Where Do Psychologists Work? (With Salary and Other FAQs)

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Updated March 26, 2025

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Psychology careers can be fulfilling for professionals who enjoy helping others and feeling like they're making a difference in people's lives. This industry offers many opportunities for psychologists with a variety of interests and skill sets. If you want to become a psychologist, learning more about what this industry is and can offer you can help you determine whether it's right for you.In this article, we answer some common questions about psychologists, including where they work, how much they earn and what their work environment is.

What is a psychologist?

A psychologist is a mental health professional who helps others manage and overcome their mental health issues. Psychologists consider emotional and behavioral aspects of mental health in addition to the physical components, like genetics and brain injuries. These professionals often focus on one aspect of mental health, such as depression, employee health or grief.Psychologists work in many roles with different requirements. Some may meet with patients or clients to discuss and achieve their goals. They evaluate an individual for cognitive, emotional and social changes, and these evaluations can provide more insight into somebody's behavior and thoughts. Psychologists may also administer therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy. Psychologists may also:

Identify behavioral patterns
Evaluate personality characteristics
Identify mental health problems
Help patients improve social and emotional skills
Develop treatment plans
Evaluate substance abuse disorders
Help companies develop effective leadership

Where do psychologists work?

Psychology is a large field, which means there are many places for psychologists to work. Psychologists consider their specialization, patient focus, professional interests and local opportunities when they decide where to work. Here are some of the common settings in which psychologists work:

Private practices

Some psychologists have their own offices, similar to private doctor's offices. Psychologists who work in private practices may work alone or as part of a team. They offer counseling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families. Typically, these psychologists focus on specific types of patients. For example, some psychologists counsel patients with depression or anxiety. Others help patients overcome relationship problems.Related: 12 Choices for a Career as a Psychologist

Healthcare settings

Some psychologists work in healthcare settings. They provide mental health treatment in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and substance abuse centers. Psychologists provide specialized treatment to help clients meet goals and milestones. For example, a psychologist who works at a pediatric clinic may offer developmental counseling. A psychologist who works at a substance abuse center provides therapy for patients who experience addiction.Related: 20 Skills Needed To Be a Psychologist

Universities and research centers

Some psychologists work at universities as researchers. Research psychologists use the scientific method to study the brain and human behavior. They perform the research that informs the work of other psychologists. These researchers are experts in psychology, and some focus on one specific aspect of the field. For example, some research psychologists focus on childhood development. Some research psychologists also work as university professors to teach adult learners about human behavior. Professors also show students how to use the scientific method and apply psychological theories.Related: Should I Be a Psychologist? What To Expect in a Psychology Career

Education institutions

Educational psychologists often work as counselors, social workers and teachers. They may mediate discussions, resolve conflicts or provide college counseling services. These psychologists improve mental health awareness in schools. They understand the educational, social and emotional needs of students, which allows them to intervene in high-risk situations.Related: How To Become an Educational Psychologist

Government agencies and law enforcement

Some psychologists work for federal, state or local government agencies. They may work in correctional facilities, clinics and hospitals. These psychologists often focus on rehabilitation efforts. They often work with people who are incarcerated, on parole or admitted to a substance abuse clinic. They can also help victims of criminal activity. Psychologists who work for law enforcement agencies may be forensic specialists and assist with criminal investigations. Sometimes, psychologists counsel law enforcement officials to improve stress management. They also help officers cope with crisis negotiation, hostage situations, and undercover assignments.Related: What Is a Criminal Psychologist?

Private businesses

Private businesses employ psychologists to conduct market research with a focus on consumer psychology. They create plans to analyze the behavioral patterns of a business' target audience. Some businesses hire industrial-organizational psychologists to study the behavior of employees in the workplace by monitoring performance. They also implement practices to increase overall productivity, effectiveness, efficiency and individual satisfaction. Private businesses also often hire psychologists to work in human resources. These psychologists study workplace culture, conflict resolution techniques and disciplinary procedures to ensure employers make good choices about who they hire.

What is the salary and job outlook for psychologists?

The national average salary for general psychologists is $94,387 per year. This figure can vary depending on a psychologist's education, experience, specialty and work environment, among other factors. For instance, industrial-organizational psychologists may earn more than the average salary because the corporations that hire them often have ample financial resources.The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of psychologists to increase by 6% from 2021 to 2031. This figure is about the same as the average for all occupations in this period, which may indicate a positive outlook for psychologists, especially those with doctoral degrees. The BLS attributes this growth to the increasing demand for psychological services in fields like health and social services. Mental health awareness has also helped this shift, according to the agency.For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the link provided.Related: 15 High-Paying Jobs With a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

What is a psychologist's work environment?

Work schedules vary based on the psychologist's role. If a psychologist works in private practice, they may create their schedule. Some psychologists work nights and weekends to accommodate the needs of clients who work business hours. Additionally, those who work in healthcare settings may have a schedule that varies on a week-to-week basis. They may have to work nights or weekends according to their workplace's staffing needs. Psychologists in academia, education and government roles often work standard business hours.Psychologists often work with individuals experiencing emotional, physical, or intellectual health issues. In these situations, clients and patients could be in distress. As a result, some psychologists experience a high-pressure work environment. Psychologists often develop a high capacity for emotional intelligence, compassion and resilience to support their clients. Developing these skills can help you manage complex problems.Related: What Does a School Psychologist Do? (With Salary and Skills)

How can psychologists find jobs?

If you want to find a job as a psychologist, there are many helpful resources you can use. One of the most effective methods to find a job as a psychologist is to build a professional network. Colleagues, professors, advisers and peers may help you identify job leads or refer you for an open role. Some professional organizations, like the American Psychological Association (APA), offer job search tools. Other psychologists find roles through clinical internships or fellowships. Additionally, job listing websites allow candidates to find current information about open positions.Related: How To Find Your Dream Job

What type of degree do psychologists pursue?

Many psychologists earn a bachelor's degree and an advanced degree, such as a master's or a doctorate. Some subfields of psychology, like clinical psychology, require candidates to earn doctorate degrees. Other professions, such as school and industrial-organizational psychologists, may require master's degrees. Therapists and counselors often earn a master's degree and state licensing before they can practice, but each state may have different licensing requirements.For example, a state may require an experienced therapist to supervise your work for a certain number of hours before you can practice on your own. Your state also may require you to take continuing education courses to maintain your license. Roles in research and academia may have different degree requirements. Consider researching the specific degree requirements for the roles and work environments you're interested in pursuing because an advanced degree could increase your chances of securing a job.Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

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