Psychologist Salary in Washington
Based on 1K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$115,240
$55.40/hr
vs National Average
$97,188
+18.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$79K – $179K
1K employed in Washington
The median Psychologist salary in Washington is $115,240 per year, which translates to approximately $55 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, reflecting a strong demand for mental health professionals in the state.
Several factors can influence a Psychologist salary in Washington. These include the specific type of psychologist, years of experience, geographic location within the state, and the setting of employment, such as private practice, hospitals, or educational institutions.
Salary Distribution — Psychologist in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,940 |
| 25th percentile | $99,540 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $115,240 |
| 75th percentile | $145,790 |
| 90th percentile | $179,470 |
Top-Paying Industries for Psychologist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Psychologists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Psychologists in Washington tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $131,040 | — |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $112,010 | 5K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,960 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $99,770 | 63K |
| Educational Services | $91,550 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Psychologist in Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $115,240 |
| 2026 (projected) | $118,697 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $115,240 | $97,188 |
| 2026 (projected) | $118,697 | $100,104 |
Psychologist Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $99,540 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $115,240 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $145,790 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $179,470 |
Psychologist Salary in Other States
Related Psychologist Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Psychologist ($115,240 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Psychologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in WA | $134,790 | +17.0% | $64.80/hr |
| Medical Scientist in WA | $105,680 | -8.3% | $50.81/hr |
| Geoscientist in WA | $105,020 | -8.9% | $50.49/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in WA | $100,990 | -12.4% | $48.55/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in WA | $98,840 | -14.2% | $47.52/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in WA | $98,300 | -14.7% | $47.26/hr |
| Chemist in WA | $97,420 | -15.5% | $46.84/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in WA | $114,050 | -1.0% | $54.83/hr |
| Financial Examiner in WA | $113,700 | -1.3% | $54.66/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in WA | $119,320 | +3.5% | $57.37/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in WA | $110,430 | -4.2% | $53.09/hr |
| Civil Engineer in WA | $110,000 | -4.5% | $52.88/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a psychologist in Washington?
- The median salary for a psychologist in Washington is $115,240 per year. This places Washington psychologists 18.6% above the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for psychologists in Washington?
- The salary range for psychologists in Washington typically falls between $78,940 and $179,470 annually. This wide spectrum accounts for varying levels of experience and specialization.
How many psychologists are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 1,270 psychologists currently employed in Washington. This number reflects the significant presence of mental health services within the state.
Is a psychologist's salary in Washington higher than the national average?
- Yes, a Psychologist salary in Washington is 18.6% higher than the national average. The median salary of $115,240 per year significantly outpaces the national median.