Prison Psychology Careers + Salary Basics

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

What We Do

Prison psychology is a very interesting field in which professionals work with people who have been incarcerated to determine whether they have any psychological problems that could have led them to committing the offense or crime, or that have been caused as a result of their incarceration. There is often a strong focus on dealing with substance abuse and anger management issues. Prison psychologists also perform a lot of research on recidivism and try to determine whether there are psychological factors that make it more likely for someone to go back to a life of crime after incarceration. They do this by looking at psychological issues that were already present, and also by studying the psychological impact of incarceration itself.

Work Environment

The vast majority of prison psychologists work with state prisons or jails. Others work for probation services. Many more choose to run a private practice and are hired as consultants, or approached by previous offenders, or at risk youths, for help. Many prison psychologists work in research, trying to determine how incidents of recidivism can be reduced, and helping to prevent crime.

How to Become a Prison Psychology

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

Prison Psychology Related Job Titles

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

Prison 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.

Prison Psychology Job Outlook

Growth in employment demand is predicted to be strong 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 Prison Psychology was $56,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 2% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Prison Psychology Salary by State

The following lists Prison 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 $71,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $35,000.

Alaska – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 48th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Prison 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.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $42,000 .
Alabama – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 13th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th 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 Prison Psychology $57,000 .
Arkansas – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 11th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th 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 Prison Psychology $58,000 .
Arizona – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 44th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Corrections Corporation of America and State of Arizona.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $46,000 .
California – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 7th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Center Point, Inc., Community Education Centers, Inc., WC California Inc, and California Department of State Hospitals.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $61,000 .
Colorado – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 33rd
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Community Education Centers, Inc., Colorado Department of Human Services, and University of Colorado.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $50,000 .
Connecticut – $65,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 4th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th 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 Prison Psychology $65,000 .
DC – $71,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 1st
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PAE.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $71,000 .
Delaware – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 34th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Prison 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 Prison Psychology $50,000 .
Florida – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 27th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Prison 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 and Community Education Centers, Inc..
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $53,000 .
Georgia – $65,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 5th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Life University, MHM Services Inc., Georgia State Prison, and IG.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $65,000 .
Hawaii – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 51st
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Hawaii and United States Veterans Initiative.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $35,000 .
Iowa – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 16th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Global Empire LLC.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $56,000 .
Idaho – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 50th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Idaho Division of Human Resources.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $37,000 .
Illinois – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 6th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Community Education Centers, Inc..
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $64,000 .
Indiana – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 23rd
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Prison 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 Corizon Health.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $54,000 .
Kansas – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 29th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kansas Sentencing Commission.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $52,000 .
Kentucky – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 40th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th 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 Prison Psychology $49,000 .
Louisiana – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 32nd
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Prison 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 Prison Psychology $51,000 .
Massachusetts – $68,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 3rd
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like District 19 Community Services Board and Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $68,000 .
Maryland – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 12th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Bon Secours Health System and UtiliQuest.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $58,000 .
Maine – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 35th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Prison 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 Prison Psychology $50,000 .
Michigan – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 14th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Michigan, SPECTRUM JUVENILE JUSTICE SERVICES, and Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $57,000 .
Minnesota – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 36th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MEnD Correctional Care.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $50,000 .
Missouri – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 17th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Gateway Foundation and Concordance Academy of Leadership.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $56,000 .
Mississippi – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 9th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Prison 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 Prison Psychology $59,000 .
Montana – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 42nd
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Montana.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $47,000 .
North Carolina – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 24th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of North Carolina and North Carolina Office of State Human Resources.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $54,000 .
North Dakota – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 37th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Prison 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 Prison Psychology $50,000 .
Nebraska – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 49th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Prison 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 Prison Psychology $41,000 .
New Hampshire – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 18th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Prison 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 Prison Psychology $56,000 .
New Jersey – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 8th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Rutgers University, Community Education Centers, Inc., and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $61,000 .
New Mexico – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 41st
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $49,000 .
Nevada – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 46th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like United States Veterans Initiative.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $43,000 .
New York – $69,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 2nd
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like NYC Health + Hospitals, NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION, MVCC, and the Osborne Association.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $69,000 .
Ohio – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 25th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Ohio Jobs and CompDrug.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $54,000 .
Oklahoma – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 30th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th 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 Prison Psychology $52,000 .
Oregon – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 20th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Volunteers of America Oregon, State of Oregon, Lane County Behavioral Health, and YWCA of Greater Portland.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $55,000 .
Pennsylvania – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 21st
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Prison 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, Community Education Centers, Inc., and Corrections Victoria.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $55,000 .
Rhode Island – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 31st
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Prison 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 Prison Psychology $52,000 .
South Carolina – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 19th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Prison 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 Prison Psychology $56,000 .
South Dakota – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 47th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Mike Durfee State Prison.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $43,000 .
Tennessee – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 28th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Corrections Corporation of America and Youth Opportunity Investments.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $53,000 .
Texas – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 22nd
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Texas Tech Univ Health Sciences Ctr, HSC – Correctional Managed Health Care, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and Management & Training Corporation.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $55,000 .
Utah – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 45th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th 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 Prison Psychology $44,000 .
Virginia – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 15th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PAE, Dept of Corrections, and UtiliQuest.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $57,000 .
Vermont – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 38th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Prison 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 Prison Psychology $50,000 .
Washington – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 10th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like King County, State of Washington, Washington State Department of Corrections, and Pioneer Human Services.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $59,000 .
Wisconsin – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 39th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Wisconsin.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Prison Psychology $50,000 .
West Virginia – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 26th
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th 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 Prison Psychology $54,000 .
Wyoming – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 43rd
Average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Prison Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd 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 Prison Psychology $47,000 .

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