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Psychologist and Counselor Salaries

Psychology salaries vary. See what you'll earn after you get your online psychology degree.

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Psychologist Salary

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The field of psychology should, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, enjoy faster-than-average growth—around 15 percent—through 2016. Job prospects should be best for people who have a doctoral degree in an applied specialty such as counseling or school psychology. Job prospects for those holding a Master's degree in other areas than industrial-organizational psychology should expect the job field to be competitive, and bachelor degree holders will face limited opportunities.

Employment opportunities will increase primarily in schools, hospitals, substance abuse clinics, consulting firms and private companies. How much can you expect to earn as a psychiatrist, general psychologist or psychologist specializing in a particular field of psychology? Here are psychologist salary figures based on 2007 median earnings statistics by psychology specialty.

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Job Title/Specialty Median Salary
School Psychologist $63,510
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist $80,820
Forensic Psychologist $59,732
Sports Psychologist $54,000
Developmental Psychologist $64,496
Educational Psychologist $58,820
Experimental Psychologist $56,505
Neuropsychologist $79,570
Social Psychologist $64,496


Psychiatrist Salary

You'll need to attend medical school to become a psychiatrist and earn an MD degree. In residency, you'll receive specialized training in the field of psychiatry in addition to all general medical school training.

The employment of psychiatrists is projected to grow 14 percent through 2016, which is faster than average for all occupations. Job growth will occur because of need for qualified psychiatrists in mental health facilities, clinics and hospitals. Additionally, psychiatrists in private practice will replace baby boomer-age professionals, who may be considering retirement.

Job Title/Specialty Median Salary
Psychiatrist (Private Practice) $147,620

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Counselor/Therapist Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for counselors is expected to grow on average 21 percent—much faster than the national average for all occupations through 2016. Growth will vary by counseling specialty, with substance abuse and behavioral disorder counseling holding the highest percentage (34 percent) while educational, vocational and school counselors will see an average growth of 13 percent.

Marriage and family counselors and mental health counselors will see an average growth of 30 percent and rehabilitation counselors will average 23 percent job growth through 2016. Median incomes for counselor/therapist salaries are:

Job Title/Specialty Median Salary
Substance Abuse Counselor $40,540
Behavioral Disorder Counselor $40,540
Mental Health Counselor $39,450
Marriage and Family Counselor $45,310
Vocational Counselor $46,415
Rehabilitation Counselor $35,000
Clinical Therapist $35,000
School Counselor $46,415

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Social Worker Salary

Employment growth for social workers is estimated at 22 percent through 2016, which is much higher than the national average. Once again, many new jobs will be created because of a rapidly growing elderly population, which will result in a greater demand for social services.

While a bachelor's degree in social work constitutes the minimum requirement, a master's degree in social work or a related field is the standard. Here are the median projected incomes for social work specialties. This table will give you an idea of your average salary and allow you to better prepare for a future helping others.

Job Title/Specialty Median Salary
Child Welfare Worker $34,820
Medical Social Worker $43,025
Aging/Gerontology Specialist $42,780
Psychotherapy Social Worker $33,920
School Social Worker $40,000
Medical/Clinical Social Worker $52,509
Development Disabilities Specialist $55,000
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Salary Sources: Salary.com, SalaryWizard.com, Speedyceus.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics, socialworkschool.tripod.com, socialworkers.org, payscale.com

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