Political Psychology Careers + Salary Basics

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

What We Do

A political psychologist is an interdisciplinary professional who tries to understand political behavior, politicians, and politics from the perspective of psychology. The discipline is rooted in the early 19th century, where psychologists first started to use social and cognitive explanations to understand how politicians behave, what they base their beliefs on, how the different parties interact with each other, and what the outcomes of political behaviors are. Essentially, they study human behavior, but with a specific focus on politics. These include political affiliation, the implications of terrorism, and public perception of the government. It also looks at political decision making processes and how decisions can have an impact the population as a whole. The field is interdisciplinary because it combines communication, business, economics, education, government, political science, and psychology into one science.

Work Environment

Political psychologists can be found in a variety of different fields. These includes political commentary, international relations, teaching and education, media research, local and state agencies, government agencies and departments, journalism, academic and political lecturing, and media relations.

How to Become a Political Psychology

To become a political psychologist, you must first complete a four year bachelor’s degree. While this does not have to be in psychology, it is often a good practice to build a solid foundation within this particular 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 political psychologists. The American Psychological Association and the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards both list what the requirements within each state are. Certification is usually valid for a certain period of time only, and must be maintained either through proof of continuous education credits, or by retaking the examination.

Political Psychology Related Job Titles

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

Political Psychology Earning Potential

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, all psychologists, regardless of their field of specialization, earned a median wage of $72,580 per year as of May 2015.

Political Psychology Job Outlook

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

According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Political Psychology was $57,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 1% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Political Psychology Salary by State

The following lists Political 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 $72,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $35,000.

Alaska – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 48th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Political 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 Political Psychology $42,000 .
Alabama – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 12th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Political 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 Political Psychology $58,000 .
Arkansas – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 13th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Political 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 Arkansas, Arkansas Department of Community Correction, and University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $58,000 .
Arizona – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 43rd
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Grand Canyon University, CSRA, State of Arizona, and Customs and Border Protection.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $47,000 .
California – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 8th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of California Berkeley, San Diego State University, Kaiser Permanente, and Acuity Behavior Solutions.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $61,000 .
Colorado – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 32nd
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Colorado Department of Human Services, Colorado Christian University, Pueblo Community College, and Rally Health.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $51,000 .
Connecticut – $66,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 4th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Naugatuck Valley Community College and Manchester Community College.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $66,000 .
DC – $72,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 1st
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Maryland, New Asian Institute/New Asian Leaders, CSRA, and The National Academies.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $72,000 .
Delaware – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 36th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th 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 Political Psychology $50,000 .
Florida – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 27th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Agency for Community Treatment Services, Inc, YMCA of South Florida, University of Tampa, and One Hope United.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $53,000 .
Georgia – $65,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 5th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Savannah College of Art and Design, AIR FORCE, Dept Behavioral Hlth& Dev Disb, and Savannah Technical College.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $65,000 .
Hawaii – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 51st
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CSRA, County of Hawaii, Realinterface, and TAD PGS, Inc.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $35,000 .
Iowa – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 16th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Political 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 Political Psychology $56,000 .
Idaho – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 50th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Political 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 Political Psychology $37,000 .
Illinois – $65,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 6th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Heartland Alliance, University of Illinois at Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, and National Opinion Research Center (NORC).
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $65,000 .
Indiana – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 20th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Purdue University, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, University of Notre Dame, and Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $55,000 .
Kansas – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 30th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like LJC Business Partners, Inc. and Miami County Kansas.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $52,000 .
Kentucky – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 41st
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Madisonville Community and Technical College and University of Kentucky.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $49,000 .
Louisiana – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 33rd
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Christus Health and CSRA.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $51,000 .
Massachusetts – $69,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 2nd
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Clinical & Support Options, Behavioral Health Works, Smith College, and DIGITALiBIZ.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $69,000 .
Maryland – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 10th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Maryland, Optimal Solutions Group, Harford County Public Schools, and IMRE.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $59,000 .
Maine – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 37th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Political 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 Political Psychology $50,000 .
Michigan – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 14th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Michigan State University and Wayne State University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $58,000 .
Minnesota – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 38th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Howry Residential Services.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $50,000 .
Missouri – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 17th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Political 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- Columbia, Atlantic Business Consultants Group, Inc., Washington University in St. Louis, and Missouri State University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $56,000 .
Mississippi – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 9th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Mississippi and Mississippi State Personnel Board.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $60,000 .
Montana – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 42nd
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like AWARE Inc. and Benefis Health System.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $48,000 .
North Carolina – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 25th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like North Carolina Office of State Human Resources, UMC Direct, State of North Carolina, and CSRA.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $54,000 .
North Dakota – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 34th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Political 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 Political Psychology $51,000 .
Nebraska – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 49th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Strategic Systems Technology, Inc..
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $42,000 .
New Hampshire – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 18th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Community College System of New Hampshire.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $56,000 .
New Jersey – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 7th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Princeton University, Rutgers University, NJAC -Passaic County Women's Center, and JPMorgan Chase.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $62,000 .
New Mexico – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 39th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Western New Mexico University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $50,000 .
Nevada – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 46th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Political 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 Nevada, Reno and City of Sparks, NV.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $43,000 .
New York – $69,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 3rd
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like AlixPartners, City Business Solutions, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and New York City Department of Education ..
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $69,000 .
Ohio – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 21st
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sandow Business Solutions, Inc., AIR FORCE, University of Cincinnati, and Ashland University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $55,000 .
Oklahoma – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 28th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Tulsa Community College, Fair Dinkum Direct, Inc., and East Central University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $53,000 .
Oregon – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 22nd
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Oregon and Portland Community College.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $55,000 .
Pennsylvania – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 23rd
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Meadows – Universal Community, PMHCC, Universal Health Services, and Vanguard.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $55,000 .
Rhode Island – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 31st
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Child & Family Services of Newport County and AAA Northeast.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $52,000 .
South Carolina – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 19th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Political 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 Political Psychology $56,000 .
South Dakota – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 47th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Political 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.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $43,000 .
Tennessee – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 29th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Christian Brothers University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $53,000 .
Texas – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 24th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Parkland Hospital, MHMR, CSRA, and Sam Houston State University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $55,000 .
Utah – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 45th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Political 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.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $44,000 .
Virginia – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 15th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, and VA Commonwealth Univ.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $57,000 .
Vermont – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 40th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like City of Burlington, Vermont.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $50,000 .
Washington – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 11th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Microsoft, Eastern Washington University, State of Washington, and Seattle University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $59,000 .
Wisconsin – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 35th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Political 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 Wisconsin-Madison, Heliocentric Concepts, inc, Exodus House, and Osceola School District.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $51,000 .
West Virginia – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 26th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WVU Research Corporation and State of West Virginia.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $54,000 .
Wyoming – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 44th
Average Political Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Political Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Laramie County Community College.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Political Psychology $47,000 .

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