All About Psychology Jobs and Common Careers

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Updated June 9, 2025

A career in the field of psychology provides valuable insight into the mental health disorders and behaviors that influence people's everyday lives. If you're considering this career path, you may be wondering how best to approach a degree in psychology and what education is needed for specific careers. In this article, we discuss many aspects of psychology, including how to get a psychology job and common careers in this field.

What is psychology?

Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior as it relates to many subfields of study, including cognitive processes, brain function, human development, mental health and social behavior.

Why work in the psychology field?

People who work in the psychology field enjoy a rewarding career helping others learn how to cope with mental disorders and overcome challenges. Depending on their area of study, therapists and other professionals in the psychology field can help individuals and families become stronger, more productive and better functioning. They also assist people with a wide range of mental and behavioral issues.

Where do psychologists work?

Psychologists work in a variety of settings that include hospitals, behavioral centers, medical schools, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers and within their own offices. In addition to working with their patients and other medical professionals, psychologists spend much of their time alone researching and documenting cases.Related: 6 Mental Health Jobs and Ways To Succeed in the Field

How to get a psychology job

Follow these steps to get a psychology job:

Earn your bachelor's degree.
Gain experience.
Look into graduate programs.
Choose your degree and specialty.
Earn your doctorate in psychology.
Get licensed.

1. Earn your bachelor's degree

Most psychology jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in the field. Once you receive your bachelor's in psychology, you'll be qualified to seek a number of entry-level psychology positions including career counselor, case manager, childcare worker, market researcher and probation officer. If you choose to continue your education and become a psychologist, a bachelor's degree is required for acceptance into graduate-level programs.

2. Gain experience

Depending on your area of interest, you may gain hands-on experience in the field to increase your knowledge of the subject. Those interested in experimental psychology may consider shadowing a professor who is working on a research project. If you're pursuing developmental psychology, look for opportunities to work with disabled children. Mental health clinics and hospitals are great resources to gain experience in clinical psychology.

3. Look into graduate programs

If you're seeking a high-paying psychology career, take time to review the different graduate programs available. Choose the school that best meets your career interests and needs. Some programs are better suited for certain specialties, so it's important to look at the professors' backgrounds and college courses to determine if you'll get the education you desire. Students must achieve a high Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score, provide letters of recommendation and have research experience in order to be accepted into a master's program.

4. Choose your degree and specialty

Once you've researched graduate programs, decide if you'll pursue a master's program or a doctorate degree for your specialty. You may need to earn a PsyD, Ph.D., EdD or EdS depending on your career goals. Work with the school's career counselor and interview other psychologists if possible, to learn which credentials are worth pursuing. Plan on spending another four to six years in college after earning your bachelor's degree if you decide to pursue a doctorate degree. Areas of specialty you may choose include clinical, counseling and school psychology.

5. Earn your Doctorate in Psychology

To complete your doctoral education, you'll need to have a combination of several things. First, you must successfully complete all courses related to the degree with an acceptable grade point average (GPA), plus complete a dissertation and one to two years in an internship. Once you satisfy all the necessary requirements for graduation, you'll be ready to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

6. Get licensed

Psychologists must become licensed in order to practice, and requirements differ by state. Prospects must graduate from an accredited doctoral program, complete two years or 3,000 hours of supervised experience and pass the EPPP. To maintain your license, you must complete a certain number of continuing education hours set forth by your state.Related: How To Become a Psychologist

Common careers in psychology

Here are some of the most common careers in psychology, with their primary duties and national average salary:

1. Career counselor

National average salary: $45,844 per yearPrimary duties: Career counselors assist people in choosing their career paths. Counselors meet with clients of all ages, at all phases of life, to determine their skills, personality traits and interests to better understand which roles are best for them. Based on a client's profile, career counselors research a variety of career options and provide resources to help the client launch a new career.

2. Therapist

National average salary: $61,727 per yearPrimary duties: Therapists help patients improve their mental and behavioral state of mind. They work through discussions with clients to alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, anger, grief and a wide range of other emotions that affect a client's daily life. Therapists often diagnose and assess clients for disorders and suggest helpful exercises designed to help them overcome their mental challenges.

3. School psychologist

National average salary: $72,147 per yearPrimary duties: School psychologists work primarily with children and young adults who have behavioral and mental health issues. They listen to their concerns regarding specific problems and help them find solutions to correct behaviors. School psychologists also work with parents and administrative staff to diagnose and treat disorders in children, implementing testing and individual education plans to support a child's learning experiences.

4. Clinical psychologist

National average salary: $103,503 per yearPrimary duties: Clinical psychologists work with patients suffering from psychological issues like depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and other mental disorders. They work with patients to assess and treat the disorders. In addition, they may conduct research studies or specialize in working with children or older individuals. Clinical psychologists develop special treatment plans to address specific behaviors, as well as counsel patients and their families.Read more: Learn About Being a Clinical Psychologist

5. Psychiatrist

National average salary: $255,958 per yearRead more: Learn About Being a PsychiatristPrimary duties: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental disorders. Their training qualifies them to assess both the mental and physical aspects involved in psychological disorders. Psychiatrists have the credentials to prescribe medication and treat patients with complex mental health issues. In addition to psychological treatments, they may perform electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to stimulate brain function.

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