The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for Trauma Psychology around the country.
What We Do
Trauma psychologists has the task of studying the effects of physical and emotional trauma on the human brain. They want to determine how trauma has an impact on how people feel, think, and behave. Some trauma psychologists work in research, but the majority work directly with clinical clients in an effort to help them regain control over their mental health following trauma.
Work Environment
Trauma psychologists can work in a variety of different environments. Many work in hospitals, and particularly in wards where people have experienced significant trauma, such as burn units or intensive care. They are also often found in those settings where they work with veterans, studying and treating post traumatic stress disorder. Furthermore, trauma psychologists often work in the field in areas where natural or geopolitical disasters have taken place, such as after a hurricane or during a civil war. Some trauma psychologists focus mainly on research and work in academia, but even they regularly have to be out in the field to monitor and measure the psychological impact of trauma for themselves. The majority, however, work directly with clients in order to help them regain control over their lives.
How to Become a Trauma Psychology
In order to become any kind of psychologist, you have to complete a doctorate degree. This means you must first finish a bachelor’s degree. While it is recommended, but not necessary, for those with an interest in becoming psychologists to complete an undergraduate degree in psychology, this is not always the case with trauma psychologists. Many of these professionals, for instance, have a nursing background instead. After completing an undergraduate degree, you must graduate from a master’s degree specific to trauma psychology, after which you can complete either the research based Ph.D. or the clinical Psy.D. doctorate degree.
Training & Certification Requirements
In all states, a license or certification is required in order to work as a psychologist. The exact requirements vary from one state to the next, however. The American State and Provincial Psychology Board lists the exact requirements for each state.
Trauma Psychology Related Job Titles
According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Trauma Psychology.
Career/Job Title | Average Salary |
---|---|
Outpatient Therapist Bilingual | $35,000 |
Direct Services Associate | $21,000 |
Residential Treatment Counselor | $24,000 |
Licensed Psychologist M | $85,000 |
Outpatient Clinician | $45,000 |
Licensed Psychologist | $85,000 |
Counselor Aide | $33,000 |
Associate Psychologist | $55,000 |
Trauma Psychology Earning Potential
All types of psychologists earned a median annual salary of $72,580 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This was as of May 2015.
Trauma Psychology Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that all psychologists can expect to see a growth in demand of 19% from 2014 to 2024. This is much faster than the national average.
According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Trauma Psychology was $51,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 12% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.
Trauma Psychology Salary by State
The following lists Trauma 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 $64,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $31,000.
Alaska – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 48th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Juneau School District, Vesa Health & Technology, Inc, Fairbanks Native Association, and Chugachmiut. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Alabama – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 11th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sequel Youth and Family Services. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Arkansas – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 12th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Arkansas Department of Human Services. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Arizona – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 43rd | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Behavioral Health Agency, Childhelp, Easter Seals Blake Foundation, and St Josephs Hospital & Med Center. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
California – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 7th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Trauma 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., KIPP Bay Area Schools, UC San Diego, and Mission Hospital Laguna Beach. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Colorado – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 33rd | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Trauma 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 Reach Center, The Center for Family Outreach, Mental Health Center of Denver, and Denver Children's Home. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Connecticut – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 4th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Vinfen, Wheeler Clinic, Child Guidance of Southern Connecticut, and Homes with Hope, Inc.. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
DC – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 1st | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Arlington County, VA, Comprehensive Health Services, Monument Academy Public Charter School, and HopeWorks of Howard County, Inc.. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Delaware – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 34th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The NBN Group, Pathways of Delaware, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, and NHS. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Florida – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 27th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Comprehensive Health Services, Children's Home Society of Florida, Memorial Healthcare System, and University of South Florida. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Georgia – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 5th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Advantage Behavioral Health Systems, Universal Health Services, Dept Behavioral Hlth& Dev Disb, and Chris KIDS. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Hawaii – $31,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 51st | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Hawaii State Judiciary, Advanced Psychiatric Therapeutics, County of Hawaii, and College of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology UH Manoa. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Iowa – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 16th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Heartland Family Service, UnityPoint Health, Grace C Mae Advocate Center, and Eyerly Ball Community Mental Health Services. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Idaho – $33,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 50th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Trauma 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 and Idaho State University. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Illinois – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 6th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Trauma 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, Advocate Health Care, Maryville Academy, and Centegra Health System. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Indiana – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 20th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Trauma 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 Indiana, Aspire Indiana, Memorial Hospital of South Bend, and Extra Special Parents of Indiana. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Kansas – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 28th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Saint Francis Community Services, St. Francis Community Services, Cornerstones of Care, and KidsTLC. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Kentucky – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 40th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like SelfRefind, Vesa Health & Technology, Inc, SAFY, and Frazier Rehab Institute. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Louisiana – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 31st | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Trauma 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. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Massachusetts – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 3rd | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like South Shore Mental Health, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER, and Community Healthlink. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Maryland – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 13th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Maryland, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Kennedy Krieger Institute, and Catholic Charities of Baltimore. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Maine – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 35th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Becket Family of Services, Change Healthcare, Spurwink Services, and Eastern Maine Medical Center. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Michigan – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 14th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Trauma 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, Skywood Recovery Center, Universal Health Services, and Molina Healthcare. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Minnesota – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 36th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Mayo Clinic, SteppingStone Therapeutic, 180 Degrees, Inc., and YWCA St. Paul. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Missouri – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 17th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Cornerstones of Care, Truman Medical Centers, Community Treatment, Inc. (COMTREA), and Research Psychiatric Center. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Mississippi – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 9th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Youth Villages and COPAC. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Montana – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 42nd | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Trauma 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, Youth Dynamics, AWARE Inc., and Florence Crittenton Home and Services. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
North Carolina – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 21st | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Booz Allen Hamilton, Sequel Youth and Family Services, El Futuro, Inc, and Pinehurst Surgical. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
North Dakota – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 37th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Trauma 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. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Nebraska – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 49th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Salvation Army USA Central Territory, ST. MONICA'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, and Heartland Family Service. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
New Hampshire – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 18th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Weeks Medical Center. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
New Jersey – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 8th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Princeton University, Allies in Caring, Inc, Ranch Hope, and Barnabas Health. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
New Mexico – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 41st | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like New Mexico State Personnel Office and University of New Mexico. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Nevada – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 46th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Trauma 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. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
New York – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 2nd | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Child Mind Institute, Northern Rivers Family Center, Cardinal Mccloskey Svcs., and Columbia University. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Ohio – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 22nd | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Harbor, Nationwide Children's Hospital, SelfRefind, and Harbor Behavioral Health, Affiliate of ProMedica. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Oklahoma – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 29th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Oregon – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 23rd | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Options Counseling and Family Services, Coda, Inc., Mid-Columbia Center for Living, and Community Health Alliance. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Pennsylvania – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 24th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, WellSpan Health Services, and PMHCC. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Rhode Island – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 32nd | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Trauma 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, Child & Family Services of Newport County, and Rhode Island Student Assistance Services. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
South Carolina – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 19th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Trauma 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. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
South Dakota – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 47th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Trauma 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. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Tennessee – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 30th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Universal Health Services, Lakeside Behavioral Health System, Helen Ross McNabb Center, and Sequel Youth and Family Services. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Texas – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 25th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like New Horizons Ranch & Center, Inc., Harris County, Dept of State Health Services, and Texoma Medical Center. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Utah – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 45th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Wasatch Mental Health. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Virginia – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 15th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Henrico Doctors Hospital Parham, Chesterfield County, VA, Chippenham Hospital, and Booz Allen Hamilton. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Vermont – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 38th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Clara Martin Center and Collaborative Solutions Corporation. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Washington – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 10th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Pathways of Washington, University of Washington, DESC, and The Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Wisconsin – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 39th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc., ATTIC Correctional Services, Inc., Community Partnerships, Inc., and Lad Lake Inc. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
West Virginia – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 26th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Renovo Center, Family Refuge Center, Inc., and Emergency Medicine Physicians. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Wyoming – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 44th | ||||||||||
Average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Trauma Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
|||||||||||
|