Investigative Psychology Careers + Salary Basics

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

What We Do

Investigative psychologists, as the name suggests, take a close look at various areas of the human psyche. The purpose of this endeavor is to determine whether there are external or internal stimuli that have caused certain psychological dysfunctions, or whether there is a psychological cause of a certain type of behavior. These psychologists often perform research either to help in future development, or to solve current issues. As a result, their work can be either research based or clinical based.

Work Environment

Investigative psychologists can work in a variety of different locations depending on their chosen interests. They are often found in law enforcement, for instance, where they work alongside other forensic experts. They may also be involved in research, for instance by looking at the nature versus nurture debate. Others investigate psychopathic killers to try to find a root cause of their behavior. Some investigative psychologists work in the field to determine the psyche behind issues such as mass hysteria, or changes in behaviors across entire communities, in an effort to find the root cause.

How to Become a Investigative Psychology

To become an investigative psychologist, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree. While this does not have to be one with a psychology major, it is recommended to have a solid foundation. After your bachelor’s degree, you will need to complete a two year master’s degree in investigative psychology. In order to call yourself a psychologist, you will also have to complete the research based Ph.D., or the clinically based Psy.D. Investigative psychologists can choose either, as both have relevance to the work that they do.

Training & Certification Requirements

The exact licensing and certification requirements for psychologists vary from state to state. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Board lists the exact requirements for each state. Generally speaking, licensure is require in some form or another and must also be maintained. This means taking part in continuous education credits, or retaking the licensure examination periodically.

Investigative Psychology Related Job Titles

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

Investigative Psychology Earning Potential

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for all psychologists was $72,580 as of May 2015.

Investigative Psychology Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a very positive job outlook for all psychologists. In fact, between the years 2014 and 2024, they can expect to see a 19% growth in demand. This is much faster than the national average for all other professions.

According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Investigative Psychology was $46,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 19% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Investigative Psychology Salary by State

The following lists Investigative Psychology salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings by employers through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $58,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $29,000.

Alaska – $34,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 48th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Vesa Health & Technology, Inc.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $34,000 .
Alabama – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 12th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th 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 Investigative Psychology $47,000 .
Arkansas – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 13th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Investigative 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.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $47,000 .
Arizona – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 43rd
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CSRA, Childhelp, and Arizona State University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $38,000 .
California – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 7th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Children's Institute Inc., Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources, CSRA, and Social Services Agency – DFCS.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $50,000 .
Colorado – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 33rd
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Colorado Department of Human Services, North Metro Community Services, and The Resource Exchange.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $41,000 .
Connecticut – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 4th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Investigative 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, UCONN Health Center, and Zurich North America.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $54,000 .
DC – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 1st
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CSRA, ManTech International Corporation, Arlington County, VA, and Olgoonik Federal, LLC.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $58,000 .
Delaware – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 34th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th 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 Investigative Psychology $41,000 .
Florida – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 27th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PeopleFirst Florida HR, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, Inc, Polk County RPO, and Nova Southeastern University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $43,000 .
Georgia – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 5th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like City of Augusta, GA.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $53,000 .
Hawaii – $29,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 51st
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st 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 Investigative Psychology $29,000 .
Iowa – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 16th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th 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 Investigative Psychology $46,000 .
Idaho – $30,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 50th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Investigative 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 Investigative Psychology $30,000 .
Illinois – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 6th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Solstice and Insight Consulting Group.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $53,000 .
Indiana – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 20th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th 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 Investigative Psychology $45,000 .
Kansas – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 30th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Court Services, Unlisted Company, and State Board of Healing Arts.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $42,000 .
Kentucky – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 40th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Vesa Health & Technology, Inc.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $40,000 .
Louisiana – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 31st
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CSRA.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $42,000 .
Massachusetts – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 2nd
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Investigative 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, Tsquared Consulting Partners SA, Simmons College, and Brigham & Women's Hospital(BWH).
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $56,000 .
Maryland – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 10th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Finra and State of Maryland.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $48,000 .
Maine – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 35th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th 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 Investigative Psychology $41,000 .
Michigan – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 14th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Monroe Community Mental Health Authority, TEC Vision. Inc., and Lake Superior State University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $47,000 .
Minnesota – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 36th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Anoka County, MN.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $41,000 .
Missouri – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 17th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Securus Technologies and University of Missouri- Columbia.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $46,000 .
Mississippi – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 9th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Mississippi State Personnel Board, State of Mississippi, and St. Dominic Hospital.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $49,000 .
Montana – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 42nd
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd 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 Investigative Psychology $39,000 .
North Carolina – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 25th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CSRA and CareTech Management.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $44,000 .
North Dakota – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 37th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Investigative 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 Investigative Psychology $41,000 .
Nebraska – $34,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 49th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th 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 Investigative Psychology $34,000 .
New Hampshire – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 18th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Investigative 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 Investigative Psychology $46,000 .
New Jersey – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 8th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Occupational Training Center and JPMorgan Chase.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $50,000 .
New Mexico – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 41st
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Investigative 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.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $40,000 .
Nevada – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 46th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Investigative 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.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $35,000 .
New York – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 3rd
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like New York City Department of Education ., CSRA, Vesa Health & Technology, Inc, and UNITED SIKHS.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $56,000 .
Ohio – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 21st
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Ohio Jobs, Ohio Physicians Health Program, BGSU Main Campus, and Stark County Job & Family Services.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $45,000 .
Oklahoma – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 28th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th 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 Investigative Psychology $43,000 .
Oregon – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 22nd
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Portland Community College, State of Oregon, and Vesa Health & Technology, Inc.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $45,000 .
Pennsylvania – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 23rd
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like GlaxoSmithKline, Lancaster County Office of Aging, and Temple University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $45,000 .
Rhode Island – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 32nd
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lifespan.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $42,000 .
South Carolina – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 19th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th 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 Investigative Psychology $46,000 .
South Dakota – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 47th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Investigative 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 Investigative Psychology $35,000 .
Tennessee – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 29th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Tennessee and Shelby County Government.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $43,000 .
Texas – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 24th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of North Texas Health Science Center, CSRA, Self Opportunity, and Harris County.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $45,000 .
Utah – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 45th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Investigative 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 and AMP Probation.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $36,000 .
Virginia – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 15th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Arlington County, VA, Olgoonik Federal, LLC, ManTech International Corporation, and Amerit Consulting.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $47,000 .
Vermont – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 38th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th 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 Investigative Psychology $41,000 .
Washington – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 11th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Investigative 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.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $48,000 .
Wisconsin – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 39th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Wisconsin-Madison and Family Service of Waukesha.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $41,000 .
West Virginia – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 26th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Southwestern Regional Day Report Center.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $44,000 .
Wyoming – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 44th
Average Investigative Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Investigative 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.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Investigative Psychology $38,000 .

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