Comparative Psychology Careers + Salary Basics

The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for Comparative Psychology around the country.

What We Do

Comparative psychology is a very interesting field of psychology in which the processes and mental framework of animals are studied. These professionals analyze and explore the way the mental processes of various animals work, which includes those of insects. Some work on humans may also be completed, as comparative psychologists try to compare and relate the psychological processes known between different species. This field really explores the boundaries of psychology, however, enabling professionals to view the behaviors and mental processes across all the species on the planet.

Work Environment

Comparative psychologists are research psychologists. They often work in universities and research laboratories, using different species of animals to conduct tests. In addition, these psychologists are also often found in the field, exploring the behaviors of various kinds of animal species in their natural environment.

How to Become a Comparative Psychology

To become a comparative psychologist, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree. A psychology major is preferred, but not essential. Upon completion, you must enroll in a master’s degree in comparative psychology. Then, you have to complete a doctoral degree. While there are two options available, the Ph.D. and the Psy.D., most comparative psychologists will choose the Ph.D. as this is a research based program. You must usually also take part in internships, assistant level positions, and research projects, often for at least two years, before you can be called a psychologist.

Training & Certification Requirements

Different states have different requirements in terms of licensure for comparative psychologists. The American Psychological Association and the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards list the exact requirements that have been set for the different states. At present, there is no certification or license specific to the field of comparative psychology, but this may change. Any license or certification that is obtained must also be maintained, which means demonstrating participation in continuous education credits over a set period of time, or retaking the examination as a whole once the license expires.

Comparative Psychology Related Job Titles

According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Comparative Psychology.

Career/Job Title Average Salary

Comparative Psychology Earning Potential

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has indicated that, as of May 2015, the median salary for all kinds of psychologists was $72,580 per year.

Comparative Psychology Job Outlook

The field of psychology as a whole is seeing very strong growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth from 2014 to 2024 in the field of psychology will be 16%. This is much faster than the national average for most other professions.

According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Comparative Psychology was $65,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 14% higher than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Comparative Psychology Salary by State

The following lists Comparative 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 $82,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $41,000.

Alaska$48,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 48th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Comparative 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.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $48,000 Bar high
.
Alabama$66,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 13th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $66,000 Bar high
.
Arkansas$67,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 12th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $67,000 Bar high
.
Arizona$54,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 43rd
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $54,000 Bar high
.
California$70,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 8th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like California State University, California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo, Gardner Family Care Corp, and North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD).
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $70,000 Bar high
.
Colorado$58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 33rd
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Colorado Department of Human Services and Sales Partnerships, Inc..
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $58,000 Bar high
.
Connecticut$76,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 4th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $76,000 Bar high
.
DC$82,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 1st
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like PCORI.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $82,000 Bar high
.
Delaware$58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 34th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $58,000 Bar high
.
Florida$61,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 27th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Rollins.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $61,000 Bar high
.
Georgia$75,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 5th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like UCB, Georgia Tech, Fairway Consulting Group, and UCB S.A..
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $75,000 Bar high
.
Hawaii$41,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 51st
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $41,000 Bar high
.
Iowa$64,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 18th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $64,000 Bar high
.
Idaho$43,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 50th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $43,000 Bar high
.
Illinois$75,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 6th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like City Colleges of Chicago.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $75,000 Bar high
.
Indiana$63,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 21st
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $63,000 Bar high
.
Kansas$60,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 30th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $60,000 Bar high
.
Kentucky$57,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 39th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $57,000 Bar high
.
Louisiana$59,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 32nd
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $59,000 Bar high
.
Massachusetts$79,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 2nd
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Smith College, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Casa Esperanza, Inc., and Mobiquity.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $79,000 Bar high
.
Maryland$68,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 10th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $68,000 Bar high
.
Maine$58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 35th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Comparative 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.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $58,000 Bar high
.
Michigan$66,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 14th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $66,000 Bar high
.
Minnesota$57,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 40th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $57,000 Bar high
.
Missouri$64,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 19th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $64,000 Bar high
.
Mississippi$69,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 9th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $69,000 Bar high
.
Montana$55,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 42nd
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $55,000 Bar high
.
North Carolina$63,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 22nd
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like North Carolina State University and Accenture.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $63,000 Bar high
.
North Dakota$58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 36th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $58,000 Bar high
.
Nebraska$48,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 49th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $48,000 Bar high
.
New Hampshire$65,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 16th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $65,000 Bar high
.
New Jersey$71,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 7th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Princeton University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $71,000 Bar high
.
New Mexico$57,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 41st
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like University of New Mexico.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $57,000 Bar high
.
Nevada$50,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 46th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $50,000 Bar high
.
New York$79,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 3rd
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like NYU Shanghai, Erie County Medical Center Corporation, FactSet, and FactSet Research Systems.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $79,000 Bar high
.
Ohio$63,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 23rd
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like L Brands.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $63,000 Bar high
.
Oklahoma$61,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 28th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Oklahoma State University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $61,000 Bar high
.
Oregon$63,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 24th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like University of Oregon.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $63,000 Bar high
.
Pennsylvania$63,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 25th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Mobiquity, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County PA, and EY.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $63,000 Bar high
.
Rhode Island$60,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 31st
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $60,000 Bar high
.
South Carolina$65,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 17th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $65,000 Bar high
.
South Dakota$49,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 47th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Comparative 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.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $49,000 Bar high
.
Tennessee$61,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 29th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like IASIS Healthcare.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $61,000 Bar high
.
Texas$64,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 20th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $64,000 Bar high
.
Utah$51,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 45th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $51,000 Bar high
.
Virginia$66,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 15th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $66,000 Bar high
.
Vermont$58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 37th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $58,000 Bar high
.
Washington$68,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 11th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $68,000 Bar high
.
Wisconsin$58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 38th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $58,000 Bar high
.
West Virginia$62,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 26th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $62,000 Bar high
.
Wyoming$54,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 44th
Average Comparative Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Comparative 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.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Comparative Psychology $54,000 Bar high
.

Learn More