Psychologist Salary in the United States
Based on 72K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$97,188
$46.73/hr
Salary Range
$58K – $165K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
72K
workers nationwide
The median Psychologist salary in the United States is $97,188 annually, or $47 per hour. This figure reflects the average earnings across a wide spectrum of roles within the field. With a substantial number of professionals employed, understanding the earning potential for psychologists is crucial for career planning.
Several factors can significantly influence a Psychologist salary in the United States. These include the specific area of specialization, years of experience, the type of employer (e.g., private practice, hospital, government agency), and geographical location. The salary range can extend from $57,603 to $165,198, highlighting the variability in compensation.
Salary Distribution — Psychologist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,603 |
| 25th percentile | $73,099 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,188 |
| 75th percentile | $126,003 |
| 90th percentile | $165,198 |
Psychologist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Psychologist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | $134,350 | +38.2% | 540 |
| 2 | New Jersey | $127,090 | +30.8% | 3K |
| 3 | New Mexico | $124,800 | +28.4% | — |
| 4 | Alaska | $124,270 | +27.9% | 40 |
| 5 | Arizona | $119,010 | +22.5% | 730 |
| 6 | Hawaii | $117,860 | +21.3% | 250 |
| 7 | North Dakota | $116,130 | +19.5% | 170 |
| 8 | California | $116,000 | +19.4% | 13K |
| 9 | Washington | $115,240 | +18.6% | 1K |
| 10 | Massachusetts | $115,180 | +18.5% | 3K |
Psychologist Salary by Industry
How much Psychologists earn across industries nationwide — Administrative and Support Services pays the most ($131,040 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Administrative and Support Services | $131,040 | +34.8% | — |
| 2 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $112,010 | +15.3% | 5K |
| 3 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,960 | +4.9% | 2K |
| 4 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $99,770 | +2.7% | 63K |
| 5 | Educational Services | $91,550 | -5.8% | 3K |
| 6 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $81,270 | -16.4% | 270 |
| 7 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $80,400 | -17.3% | 580 |
| 8 | Finance and Insurance | $72,220 | -25.7% | 190 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Psychologist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $97,188 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,104 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Psychologist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $73,099 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $97,188 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $126,003 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $165,198 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a psychologist in the US?
- The median salary for a psychologist in the United States is $97,188 per year. However, salaries can range from $57,603 for entry-level positions to over $165,198 for experienced professionals.
Which state pays psychologists the most?
- Oregon currently offers the highest compensation for psychologists, with a median salary of $134,350 per year. This suggests significant regional differences in earning potential within the United States.
How much do psychologists earn hourly?
- On average, psychologists in the United States earn about $47 per hour. This hourly rate corresponds to the median annual salary of $97,188.
What is the salary range for psychologists?
- The salary range for psychologists in the United States is quite broad, typically falling between $57,603 and $165,198 annually. This wide spectrum reflects differences in experience, specialization, and location.