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
How much does a Psychologist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Psychologist in the United States is $94,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $61,000, while senior professionals earn up to $120,000. Top earners in the field can make $152,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Psychologist?
A Psychologist typically requires a Doctoral Degree (PhD/PsyD) with 2-4 years of experience. Key skills include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychological Assessment, Research Methods. Relevant certifications such as State Licensure or EPPP can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Psychologists?
The job market for Psychologists is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 190K Psychologist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 14%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Psychologists the most?
The highest-paying states for Psychologists include California, New York, Massachusetts. In California, the median salary is approximately $111,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Psychologist salary?
To increase your Psychologist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychological Assessment. Pursue certifications such as State Licensure. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 2-4 years of experience, you can progress from $61,000 to $120,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Psychologist Salary
How we calculate Psychologist salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $94,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Psychologist in the Healthcare sector.
- Entry-level ($61,000) and senior-level ($120,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 190K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 14% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Healthcare sector wages.
- Education requirement: Doctoral Degree (PhD/PsyD), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $94,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Psychologist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Psychologist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Psychologist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychological Assessment, Research Methods), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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