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

What We Do

The field of food psychology concerns itself with understanding the mental processes that drive why and how people eat. Most of us look at food consumption from a perspective that is more biological in nature. However, thanks to research (performed mainly by food psychologists), it is now known that our perception of food strongly influences our eating habits. In fact, a number of environmental and social stimuli do so as well. As such, food psychology is mostly a research type of profession, although there is some clinical overlap, particularly if the psychologist works with those who have eating disorders. Mainly, their goal is to either study or improve people’s emotional relationship with food.

Work Environment

Most food psychologists work in research projects. In addition, they can also be found in big businesses, working mainly on developing advertisements that compel consumers to purchase food products. Some, meanwhile, perform clinical work with those who suffer from eating disorders, or they can work together with bariatric surgeons to determine whether or not a patient is a suitable candidate for weight loss surgery.

How to Become a Food Psychology

To become a food 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 up a solid foundation in this particular 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, which 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 for the food psychologist. 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.

Food Psychology Related Job Titles

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

Food Psychology Earning Potential

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, all psychologists, regardless of their field of specialization, earned a median salary of $72,580 per year as of May 2015.

Food Psychology Job Outlook

Job growth is predicted to be strong in the field of psychology, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expecting a 19% growth from 2014 to 2024, which is much faster than the national average for most other professions.

According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Food Psychology was $36,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 37% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Food Psychology Salary by State

The following lists Food 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 $45,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $22,000.

Alaska – $27,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 46th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maniilaq Association and Armed Forces Services Corporation.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $27,000 .
Alabama – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 10th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Alabama A&M University, L.V. Stabler Memorial Hospital, SpectraCare Health Systems, Inc., and Armed Forces Services Corporation.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $37,000 .
Arkansas – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 11th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Arkansas Department of Human Services, Sparks Health System, and Armed Forces Services Corporation.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $37,000 .
Arizona – $30,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 42nd
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Easter Seals Blake Foundation, Washington Elementary School District #6, State of Arizona, and JBS.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $30,000 .
California – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 7th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like JumpstartMD, Public Health Foundation Enterprises, Summit Public Schools, and Embassy Management/ Aacres, LLC.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $39,000 .
Colorado – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 32nd
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sample Supports, Community Reach Center, Mental Health Center of Denver, and Clayton Early Learning.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $32,000 .
Connecticut – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 4th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Kennedy Center, Inc., Unilever, Elite Medical Scribes, and MCCA, Inc..
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $42,000 .
DC – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 1st
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Family Matters of Greater Washington, Ipsos North America, Community Support Services, Inc., and Rescue Agency.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $45,000 .
Delaware – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 33rd
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Bancroft, Armed Forces Services Corporation, and Connections CSP, Inc.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $32,000 .
Florida – $34,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 25th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Armed Forces Services Corporation, Five Points Health Care, NBCUniversal, and PeopleFirst Florida HR.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $34,000 .
Georgia – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 5th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Armed Forces Services Corporation, Altisource, WC Georgia Inc, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $41,000 .
Hawaii – $22,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 51st
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, Hawaii State Judiciary, and University of Hawaii – West Oahu UH West Oahu.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $22,000 .
Iowa – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 19th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Siouxland Mental Health, Grinnell College, ENDURANCE CONSULTING GROUP, and Hillcrest Family Services.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $35,000 .
Idaho – $24,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 50th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Armed Forces Services Corporation and Embassy Management.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $24,000 .
Illinois – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 6th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Heartland Alliance, Northwestern University, Behavioral Perspective Inc., and Autism Home Support.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $41,000 .
Indiana – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 20th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Porter-Starke Services, Aspire Indiana, The Youth Service Bureau of Jay County, Inc., and Taylor University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $35,000 .
Kansas – $33,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 29th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kansas State University and Armed Forces Services Corporation.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $33,000 .
Kentucky – $31,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 40th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Seven Counties Services, MD2U, Homeless & Housing Coalition of Kentucky, and Pennyroyal Center.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $31,000 .
Louisiana – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 34th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Armed Forces Services Corporation, Audubon Nature Institute, and ProCare Therapy.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $32,000 .
Massachusetts – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 2nd
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Community Healthlink, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Elite Medical Scribes, and Tsquared Consulting Partners SA.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $44,000 .
Maryland – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 12th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Mosaic Community Services, Crossroads Community, Inc., Johns Hopkins University, and McCormick.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $37,000 .
Maine – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 35th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Miane Department of Corrections.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $32,000 .
Michigan – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 13th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Michigan, Michigan State University, The Salvation Army USA Central Territory, and Elite Medical Scribes.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $37,000 .
Minnesota – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 36th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Elite Medical Scribes, General Mills, Ecolab, and The Sterling Group.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $32,000 .
Missouri – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 15th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Missouri- Columbia, Guardian Angel Settlement Association, Burrell Behavioral Health, and Swope Health Services.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $36,000 .
Mississippi – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 9th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Merit Health Natchez and Armed Forces Services Corporation.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $38,000 .
Montana – $30,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 43rd
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Youth Dynamics, Armed Forces Services Corporation, Western Montana Mental Health Center, and Missoula Family YMCA.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $30,000 .
North Carolina – $34,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 26th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Children’s Hope Alliance, Quality Custom Distribution, Ajilon, and TherapyTravelers.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $34,000 .
North Dakota – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 37th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Armed Forces Services Corporation and North Dakota State Government.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $32,000 .
Nebraska – $26,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 49th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Leaf and Hops, ConAgra Foods, The Salvation Army USA Central Territory, and Armed Forces Services Corporation.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $26,000 .
New Hampshire – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 16th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Community Bridges New Hampshire, Community Partners, Dismas Home of NH, and Becket Family of Services.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $36,000 .
New Jersey – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 8th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Salvation Army, L’Oreal USA, Bancroft, and Rutgers University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $39,000 .
New Mexico – $31,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 41st
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st 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 Food Psychology $31,000 .
Nevada – $27,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 47th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like St. Jude’s Ranch, Chrysalis, and Embassy Management/ Aacres, LLC.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $27,000 .
New York – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 3rd
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like AiCure, Transitional Living Services, IAHD, and Insight Strategy Group.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $44,000 .
Ohio – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 21st
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Virtue, O-I, The GEO Group, Inc., and Compass Family & Community Services.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $35,000 .
Oklahoma – $33,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 30th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Red River Youth Academy.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $33,000 .
Oregon – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 22nd
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Cardinal Services Inc., Samaritan Health Services, Retrofit, and Harbor Wholesale Grocery Inc.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $35,000 .
Pennsylvania – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 23rd
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Elite Peak Performance, Easton Hospital, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, and Juniper Communities.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $35,000 .
Rhode Island – $33,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 31st
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The State of Rhode Island and Family Service of Rhode Island.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $33,000 .
South Carolina – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 17th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Golden State Foods and Carolinas Hospital System.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $36,000 .
South Dakota – $27,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 48th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Food 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 Food Psychology $27,000 .
Tennessee – $34,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 27th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like La Paloma Treatment Center, Universal Health Services, State of Tennessee, and The Ranch.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $34,000 .
Texas – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 24th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Fort Worth Zoo, Elite Medical Scribes, AIDS Services of Austin, and The Goddard School – Houston III.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $35,000 .
Utah – $28,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 45th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Armed Forces Services Corporation, At The Crossroads, Universal Health Services, and Intermountain Healthcare.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $28,000 .
Virginia – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 18th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like EMS of Virginia, LLC, City of Chesapeake, mdg (marketing design group), and ResCare.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $36,000 .
Vermont – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 38th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Annette’s Preschool and University of Vermont.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $32,000 .
Washington – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 14th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like DESC, State of Washington, Central Washington University, and Catholic Charities of Yakima.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $37,000 .
Wisconsin – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 39th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Elite Medical Scribes, Kerry, West Corporation, and Kid-Tastic Child Care.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Food Psychology $32,000 .
West Virginia – $34,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 28th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Food Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th 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 Food Psychology $34,000 .
Wyoming – $30,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 44th
Average Food Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Food 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 Food Psychology $30,000 .

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