The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for a Psychology around the country.
What Psychologists Do
There are many different types of psychology experts in the world today, and while they will have each studied brain function and human behavior, the way that they choose to apply that information is likely to differ. Some psychologists conduct research in a laboratory setting, while others choose to engage in clinical and counseling methods during their careers. In most states, psychologists will not have the authority to write prescriptions, but they can use counseling and therapy to help people manage mental issues.
Psychologists Work Environment
Psychologists can work in a range of different fields, from laboratories and offices to universities and government locations. The work environment that you will find yourself in as a psychologist will depend on your choice of specialty.
How to Become a Psychologist
Because there are many different positions available for psychologists and each requires specific skills, it is worth noting that becoming a psychologist begins with deciding what kind of career you would like to have. For instance, some people aspire to become psychiatrists, whereas others want to work in counseling, or research. Once you have chosen what you want to become, you can choose your specialty, and determine whether or not you consider a master’s or doctoral degree to be your best educational option.
Psychologist Training & Certification Requirements
A PhD or PsyD represents the highest psychology degree a professional can obtain. While the former focuses larger on research, the second is a better option for those with an interest in starting their own practice. Doctoral degrees can take four to seven years of study after bachelor level degrees have been completed, with a year long internship involved in this time frame. While a master’s degree may be enough for some psychology jobs, it is worth noting that a higher level of study often leads to a higher amount of pay and a greater number of job opportunities. PhD’s are required for opening private practices, teaching at universities, and undertaking university-level research.
Psychologist Related Job Titles
According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Psychology.
Career/Job Title | Average Salary |
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Behavioral Therapist | $33,000 |
Cares Assessor | $42,000 |
Army Reserve Clinical Psychologist | $46,000 |
Human Services Caseworker | $59,000 |
Online Trader | $20,000 |
Psychology Tutor Teacher | $55,000 |
Family Service Worker | $42,000 |
Psychology Tutoring Teaching | $55,000 |
Child Protective Service Specialist | $34,000 |
Senior Psychologist | $103,000 |
Psychologist Earning Potential
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average yearly wage for psychologists within the United States was approximately $69,280 in 2012. Importantly, however, it’s worth noting that this figure includes those without doctoral degrees, and those with a PhD will often make a higher income.
Psychologist Job Outlook
The BLS suggests that the growth in demand for psychologists between the years of 2012 and 2022 should be approximately 11%, slightly lower than the average for the complete field. However, according to many experts, growth is likely to remain steady thanks to a growing number of elderly people within the population.
According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Psychology was $44,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 24% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.
Psychology Salary by State
The following lists 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 $55,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $27,000.
Alaska – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 48th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Southcentral Foundation, North Star Hospital, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, and Workplace Alaska. | |||||||||||
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Alabama – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 13th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Youth Advocate Programs, Inc., DeKalb Regional Medical Center, University of Alabama, and Grandview Medical Center. | |||||||||||
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Arkansas – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 10th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Arkansas Department of Human Services, Arkansas Department of Community Correction, Mid-South Health Systems, and Universal Health Services. | |||||||||||
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Arizona – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 42nd | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average 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, Washington Elementary School District #6, Grand Canyon University, and Corizon Health. | |||||||||||
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California – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 7th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kaiser Permanente, Sunbelt Staffing, Autism Learning Partners, and ProCare Therapy. | |||||||||||
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Colorado – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 32nd | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Community Reach Center, Juniper Communities, ProCare Therapy, and Mental Health Center of Denver. | |||||||||||
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Connecticut – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 4th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average 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 Goddard School – Farmington, CT, Wheeler Clinic, Save-A-Suit, and Vinfen. | |||||||||||
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DC – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 1st | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Verbal Beginnings, General Dynamics – Information Technology, George Mason University, and Hanover Research. | |||||||||||
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Delaware – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 38th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Fellowship Health Resources, Inc., Bancroft, The NBN Group, and Nemours. | |||||||||||
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Florida – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 26th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PeopleFirst Florida HR, Children’s Home Society of Florida, Community Rehab Associates, Inc., and Lakeview Center Inc.. | |||||||||||
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Georgia – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 5th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Dept Behavioral Hlth& Dev Disb, Northside Hospital, Progressus Therapy, LLC, and Universal Health Services. | |||||||||||
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Hawaii – $27,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 51st | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Hawaii Behavioral Health, Hawaii State Judiciary, State of Hawaii, and Sutter Health. | |||||||||||
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Iowa – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 16th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The University of Iowa, Lutheran Services in Iowa, UnityPoint Health, and The Homestead. | |||||||||||
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Idaho – $29,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 50th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like St. Luke’s Health System, ProCare Therapy, Idaho Division of Human Resources, and Pathways of Idaho. | |||||||||||
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Illinois – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 6th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Wexford Health Sources, Inc., Sunbelt Staffing, Mediscan Staffing Services, and Total Spectrum. | |||||||||||
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Indiana – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 20th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Centerstone, Corizon Health, Adult & Child Health, and Indiana Department of Child Services. | |||||||||||
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Kansas – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 29th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Unlisted Company, Corizon Health, KVC Health Systems, Inc, and Cascade Health Services. | |||||||||||
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Kentucky – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 39th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average 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, Bluegrass.org, Catholic Health Initiatives, and KentuckyOne Health. | |||||||||||
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Louisiana – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 33rd | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Louisiana State Government, Rehab Services of Cenla, ProCare Therapy, and Acadia Healthcare Facilities. | |||||||||||
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Massachusetts – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 2nd | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Vinfen, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Eliot Community Human Services, and South Bay Community Services. | |||||||||||
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Maryland – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 11th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Verbal Beginnings, Mosaic Community Services, Humanim, and JOHNS HOPKINS HEALTH SYSTEM. | |||||||||||
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Maine – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 34th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Pathways, Maine Behavioral Healthcare, KidsPeace, and Woodfords Family Services. | |||||||||||
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Michigan – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 14th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Michigan, Hope Network Behavioral Health, Holy Cross Children’s Services, and University of Michigan. | |||||||||||
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Minnesota – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 40th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MENTOR NETWORK, Mayo Clinic, Elite Medical Scribes, and Fairview Health Services. | |||||||||||
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Missouri – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 17th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Crider Health Center, Corizon Health, Burrell Behavioral Healt, and Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.. | |||||||||||
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Mississippi – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 9th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Universal Health Services, Merit Health Batesville, Mississippi Behavioral Health Services, LLC, and Parkwood Behavioral Health System. | |||||||||||
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Montana – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 43rd | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Acadia Healthcare Facilities, Shodair Children’s Hospital, State of Montana, and Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch. | |||||||||||
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North Carolina – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 21st | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sunbelt Staffing, Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions, Novant Health, and ProCare Therapy. | |||||||||||
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North Dakota – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 35th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like North Dakota State Government, The Village Family Service Center, JCS Military, and Universal Health Services. | |||||||||||
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Nebraska – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 49th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average 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, Better Living Counseling Services, Inc., Catholic Health Initiatives, and THE GODDARD SCHOOL – OMAHA, NE. | |||||||||||
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New Hampshire – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 18th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average 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 Bridges New Hampshire, Seacoast Mental Health Center, Inc., and Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center. | |||||||||||
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New Jersey – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 8th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maxim Healthcare Services, Bancroft, Rutgers University, and MENTOR NETWORK. | |||||||||||
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New Mexico – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 41st | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sunbelt Staffing, University of New Mexico, Sunshine Haven at Lordsburg, and ProCare Therapy. | |||||||||||
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Nevada – $33,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 46th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Phoenix, University of Nevada, Reno, GOALS for Autism, Inc., and Sport-Social. | |||||||||||
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New York – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 3rd | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like NYC Health + Hospitals, JBFCS, SCO Family of Services, and Institute for Family Health. | |||||||||||
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Ohio – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 22nd | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like THE GODDARD SCHOOL – Northeast OH, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, ProCare Therapy, and Progressus Therapy, LLC. | |||||||||||
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Oklahoma – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 30th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Oklahoma, Shadow Mountain Behavioral Health System, Oklahoma State University, and Universal Health Services. | |||||||||||
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Oregon – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 23rd | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like LifeWorks NW, ProCare Therapy, University of Oregon, and State of Oregon. | |||||||||||
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Pennsylvania – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 24th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like NHS Human Services, Family Behavioral Resources, Juniper Communities, and InVision Human Services, Inc.. | |||||||||||
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Rhode Island – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 31st | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CharterCARE Health Partners, Brown University, CBS Therapy, and Kingston Hill Academy/Groden Network. | |||||||||||
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South Carolina – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 19th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of South Carolina, Sunbelt Staffing, ProCare Therapy, and Correct Care Solutions. | |||||||||||
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South Dakota – $33,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 47th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like South Dakota State Government, Sanford Health, Regional Health, and Unlisted Company. | |||||||||||
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Tennessee – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 27th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average 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, State of Tennessee, Universal Health Services, and Omni Family of Services. | |||||||||||
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Texas – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 25th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Universal Health Services, Northwest Texas Healthcare System, Dept of Aging & Disability Svc, and Dallas County, TX. | |||||||||||
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Utah – $34,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 45th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Utah, University of Utah Health Care, Valley Behavioral Health, and Premier Health Partners. | |||||||||||
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Virginia – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 15th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Family Preservation Services of Virginia, Intercept Youth Services, Sunbelt Staffing, and Liberty University. | |||||||||||
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Vermont – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 36th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like United Counseling Service, Northwestern Medical Center, The Community Care Network, and VPI North. | |||||||||||
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Washington – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 12th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Washington, Sunbelt Staffing, Maxim Healthcare Services, and ProCare Therapy. | |||||||||||
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Wisconsin – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 37th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc., Rogers Memorial Hospital, Aurora HealthCare, and Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.. | |||||||||||
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West Virginia – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 28th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Healing Hearts Home Care, State of West Virginia, Pressley Ridge, and West Virginia University. | |||||||||||
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Wyoming – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 44th | ||||||||||
Average Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Wyoming, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, Corizon Health, and Laramie County Community College. | |||||||||||
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Additional Resources
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