Psychologists employed by the federal executive branch earn the highest average salary of industries with more than 1,000 psychologists employed, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The BLS published updated wage data for 2024 on April 2. Psychologists earned a median salary of $102,100 in 2024, according to BLS data.
Here are the five highest and lowest paying industries for psychologists in 2024:
Highest:
- Federal executive branch (occupational employment and wage statistics designation)
Median salary: $137,680
Employment: 8,600 - Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals, state government owned
Median salary: $106,160
Employment: 1,510 - Offices of physicians
Median salary: $105,750
Employment: 6,070 - Educational support services, privately owned
Median salary: $105,230
Employment: 2,540 - Scientific research and development services
Median salary: $105,210
Employment: 1,070
Lowest:
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
Median Salary: $80,720
Employment: 4,060 - Colleges, universities and professional schools, state government owned
Median salary: $80,600
Employment: 2,500 - Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities
Median salary: $80,430
Employment: 2,260 - Residential intellectual and developmental disability, mental health and substance abuse facilities
Median salary: $75,860
Employment: 1,360 - Nursing and residential care facilities
Median salary: $74,650
Employment: 1,930
