Available Jobs for Those with an Industrial Psychology Degree
Feb 8, 2015 | 8:00 am
Industrial Psychology, also known as Industrial and Occupational Psychology or I-O psychology is a sub-discipline of psychology that studies human behavior in connection with the workplace. The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes fourteen specialties within psychology, and Industrial Psychology is one of those recognized specialties.
Where are Most Industrial and Occupational Psychologists Located?
As of 2013, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that nearly all jobs in I-O psychology are concentrated in nine states; Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Mississippi, Minnesota, and California. Massachusetts, New York, and Minnesota have the highest number of jobs in industrial psychology. Interestingly, the average mean wage for industrial and occupational psychologists in inversely proportional to the number of jobs in the top five states. Massachusetts has the highest number of jobs (210) yet the lowest average mean wage ($80,010), while California has the lowest number of jobs (70), but the highest average mean wage ($101,770) among the states with the most number of jobs in industrial psychology. The state with the highest average mean wage ($125,830) is Tennessee, but only employed eight I-O psychologists as of 2013.
What are the Top Metropolitan Areas for in the US for I-O Jobs?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists four metropolitan areas that have the highest concentration of jobs in industrial psychology, with the majority (three out of four) located on the East Coast. The Boston metropolitan area leads the nation in jobs in industrial psychology with 100 reported in 2013. Minneapolis-St. Paul comes in second with 90 jobs reported in 2013.
Which Industries do Industrial and Occupational Psychologists Work?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overwhelming majority of jobs in industrial psychology are in the Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting services. Industrial psychologists also work in state and local governments, scientific research and development services, and as professors at colleges and universities.
Within employment consulting firms, they may work with HR departments during both hiring and promotion situations. They may also help conduct assessments and appraisals of individual employees. Industrial and Occupational Psychologists can also be called upon during instances of workplace violence and bullying. You will also find I-O psychologists consulting in workplace health and wellness programs, keeping employees motivated, and helping employees mange and reduce stress. Other I-O psychologists consult with management to build teams that can function well together, and help already established teams work out issues that may have crept in over time.
Colleges and Universities are also major employers of people with degrees in industrial and occupational psychology. In 2013, there were 60 Industrial and Occupational psychologists working as faculty members in colleges and universities. Even though the pay is often times lower than private industry or with state and local governments, faculty members enjoy other benefits, such as greater job security.
There are a wide variety of career paths available to those who have Industrial Psychology Degrees. Some Industrial and Occupational Psychologists work for employment consulting firms, which are often the highest paying positions.