Forensic Psychology Careers + Salary Basics

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

What We Do

Forensic psychologists are experts within a fascinating career that allows for the combination of psychological and legal expertise. In basic terms, a forensic psychologist is responsible for using the application of psychological theory in helping the corrections, criminal, and court systems of his or her chosen state. Forensic psychologists work closely with members of the court and the justice system to assist in its functioning, help to protect wrongly accused victims, and find criminals.

Work Environment

Beyond obvious opportunities for employment within the standard court system, many forensic psychologists can find job opportunities within prisons and jails, providing education and rehabilitative treatment to inmates in preparation for their return to the outside world. These professionals are sometimes hired by police departments as consultants and profilers during criminal investigations.

How to Become a Forensic Psychology

Though a forensic psychologist may be able to find work with nothing more than a master’s degree, it is worth noting that a doctor of psychology degree is recommend in most circumstances. Licensing is essential for all practicing psychologists, and it can be obtained by taking examinations through the state psychology board of licensing. In order to become a forensic psychologist, you might also find that it is helpful to obtain a minor degree in law. Some forensic psychologists even go as far as to obtain their doctorate degree in both law and psychology, because the application of forensic psychology deals specifically with how psychology works within the law.

Training & Certification Requirements

If a forensic psychologist wants to evaluate individuals on behalf of the court, or serve as an expert witness in regards to competency, a state license will probably be required. Each state oversees its own licensure requirements, but most will require a doctorate degree, and passing of the examination for professional practice of psychology. Although it is not an absolute requirement for practice, forensic psychologists may also choose to apply for professional certification with the American Board of Forensic Psychology. Overseen by the American Board of Professional Psychology, a diploma here is the only postdoctoral certification for psychologists on a forensic level that is recognized by the American Psychological Association.

Forensic Psychology Related Job Titles

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

Forensic Psychology Earning Potential

According to information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for forensic psychologists during the year of 2015 was approximately $60,636 per year.

Forensic Psychology Job Outlook

The BLS reports that the growth in demand for all types of psychologists, including forensic psychologists, is projected to be 12% between 2012 and 2022.

According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Forensic Psychology was $65,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 12% higher than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Forensic Psychology Salary by State

The following lists Forensic 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 $81,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $40,000.

Alaska – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 48th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Workplace Alaska and Providence Health & Services.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $48,000 .
Alabama – $66,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 13th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Alabama.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $66,000 .
Arkansas – $66,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 14th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $66,000 .
Arizona – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 44th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maricopa County, AZ, Childhelp, Customs and Border Protection, and Northcentral University Inc.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $53,000 .
California – $70,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 8th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like County of San Mateo, Psychwest, Clinical & Forensic Psychology, Inc., The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and People's Care.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $70,000 .
Colorado – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 35th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Community Reach Center, Colorado Department of Human Services, University of Denver, and Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS).
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $58,000 .
Connecticut – $75,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 4th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Child Guidance of Southern Connecticut and Yale University.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $75,000 .
DC – $81,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 1st
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Central Intelligence Agency, City of Alexandria, VA, and General Dynamics Mission Systems.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $81,000 .
Delaware – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 36th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $57,000 .
Florida – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 27th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Wexford Health Sources, Inc., PeopleFirst Florida HR, Apalachee Center, Inc, and Correct Care Solutions.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $60,000 .
Georgia – $74,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 5th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Forensic 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, Southern Crescent Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Phoenix Center Behavioral Health Services.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $74,000 .
Hawaii – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 51st
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $40,000 .
Iowa – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 16th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $64,000 .
Idaho – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 50th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $43,000 .
Illinois – $74,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 6th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Forensic 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., The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, State of Illinois, and Health and Law Resource.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $74,000 .
Indiana – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 23rd
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Centerstone and Allen County, IN.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $62,000 .
Kansas – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 30th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Corizon Health, Larned State Hospital, and Loyal Source Government Services.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $59,000 .
Kentucky – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 41st
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Executive Alliance and Graven and Associates, PLLC.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $56,000 .
Louisiana – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 32nd
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $58,000 .
Massachusetts – $78,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 2nd
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Commonwealth of Massachusetts, South Bay Community Services, Key Program, Inc., and American International College.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $78,000 .
Maryland – $67,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 10th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Maryland, Center for Children, Inc, Primecare Medical, Inc., and University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $67,000 .
Maine – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 37th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Motivational Services, Inc. and Counseling & Psychotherapy Center.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $57,000 .
Michigan – $66,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 12th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Catholic Charities West Michigan, Henry Ford Health System, and Wayne County Government.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $66,000 .
Minnesota – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 38th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minnesota Judicial Branch, South Metro Human Services, and Minnesota Merit System.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $57,000 .
Missouri – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 17th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Missouri – St. Louis.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $64,000 .
Mississippi – $68,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 9th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $68,000 .
Montana – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 42nd
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Western Montana Mental Health Center.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $54,000 .
North Carolina – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 24th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like North Carolina Office of State Human Resources, Kukulu LLC, State of North Carolina, and Carolinas HealthCare System.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $62,000 .
North Dakota – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 33rd
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Loyal Source Government Services and North Dakota State Government.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $58,000 .
Nebraska – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 49th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Forensic 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.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $47,000 .
New Hampshire – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 18th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like 6006, 6965, 6962, and 7074.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $64,000 .
New Jersey – $70,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 7th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Rutgers University, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and Youth Development Clinic of Newark.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $70,000 .
New Mexico – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 39th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Loyal Source Government Services, Western New Mexico University, and New Mexico State Personnel Office.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $57,000 .
Nevada – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 46th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Healthy Minds.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $49,000 .
New York – $78,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 3rd
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Forensic 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, AlixPartners, Children & Family Services, Office of, and Mental Health, Office of.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $78,000 .
Ohio – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 25th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maxim Government Services, State of Ohio Jobs, Summit Psychological Associates, Inc., and Executive Alliance.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $62,000 .
Oklahoma – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 28th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like ODMHSAS.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $60,000 .
Oregon – $63,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 20th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Marion County, OR, Lane County Behavioral Health, State of Oregon, and Coda, Inc..
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $63,000 .
Pennsylvania – $63,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 21st
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PMHCC, Renewal Inc., CEC Associates, Incorporated, and Pressley Ridge.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $63,000 .
Rhode Island – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 31st
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $59,000 .
South Carolina – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 19th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Correct Care Solutions and State of South Carolina.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $64,000 .
South Dakota – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 47th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $49,000 .
Tennessee – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 29th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Childhelp and Helen Ross McNabb Center.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $60,000 .
Texas – $63,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 22nd
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Dept of State Health Services, Correct Care Solutions, Harris County, and North Texas State Hospital.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $63,000 .
Utah – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 45th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Forensic 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.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $50,000 .
Virginia – $65,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 15th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Div of Community Corrections, Southwestern VA Ment Hlth Inst, Catawba Hospital, and No VA Mental Health Institute.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $65,000 .
Vermont – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 40th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $57,000 .
Washington – $67,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 11th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Washington, Vancouver Guidance Clinic, P.S., Rehabilitation Options of Issaquah, and Fairfax Behavioral Health.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $67,000 .
Wisconsin – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 34th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like American Behavioral Clinics, State of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $58,000 .
West Virginia – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 26th
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Hudson Forensic Psychology, Highland-Clarksburg Hospital, West Virginia University, and State of West Virginia.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $61,000 .
Wyoming – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 43rd
Average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Forensic Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Forensic Psychology $54,000 .

Learn More

• http://www.psychology.org/careers/forensic-psychologist/
• http://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/forensic-psychologist.html#context/api/listings/prefilter
• http://www.criminaljusticeusa.com/forensic-psychologist/