Child Development Psychology Career Outlook

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Having a degree in Child Development Psychology can give a graduate several options when choosing a job in this field. Students with a Master’s degree or higher can work in clinics, schools, doctor’s offices, and welfare offices, among others. Some Developmental Psychologists work in the field of research, as well. No matter what work environment a graduate student feels comfortable with, the current outlook for jobs in this field is impressive, with employment growth of 12% through 2022.

Employment Growth

The specialized field of child psychology is at a growth rate of 11%. This demand comes from several work environments including hospitals, clinics, schools, mental health centers, and welfare offices. The growth rate is contingent on the location of the job market. Some cities in the United States have a faster job growth than other cities and communities. The larger the city, the better the opportunities will be. The job candidate’s chances of finding a job are also contingent on the education of the graduate. Someone with a doctor’s degree will be paid more and have more opportunities than someone with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Master’s degree. There is a large demand for qualified professionals, and the need for professional Child Development Psychologists continues to grow.

Employment Factors

The job opportunities can depend on what area of the country you live in. Certain metropolitan areas have a higher demand for Child Development Psychologists than others. Earning potential is also dependent on location. There are some employment opportunities that are higher in demand than others. With the students facing challenges in school, one of the fastest growing jobs is in the school setting. Most schools provide at least one school counselor, depending on the size of the school. Students are encouraged to see the counselor when there are problems that arise in the school setting. When working with students, a Child Psychologist will need to be well aware of the different stages of child development, particularly depending on the grade levels and age of the students he or she is assigned to.

Education

Many times, the demand for Child Psychologists is dependent on the degree a candidate holds. In most fields of Child Psychology, a Master’s or a Doctorate’s degree is required for hiring consideration. In many states, candidates are required to take and pass a state licensing board test. Some students may also be required to do an internship under the supervision of a trained counselor.

Salary for Child Development Psychology Careers

The higher the degree obtained, the higher the salary expectation is in certain fields of Child Psychologists. A job candidate with a Doctor’s degree will likely get paid more than someone with a Master’s degree. The salary is also dependent on where a clinician works and their location. The earning potential depends on the location of the job. Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, and New Hampshire all offer salaries that are way above many of the other states.

Working with children can be a truly rewarding career for someone who wants to help children with their mental and developmental health. The growth outlook is positive and the places of employment are varied, giving a job seeker many opportunities to apply for jobs in their area of interest. As more and more people seek the help of a Child Development Psychologist to deal with children in a specific situation, the greater the growth in this field will be.