The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for Vocational Psychology around the country.
What We Do
A vocational psychologist does a number of different things, depending on what the client needs. These psychologists may, for instance, help students to find a career pathway that is right for their interests and skills. They do this through career and academic advisement, through assessments of interests and abilities, and by helping to connect students with possible employers, including for work experiences. Alternatively, vocational psychologists can work with adults, and particularly those on low incomes, or those who have found it difficult to sustain or retain employment. Overall, however, their goal is to make sure that individuals are able to reach their full potential through education and experience, so that they can become productive and contributing members of society as a whole.
Work Environment
Vocational psychologists can work in a variety of locations, including educational establishments. It is also common for vocational psychologists to work for a government agency, including the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Department of Workforce Services. Additionally, they can work in nonprofit organizations, social services, and community organizations.
How to Become a Vocational Psychology
To become a vocational psychologist, you must first complete a four year bachelor’s degree. While this does not have to be in psychology, it is usually a good advice to build a solid foundation in this subject area. After the bachelor’s degree, you must enroll in a two year master’s degree, where you can choose the vocational 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 for vocational 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.
Vocational Psychology Related Job Titles
According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Vocational Psychology.
Career/Job Title | Average Salary |
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Vr Counselor | $46,000 |
Eops Counselor | $66,000 |
Senior Program Associate | $23,000 |
Ops Interpreter Translator | $23,000 |
Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor | $47,000 |
School LVN | $53,000 |
Corrections Program Manager | $69,000 |
Trans Voc Rehab Counselor | $41,000 |
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor | $39,000 |
Placement Specialist | $44,000 |
Vocational 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.
Vocational Psychology Job Outlook
Growth in employment opportunities is projected to be particularly 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 Vocational Psychology was $36,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 37% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.
Vocational Psychology Salary by State
The following lists Vocational 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 $46,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $23,000.
Alaska – $27,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 48th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation, Genex, Southcentral Foundation, and Genex Services. |
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Alabama – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 12th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MHM Services Inc., Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center, and Universal Health Services. |
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Arkansas – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 13th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Arkansas Department of Human Services, Springwoods Behavioral Health, Universal Health Services, and WellCare. |
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Arizona – $30,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 42nd | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Southwest Behavioral Health Services, PSA Behavioral Health Agency, Corrections Corporation of America, and ResCare. |
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California – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 8th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, KIPP Bay Area Schools, Pathways Community Services, and Alameda Health System. |
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Colorado – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 34th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like North Range Behavioral Health, Colorado Department of Human Services, Mental Health Center of Denver, and Health Solutions. |
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Connecticut – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 4th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Vocational 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., GOODWILL OF WESTERN & NORTHERN CONNECTICUT, Vinfen, and Execu | Search. |
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DC – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 1st | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like TLC – The Treatment & Learning Centers, Inc., IVYMOUNT, Amazon Corporate LLC, and Family Matters of Greater Washington. |
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Delaware – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 35th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Bancroft, Horizon House, Inc., Connections Community Support Programs, and YMCA of Delaware. |
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Florida – $34,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 27th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like G4S, WellCare, Family Resources, Inc., and The Watershed. |
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Georgia – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 5th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Goodwill Industries of North Georgia, WellCare, PINELAND BHDD CSB, and HGRetreat. |
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Hawaii – $23,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 51st | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Vocational 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, Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, Inc, and Hawaii State Judiciary. |
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Iowa – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 16th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Management & Training Corporation. |
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Idaho – $24,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 50th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Vocational 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. |
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Illinois – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 6th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Vocational 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, Maryville Academy, One Hope United, and Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities. |
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Indiana – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 20th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like ResCare, Centerstone, Xerox, and JobWorks, Inc.. |
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Kansas – $33,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 30th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Dept for Children and Families. |
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Kentucky – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 36th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like ResCare, Bluegrass.org, Redwood, and Seven Counties Services. |
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Louisiana – $33,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 31st | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like AMIkids, Resources For Human Development, Inc., Genex, and Genex Services. |
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Massachusetts – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 2nd | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Vocational 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, Northeast Arc, Latham Centers, and Bay Cove Human Services, Inc.. |
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Maryland – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 9th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like IVYMOUNT, TLC – The Treatment & Learning Centers, Inc., Mosaic Community Services, and Horizon House, Inc.. |
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Maine – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 37th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Pathways of Maine, Sinfonia Family Services of Maine, Fedcap Rehabilitation Services, Inc., and Becket Family of Services. |
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Michigan – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 14th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Molina Healthcare, Community Network Services (CNS), Hope Network Behavioral Health, and Rainbow Rehabilitation Centers. |
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Minnesota – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 38th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like South Metro Human Services, Ability Building Center (ABC), Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, and Minnesota Department of Human Services. |
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Missouri – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 17th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Burrell Behavioral Healt, Burrell Behavioral Health, Preferred Family Healthcare, Inc., and Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health. |
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Mississippi – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 10th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Corrections Corporation of America, State of Mississippi, Mississippi State Personnel Board, and Rehabilitation Services. |
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Montana – $30,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 43rd | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Corrections Corporation of America. |
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North Carolina – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 21st | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like North Carolina Office of State Human Resources, State of North Carolina, RHA Health Services, and Easter Seals UCP North Carolina. |
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North Dakota – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 39th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like North Dakota State Government and Quentin N. Burdick Job Corps Center. |
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Nebraska – $27,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 49th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Nebraska, ResCare, BOYS TOWN, and Elite Professionals Home Care Company. |
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New Hampshire – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 18th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Riverbend Community Mental Health, Inc., Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc., Becket Family of Services, and Community Partners. |
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New Jersey – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 7th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Bancroft, Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, and Barnabas Health. |
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New Mexico – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 40th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like New Mexico State Personnel Office, Molina Healthcare, State of New Mexico, and Corrections Corporation of America. |
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Nevada – $28,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 45th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maple Star of Nevada, ResCare, Corrections Corporation of America, and Management & Training Corporation. |
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New York – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 3rd | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Jewish Association Serving the Aging, Family Residences And Essential Enterprises, Inc., White Glove Care, and AHRC New York City. |
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Ohio – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 22nd | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Ohio Jobs, Molina Healthcare, SAFY, and Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health. |
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Oklahoma – $34,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 28th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Vocational 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, Sektor Solutions, Inc., Proforce, Inc., and Corrections Corporation of America. |
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Oregon – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 23rd | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Oregon, Alternative Services-Oregon Inc., Exceed Enterprises, and ResCare. |
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Pennsylvania – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 24th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PMHCC, ReMed Recovery Care Centers, CEC Associates, Incorporated, and Universal Institute Inc.. |
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Rhode Island – $33,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 32nd | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Fedcap Rehabilitation Services, Inc.. |
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South Carolina – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 19th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Molina Healthcare, Correct Care Solutions, SAFY, and A Piece of Mind Counseling & Consulting. |
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South Dakota – $28,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 46th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Vocational 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. |
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Tennessee – $34,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 29th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Oak Plains, Omni Family of Services, State of Tennessee, and PROJECT TRANSITION. |
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Texas – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 25th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Parkland Hospital, Tarrant County College, MHMR, and Texas Workforce Commission. |
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Utah – $28,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 47th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Wasatch Mental Health. |
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Virginia – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 15th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like City of Chesapeake, Southwestern VA Ment Hlth Inst, AMIkids, and Danville Pittsylvania Community Services. |
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Vermont – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 41st | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Vocational 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. |
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Washington – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 11th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like ResCare, DESC, State of Washington, and Pathways of Washington. |
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Wisconsin – $33,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 33rd | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like ResCare, Foundations of Community Living, Wisconsin Community Services, Inc., and JB Healthcare. |
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West Virginia – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 26th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Family Preservation Services of West Virginia and State of West Virginia. |
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Wyoming – $30,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 44th | ||||||||||
Average Vocational Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Vocational 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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