like IVYMOUNT, Trellis Services, Johns Hopkins University, and ICF. |
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Maine – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 34th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Woodfords Family Services, Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc., Lewiston Public Schools, and University of New England. |
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Michigan – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 14th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Guidance Center, Total Spectrum, Autism Home Support, and Hope Network Behavioral Health. |
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Minnesota – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 39th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Comfort Autism Center, 3M, SteppingStone Therapeutic, and Holland Center. |
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Missouri – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 17th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Missouri- Columbia, Behavior Intervention Services (BIS), Ascension, and Sherwood Center. |
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Mississippi – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 9th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Mississippi. |
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Montana – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 43rd | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Montana. |
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North Carolina – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 21st | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions, UNC Charlotte, Kinetic Physical Therapy and Wellness, Inc., and ECPI University. |
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North Dakota – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 35th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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Nebraska – $33,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 49th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lincoln County, OR, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and TD Ameritrade. |
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New Hampshire – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 18th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Easter Seals NH, Inc., Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center, Compass Innovative Behavior Strategies, LLC, and 7934. |
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New Jersey – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 7th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like ZS Associates, Unlocked Potential LLC, Lockheed Martin, and Rutgers University. |
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New Mexico – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 40th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sandia National Laboratories, Aprendamos Intervention Team, P.A., Edge Recruitment Solutions, and Behavior Change Institute, LLC.. |
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Nevada – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 46th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sport-Social, Truckee Meadows Community College, University of Nevada, Reno, and College of Southern Nevada. |
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New York – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 3rd | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Achieve Beyond, Developmental Disabilities Institute, and Brookville Center for Children's Services. |
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Ohio – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 22nd | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Family Behavioral Resources, Cleveland Clinic, Trumpet Behavioral Health, and Ohio State University Medical Center. |
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Oklahoma – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 30th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like A Member of Ascension Health, St. John Medical Center, Tulsa Community College, and Oklahoma State University. |
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Oregon – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 23rd | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc., University of Oregon, State of Oregon, and Lincoln County Health and Human Services. |
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Pennsylvania – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 24th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like NHS, Philhaven, Sunny Days Early Childhood Developmental Services, and Achieve Beyond. |
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Rhode Island – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 31st | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Seven Hills Foundation, Seven Hills, Bryant University, and Kingston Hill Academy/Groden Network. |
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South Carolina – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 19th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like ChanceLight Behavioral Health Therapy & Education, Early Autism Project, Inc., SOS Health Care, Inc, and Autism Services of South Carolina. |
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South Dakota – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 47th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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Tennessee – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 27th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like General Dynamics Information Technology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, State of Tennessee, and Understanding Behavior Inc.. |
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Texas – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 25th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Behavioral Innovations, Epic Developmental Services, Dept of State Health Services, and Centria Healthcare – Autism Services. |
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Utah – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 45th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Utah Health Care, Spectrum Academy – North Salt Lake, North Eastern Services Salt lake County, and Ellucian.. |
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Virginia – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 15th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like George Mason University, Therapeutic Alliance, LLC, Lockheed Martin, and Fors Marsh Group. |
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Vermont – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 41st | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Annette's Preschool. |
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Washington – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 12th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Amazon Corporate LLC, Maxim Healthcare Services, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Aacres WA, LLC. |
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Wisconsin – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 36th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Great Lakes Behavior Analysis, Inc., Kerry, Riverfront Inc., and KGH Consultation and Treatment. |
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West Virginia – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 28th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of West Virginia, WVU Research Corporation, and Coalfield Development. |
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Wyoming – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 44th | ||||||||||
Average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Applied Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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