Psychologist Salary in 2026
Psychologists study mental processes and human behavior, diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They provide therapy and conduct psychological research.
Median Salary
$94,000
$7,833/mo
Entry Level
$61,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$120,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Psychologist Overview
Psychologists study mental processes and human behavior, diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They provide therapy and conduct psychological research.
Education
Doctoral Degree (PhD/PsyD)
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
190K
5-Year Growth
+14%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$45.19/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,833
Psychologist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Psychologist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Psychologist Salary
$100,000
$8,333/month · $3,846/biweekly · $48.08/hr
Psychologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Psychologist field.
Entry-level Psychologists earn around $61,000, while the top 10% earn $136,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Psychologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $111,000 | +$17,000 |
| New York | $108,000 | +$14,000 |
| Massachusetts | $105,000 | +$11,000 |
| Illinois | $98,000 | +$4,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $94,000 | $0 |
Top Paying Cities for Psychologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $111,000 | +$17,000 |
| Los Angeles | $105,000 | +$11,000 |
| Boston | $105,000 | +$11,000 |
| Chicago | $99,000 | +$5,000 |
| Philadelphia | $96,000 | +$2,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Psychologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Psychologist from entry level to expert.
$61,000
0-2 years
$91,000
3-7 years
$120,000
8-14 years
$152,000
15+ years
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Psychologist Salary FAQ
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