The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for Performance Psychology around the country.
What We Do
A performance psychologist is a type of sports psychologist but who focuses specifically on the psychology of performance, rather than other elements of sports. Many mental strategies are employed by athletes in order to improve their performance and these are studied and developed by performance psychologists. They also train athletes on how to best use these techniques, which include relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, mental rehearsals, self-talk, and visualization. All of these techniques are designed to improve overall performance, something that a performance psychologist will then measure. Through these techniques, athletes can overcome a range of different problems, including anxiety, focus, stress, and nervousness. Uniquely, these psychologists can also apply their knowledge on other areas of work, including workplace performance.
Work Environment
The vast majority of performance psychologists work with professional athletes, sports teams, and Olympians, particularly in the aftermath of the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympic Games. In addition, they can also work in a range businesses, within hospitals, research laboratories, and more. It is an incredibly varied and emerging field of psychology.
How to Become a Performance Psychology
To become a performance psychologist, you must first complete a four year bachelor’s degree. While this does not have to be in psychology, it is often advisable 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, 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 of performance psychologists. 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.
Performance Psychology Related Job Titles
According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Performance Psychology.
Career/Job Title | Average Salary |
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Psychological Examiner | $57,000 |
Patient Care Assistant Medical | $31,000 |
Social Services Counselor | $33,000 |
Senior Child Protective Investigator | $42,000 |
Human Services Worker | $33,000 |
Juvenile Justice Officer | $46,000 |
Nursing Program Specialist | $46,000 |
Human Services Counselor | $29,000 |
Ops RN Specialist | $26,000 |
Correctional Treatment Specialist | $63,000 |
Performance Psychology Earning Potential
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, all psychologists, regardless of their field of specialization, earned a median wage of $72,580 per year as of May 2015.
Performance Psychology Job Outlook
Employment growth is expected to be strong in the field of psychology, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting 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 Performance Psychology was $46,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 20% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.
Performance Psychology Salary by State
The following lists Performance 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 Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Juneau School District, Workplace Alaska, Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation, and Akeela. |
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Alabama – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 13th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Personnel Board of Jefferson County, DCH Health System, WeightNot, and Ricoh. |
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Arkansas – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 14th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Arkansas Department of Community Correction, WellCare, Arkansas Department of Human Services, and PFH / Health Resources of Ark.. |
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Arizona – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 44th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Jewish Family & Children's Service, Corrections Corporation of America, Northern Arizona University, and State of Arizona. |
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California – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 7th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Child Care Resource Center – Chatsworth, CA, Facebook, and Foothill Family. |
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Colorado – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 34th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Arapahoe House, Mental Health Partners, Trumpet Behavioral Health, and Colorado Permanente Medical Group. |
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Connecticut – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 4th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Yale New Haven Hospital, Cogstate, Achieve Beyond, and Save-A-Suit. |
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DC – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 1st | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Fairfax County Government, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Arlington County, VA. |
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Delaware – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 35th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Ricoh, Bancroft, W. L. Gore & Associates, and Christina School District. |
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Florida – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 28th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WellCare, Agency for Community Treatment Services, Inc, Legacy Behavioral Health Center, and PeopleFirst Florida HR. |
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Georgia – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 5th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Advantage Behavioral Health Systems, WellCare, Ricoh, and Zoo Atlanta. |
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Hawaii – $28,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 51st | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Hawaii, WellCare, CSRA, and Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.. |
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Iowa – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 20th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like UnityPoint Health, Mercy Cedar Rapids, Ricoh, and Grand View University. |
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Idaho – $30,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 50th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Boise VA Medical Center, St. Luke's Health System, Idaho National Laboratory, and Ricoh. |
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Illinois – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 6th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Presence Health, UnityPoint Health, Amber Mechanical Contractors, Inc., and KENNETH YOUNG CENTER (KYC). |
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Indiana – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 24th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lifeline Youth & Family Services, Inc., Porter-Starke Services, Children and Family Services, Corp., and Fairbanks. |
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Kansas – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 31st | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Larned State Hospital, Dept for Children and Families, Unlisted Company, and The University of Kansas Hospital. |
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Kentucky – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 39th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Seven Counties Services, Universal Health Services, Ridge Behavioral Health System, and Healing Hearts Home Care. |
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Louisiana – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 36th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Christus Health, SAIC, Dillard University, and LSUHSC. |
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Massachusetts – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 2nd | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Performance 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, Boston Public Schools, Hopeful Journeys Educational Center, Inc., and Eliot Community Human Services. |
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Maryland – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 10th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like ICF, IVYMOUNT, Kennedy Krieger Institute, and Associated Catholic Charities, Inc. |
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Maine – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 37th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like KidsPeace, Woodfords Family Services, Fedcap Rehabilitation Services, Inc., and MaineHealth. |
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Michigan – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 15th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Humana At Home/SeniorBridge, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, Community Network Services (CNS), and MEP Services. |
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Minnesota – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 40th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Minnesota, Minnesota Merit System, Elite Medical Scribes, and New Beginnings Minnesota. |
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Missouri – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 21st | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like SSM Health, Hallmark, Comprehensive Mental Health Services, Inc., and Preferred Family Healthcare, Inc.. |
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Mississippi – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 11th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like St. Dominic Hospital, Corrections Corporation of America, WellCare, and Hinds Behavioral Health Services. |
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Montana – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 42nd | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like AWARE Inc., Youth Dynamics, Missoula Family YMCA, and Western Montana Mental Health Center. |
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North Carolina – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 25th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions, Booz Allen Hamilton, RHA Health Services, and Workplace Options. |
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North Dakota – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 38th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sanford Health. |
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Nebraska – $34,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 49th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Salvation Army USA Central Territory, Catholic Health Initiatives, ResCare, and The Geo Group. |
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New Hampshire – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 17th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center, 7981, 7864, and 6746. |
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New Jersey – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 8th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like ZS Associates, Lockheed Martin, Princeton University, and CFG Health Network. |
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New Mexico – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 41st | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Los Alamos National Laboratory, Bernalillo County Government, Sandia National Laboratories, and Northrop Grumman. |
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Nevada – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 47th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WC Nevada Inc, St. Jude’s Ranch, Ricoh, and TripAdvisor. |
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New York – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 3rd | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like AlixPartners, Achieve Beyond, Graham-Windham, and Housing Works Inc.. |
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Ohio – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 26th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like OhioGuidestone, WeightNot, State of Ohio Jobs, and University of Cincinnati. |
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Oklahoma – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 29th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Oklahoma, Red River Youth Academy, Regis and Smith, and WeightNot. |
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Oregon – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 22nd | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc., Jackson County, OR, Ricoh, and Jewish Family & Child Service. |
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Pennsylvania – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 18th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Elite Peak Performance, Pressley Ridge, NHS, and Public Health Management Corporation. |
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Rhode Island – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 30th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lifespan, Ricoh, WeightNot, and The State of Rhode Island. |
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South Carolina – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 16th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like SAFY, ECPI University, Correct Care Solutions, and WeightNot. |
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South Dakota – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 46th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Benchmark Human Services, LifeScape, Avera Health, and Marmen Energy. |
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Tennessee – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 27th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Centerstone, WeightNot, Clayton Homes, and The Goddard School – Collierville. |
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Texas – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 19th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MHMR, Deloitte, Ricoh, and WeightNot. |
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Utah – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 45th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Utah, Performance Ford Lincoln, Salt Lake Community College, and Spectrum Academy – North Salt Lake. |
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Virginia – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 12th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Intercept Youth Services, Arlington County, VA, Scientific Research Corporation, and CACI International Inc. |
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Vermont – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 32nd | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Ricoh, Annette's Preschool, Annette’s Preschool, and IXIS. |
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Washington – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 9th | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like ResCare, Embassy Management, University of Washington, and University of Washington Medical Center. |
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Wisconsin – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 33rd | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Elite Medical Scribes, ATTIC Correctional Services, Inc., Riverfront Inc., and ResCare. |
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West Virginia – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 23rd | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like KVC Health Systems, Inc, WVU Research Corporation, Human Resource Dimensions, and Healing Hearts Home Care. |
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Wyoming – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 43rd | ||||||||||
Average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Performance Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Magellan Health, Laramie County Community College, and UnitedHealth Group. |
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