How Much Does a Neuropsychologist Make?

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Updated June 9, 2025

Neuropsychology can be a fascinating career if you're interested in the way the brain functions and how it impacts human behavior. If you are considering a career as a neuropsychologist, the earning potential for this job is probably one of your key considerations. Learning about salary, primary responsibilities, skills and the job outlook for neuropsychologists can help you assess whether this career path is right for you. In this article, we discuss how much neuropsychologists make, what they do and how you can become one yourself.Related: 15 Top Psychology Degrees

Average salary of a neuropsychologist

The average salary for neuropsychologists ranges from approximately $140,442 to $373,555 per year according to experience and geographic location. Healthcare companies tend to employ neuropsychologists the most.

What does a neuropsychologist do?

Neuropsychologists evaluate and treat patients who have nervous system disorders. They usually work closely with a team of medical professionals, including neurosurgeons, neurologists and others, whose role is to help with specific medical problems. Symptoms that may require the services of a neuropsychologist include nervous system dysfunction, learning or memory difficulties, and mood disturbances.Neuropsychologists administer tests to assess problems with certain functions, such as language, personality, or cognitive. They may also use brain scans like CT or MRI scans to make a diagnosis. A neuropsychologist then compares the test results with those of other people of a similar age and educational level. This can help determine the root cause of symptoms, particularly if the problem is memory related. Once they understand the cause of the problem, neuropsychologists can develop a treatment plan. That plan may include surgery, rehabilitation therapy or medication.Some of the primary duties of a neuropsychologist include:

Researching and experimenting to answer questions about the structure and function of the brain
Evaluating symptoms of abnormal brain function or injuries
Creating treatment plans for specific brain injuries
Helping patients reach their treatment goals
Administering tests of a patient's cognitive abilities and overseeing MRIs, PET scans and other scans
Offering expert opinions at court during legal proceedings
Attending or participating in conferences to stay aware of new technology and developments in the field

How do you become a neuropsychologist?

Here are the basic steps you can take to become a neuropsychologist:

Earn a bachelor's degree.
Earn additional degrees if desired.
Pursue licensing.
Consider postdoctoral training.
Obtain board certification.

1. Earn a bachelor's degree.

Because a neuropsychologist position requires an advanced degree, aspiring neuropsychologists must obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Some of the preferred fields of discipline include psychology, neuroscience, biology, pre-medicine or another similar field. These degree programs take approximately four years to complete. The most common degrees earned by neuropsychologists in the U.S. are those in clinical, counseling, or occasionally school psychology with a focus in neuropsychology in graduate school, internship or fellowship. A certificate program is not needed or frequently attended by these individuals. To increase the likelihood of admission into a doctorate degree program, aspiring neuropsychologists should maintain the highest possible GPA during their time in college. Most students will be expected to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and include letters of recommendation within their graduate school applications.

2. Earn additional degrees if desired.

This is an optional step that is contingent on the requirements of the doctoral program in neuropsychology that you are entering. Many doctoral programs will accept students who hold only a bachelor's degree, so it may not be necessary to first obtain a master's. Some aspiring neuropsychologists earn a doctorate in either neuropsychology or clinical neuropsychology. Other students obtain a Ph.D. or PsyD in clinical psychology and then follow that with a doctoral certificate program. Because some doctoral programs don't offer neuropsychology degrees, students may need to obtain a doctorate in psychology with a concentration in neuropsychology or clinical neuroscience. The majority of these degrees are research-oriented PhDs rather than practice-oriented PsyD. Keep in mind that there are only a small number of doctoral programs that offer degrees in neuropsychology, and most Ph.D. programs in clinical and counseling psychology are as focused on clinical training as they are on research. Regardless of the specific path you choose to take, most students can expect to spend between three and seven years completing their formal education.

3. Pursue licensing.

State licensure is required to practice as a neuropsychologist. Though the licensing requirements do vary somewhat from state to state, most generally require the completion of a doctoral program and a specific amount of practical experience. Candidates must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology.

4. Consider postdoctoral training.

To make the most of their careers, it's generally a good idea to obtain a board certification. However, several years of postdoctoral training is necessary to qualify for board certification.

5. Obtain board certification.

Board certification isn't a requirement for a career as a neuropsychologist, although it's highly recommended since it can enhance the neuropsychologist's reputation and create more employment opportunities. To obtain a certification from the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN), candidates must hold a doctoral degree, complete an APA-accredited internship or have a year of supervised experience, be licensed to practice in the U.S. or Canada, and pass written and oral exams.Related: 6 Mental Health Jobs and Ways to Succeed in the Field

Skills for neuropsychologists

The following skills are beneficial for neuropsychologists to succeed in their field:

Critical thinking: They must be able to think logically and critically to diagnose patients.
Communication: Neuropsychologists must be able to convey important and complex information in a straightforward manner that patients can understand.
Problem-solving: They must have strong problem-solving skills to evaluate different options and identify the best possible solution.
Analysis and interpretation: They must be able to gather information from different sources, combine it with their own knowledge and experience and interpret it to reach a solution.
Attention to detail: Neuropsychologists must have strong attention to detail to ensure they obtain all the information they need from scans. They must pay attention to the details patients are sharing about their symptoms so nothing is overlooked.
Interpersonal skills: Because neuropsychologists must collaborate with other healthcare professionals, interpersonal skills are essential.

Job outlook for neuropsychologists

The overall field of psychology is expected to grow at a rate of 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average for all occupations. Demand is expected to grow as more people turn to psychologists for help. Neuropsychologists will also be needed to provide services as the population ages.

Frequently asked questions

Where do neuropsychologists work?

Although their professional environments may vary, neuropsychologists typically work in laboratories, clinics, hospitals, universities, research offices and mental health facilities. They typically spend the majority of their workweek in a clinical setting.

How long does it take to become a neuropsychologist?

Although it can depend on an individual's academic schedule and credentials, it typically takes between 10 and 13 years to become a neuropsychologist. Since this career usually requires a doctorate degree, internship and other role-related training, it involves a significant time commitment.

What can you do with a neuropsychology degree?

Universities typically offer neuropsychology degree programs at the doctorate level, so an advanced degree in this field can prepare you for a career in scientific research or as a clinical neuropsychologist.

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