What is the Average Salary for Clinical Psychologist?

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Working in the field of psychology gives an individual a wide variety of choices regarding work environment, salary, and job duties. Psychology is such a broad field that choosing a specialty area can be challenging. There are so many choices that a person considering a career as a psychologist has to put some effort into understanding, which area of psychology is the best fit.

For those who like the idea of working in a clinical setting, becoming a clinical psychologist can be the perfect choice. Clinical psychologists provide therapy, diagnosis, and various forms to treatment for mental illnesses in a clinical setting. The job can be both challenging and rewarding, but one of the most attractive elements of this choice is the salary.

Salary Factors in this Profession

A clinical psychology average salary amount varies depending on location, experience, and level of education, but all clinical psychologists enjoy healthy compensation and benefits. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association in 2009, the average starting salary for an entry level clinical psychologist was $70,036 per year. This salary reflected all clinical psychologists in every possible setting with less than five years experience.

Entry Level Salary

On the low side, entry level clinical psychology average salary numbers were $56,762 per year, while the high side numbers were upwards of $84,000. Experience in the field makes all the difference regarding salary and those who spend five to ten years as a clinical psychologist can expect to earn a nice salary. Commitment to the job is the key when it comes to making the most money along with time spent gaining necessary experience.

A Step Past Entry Level

Once a clinical psychologist gained over five years experience, the same study found their salary would jump to roughly $83,007 per year. After ten years, the number became $95,522 and after twenty years, clinical psychologists have been found to earn upwards of $100,394 per year or more.

Education Comes First

Of course, simply working in a position with the title of clinical psychologist isn’t enough to earn steady raises and maximize a clinical psychology average salary potential. It is also important to have a firm grasp on the principles and practices involved in clinical psychology. In order to do so, a quality education at an accredited college is incredibly important.

Those considering pursuit of a career as a clinical psychologist have to commit to a lengthy education and licensing process. Requirements include a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in psychology, along with a willingness to pass a state licensing exam, and possibly a Doctorate in psychology as well as a two years on-the-job training period before being hired to do the job.

Overview

Clinical psychology is a great field to choose for those who want a nice paying career that allows for an opportunity to work with mental health issues in a clinical setting. The work environment, salary, and growth potential all combine to make a promising career choice and a nice future job prospects.