Psychologists apply their knowledge to a wide range of endeavors, including health and human services, management, education, law, and sports. In addition to a variety of work settings, psychologists usually specialize in one of a number of different areas including clinical/medical, counseling, school/learning, industrial, developmental, social/organizational and experimental/research.

A doctoral degree is usually required for employment as a licensed clinical or counseling psychologist. Psychologists with a Ph.D. qualify for a wide range of teaching, research, clinical, and counseling positions in universities, healthcare services, elementary and secondary schools, private industry, and government.

Psychologists in independent practice or those who offer any type of patient care must meet certification or licensing requirements.

Psychologist		$48,596
Clinical, Counseling & School Psychologist		$48,320
Industrial Psychologist		$66,880

Psychologists with a master's degree and 1 year of experience could start at $33,300. Psychologists having a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and 1 year of internship could start at $40,200, and some individuals with experience could start at $48,200. Beginning salaries were slightly higher in selected areas of the country where the prevailing local pay level was higher. The average annual salary for psychologists in the Federal Government was $72,830.