Abnormal Psychology Careers + Salary Basics

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

What We Do

The field of abnormal psychology looks at unusual thoughts and emotions, and patterns of behavior that may or may not be a precursor for a mental disorder. This type of psychology usually focuses on clinical behaviors. Understanding and controlling behaviors that are classed as being deviant or aberrant is something that psychology has long focused on. How this is done often varies between cultures. Abnormal psychologists specifically try to identify what the various causes of the different conditions are, employing general psychology theories. However, despite the lengthy history of this field, a definition of “abnormal” still does not exist. Some abnormal psychologists focus strongly on the biological, whereas others focus more on the behavioral. There is, therefore, a true philosophical dualism when it comes to the issue relating to the mind and body. Similarly, classifying mental disorders varies greatly. Today, it is agreed that abnormal psychology focuses on three categories, which are the paranormal, the supernormal, and the subnormal.

Work Environment

Abnormal psychologists work either in clinical settings with people who have abnormal behaviors, or they work in research projects.

How to Become a Abnormal Psychology

To become an abnormal psychologist, you must first complete a four year bachelor’s degree. While this does not have to be in psychology, it is usually recommended to build a solid foundation of the 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 for the abnormal 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.

Abnormal Psychology Related Job Titles

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

Abnormal 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.

Abnormal Psychology Job Outlook

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

According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Abnormal Psychology was $53,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 8% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Abnormal Psychology Salary by State

The following lists Abnormal 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 $67,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $33,000.

Alaska – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 48th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Abnormal 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 Abnormal Psychology $39,000 .
Alabama – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 12th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Abnormal 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..
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $54,000 .
Arkansas – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 13th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Acadia Healthcare Facilities, Arkansas Department of Human Services, University of Central Arkansas, and Vantage Point of NWA.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $54,000 .
Arizona – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 42nd
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Acadia Healthcare Facilities.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $44,000 .
California – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 7th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources, Dignity Health Medical Foundation, California State University, and Capistrano Unified School District.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $57,000 .
Colorado – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 32nd
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $47,000 .
Connecticut – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 4th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like UCONN Health Center and Fairfield University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $61,000 .
DC – $67,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 1st
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Adventist HealthCare and Howard University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $67,000 .
Delaware – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 33rd
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Delaware.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $47,000 .
Florida – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 26th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PACE Center for Girls, PeopleFirst Florida HR, G4S, and Jackson Health System.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $50,000 .
Georgia – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 5th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Laurel Heights Hospital, Dept Behavioral Hlth& Dev Disb, and St. Francis Hospital.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $61,000 .
Hawaii – $33,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 51st
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Abnormal 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 State Judiciary, State of Hawaii, and University of Hawaii – West Oahu UH West Oahu.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $33,000 .
Iowa – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 16th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Coe College, Mount Mercy University, and Grand View University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $52,000 .
Idaho – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 50th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $35,000 .
Illinois – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 6th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Waukegan Community Unit District 60, Edward Hospital & Health Services, OSF Healthcare, and Advocate Health Care.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $60,000 .
Indiana – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 21st
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Ivy Tech Community College.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $51,000 .
Kansas – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 28th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Seward County Community College and Washburn University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $49,000 .
Kentucky – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 39th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Universal Health Services, Ridge Behavioral Health System, and Northern Kentucky University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $46,000 .
Louisiana – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 34th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Teche Regional Medical Center.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $47,000 .
Massachusetts – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 2nd
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Seven Hills Foundation.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $64,000 .
Maryland – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 10th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Adventist HealthCare, State of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and Frederick Community College.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $55,000 .
Maine – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 35th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of New England.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $47,000 .
Michigan – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 14th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Behavioral Center of Michigan, and Ferris State University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $54,000 .
Minnesota – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 40th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Abnormal 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 Beginnings Minnesota, St. Luke's – Duluth, and Minnesota Judicial Branch.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $46,000 .
Missouri – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 17th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Cell Staff.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $52,000 .
Mississippi – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 9th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $56,000 .
Montana – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 43rd
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Montana State University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $44,000 .
North Carolina – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 22nd
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Guilford Technical Community College.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $51,000 .
North Dakota – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 36th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $47,000 .
Nebraska – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 49th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Catholic Health Initiatives and University of Nebraska Medical Center.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $39,000 .
New Hampshire – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 18th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $52,000 .
New Jersey – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 8th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th 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 Abnormal Psychology $57,000 .
New Mexico – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 41st
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Eastern New Mexico University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $46,000 .
Nevada – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 46th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like College of Southern Nevada.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $40,000 .
New York – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 3rd
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like SUNY Delhi, Onondaga Community College, Berkeley College, and WEBeMED.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $64,000 .
Ohio – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 23rd
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Premier Health Partners, University of Cincinnati, Abel Bishop & Clark Realty, and Kent State University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $51,000 .
Oklahoma – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 29th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Shadow Mountain Behavioral Health System.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $49,000 .
Oregon – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 24th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kaiser Permanente.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $51,000 .
Pennsylvania – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 25th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Staffing Plus Inc., WES Health System, Carson Valley Children’s Aid, and Geisinger Health System.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $51,000 .
Rhode Island – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 31st
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $48,000 .
South Carolina – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 19th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health, Palmetto Pee Dee Behavioral Health, and Universal Health Services.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $52,000 .
South Dakota – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 47th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $40,000 .
Tennessee – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 30th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Youth Opportunity Investments.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $49,000 .
Texas – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 20th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MHMR, Children's Health, Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, and Our Lady of the Lake University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $52,000 .
Utah – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 45th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Provo Canyon School, Foothill Residential and Detox, Premier Health Partners, and Wasatch Mental Health.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $41,000 .
Virginia – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 15th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Centra Health, Eastern Mennonite University, North Spring Behavioral Healthcare, and HCPS – Psychological Services.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $54,000 .
Vermont – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 37th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $47,000 .
Washington – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 11th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Washington Medical Center, Saint Martin's University, State of Washington, and Western Washington University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $55,000 .
Wisconsin – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 38th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Wisconsin System, Aurora University, and Northwest Counseling & Guidance Clinic.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Abnormal Psychology $47,000 .
West Virginia – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 27th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th 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 Abnormal Psychology $50,000 .
Wyoming – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 44th
Average Abnormal Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Abnormal 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 Abnormal Psychology $44,000 .

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