What's the Salary for Graduates of a Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology?
A Doctor of Psychology degree, or Psy.D., is a professional degree you might consider if you want to become a practicing psychologist. Salaries for these professionals depend on the industry you're employed in, your geographical location and your number of years of experience. Read on to find out more about the employment prospects and salary potential for professionals with a Psy.D.
<h3 id="section---SalaryInformation">Salary Information</h3>
<p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes psychologists with both Psy.D. and Ph.D. degrees in their collective information (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). In a BLS report from May 2021, clinical and counseling psychologists showed median annual salaries of $82,510, with most of these professionals earning between $47,010 and $167,460. Salaries were affected by industry, location and experience.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts About This Occupation</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td> Program Prerequisites</td><td> Master's degree in psychology, counseling or related mental health field; completion of clinical practicum (minimum hours vary by school); applicable graduate courses</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills</td><td> Communication, compassion, problem-solving, listening, patience</td></tr>
<tr><td> Work Environment</td><td> Private practice offices, clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, mental health facilities</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education</td><td> Most states require continuing education classes for license renewal</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---Industry">Industry</h3>
<p>In May 2021, the largest number of employment opportunities for clinical and counseling psychologists were found in offices of other health practitioners and offices of other physicians , reported the BLS. These industries paid average wages of $106,870 and $106,520, respectively. Opportunities were also found in outpatient care centers, individual and family services, and general medical and surgical hospitals where average wages were respectively $106,490, $78,900 and $96,290. Employment services gave the highest average wage of $139,160.
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<h3 id="section---Location">Location</h3>
<p>The BLS stated that California and New York had more clinical and counseling psychologists than other states on a per capita basis, and that in May 2021, the average salaries for these locations were $122,790 and $120,350, respectively. The highest average salaries for these psychologists were in the states New Jersey ($143,150), Delaware ($129,450), Oregon ($126,230), California ($122,790) and New York ($120,350). The lowest average salaries in 2021 ranged from $61,950-$79,250 and were in locations that included Wyoming, Idaho, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Missouri, Arkansas, Georgia and Indiana.
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<h3 id="section---DegreeProgramOverview">Degree Program Overview</h3>
<p>Before you place this earning potential in your asset column, you should know a few things about what it takes to get this degree. Doctoral programs in counseling psychology generally take about 4-5 years of full-time study, depending on whether you're entering with a bachelor's or a master's degree. You may be required to write and defend a dissertation or pass qualifying exams. You'll likely follow your coursework with a 1-2 year internship. After you've completed your education, you will have to pass state licensing exam before you can begin practice.
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<h3 id="section---Curriculum">Curriculum</h3>
<p>Your curriculum may be designed with a specific focus or as a general degree. Studies cover subjects like personality assessment testing, treatment planning, communication enhancement techniques for dysfunctional groups and cultural influences on mental health. Some schools may include community service as part of the curriculum.
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<h3 id="section---Specializations">Specializations</h3>
<p>According to the BLS, there are some specialization fields for counseling psychologists that may offer you a wider range of job opportunities. Increased demand for counseling services is expected to contribute to the overall growth of 6% for psychologists over the 2021-2031 decade. Understanding that personal stress can create productivity problems in the workplace has spurred more employers to institute employee mental health assistance programs. You may also find more openings and less job competition in fields like school psychology.</p>