Forensic Psychology Degree and Career Guide
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Forensic Psychologist Salary (State-by-State Pay 2024)
Forensic psychology could be lucrative once you’ve earned your degree. Here are some salary ranges.
Median Annual Forensic Psychology Salary
Forensic psychologists are part of the larger field of psychologists as far as salaries are reported, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics. Take a look at median annual salaries by state here.
What’s my earning potential?
Salaries for forensic psychologists can be excellent, with the BLS reporting that the top 10% of psychologists earned more than $157,420. As with most psychology careers, experience and chosen field of specialty play an enormous factor in salary.
How do forensic psychology salaries compare to other psychology careers?
What is the job growth for the field?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of psychologists is expected to grow 6.1% through 2032, which is on par with all other careers. This growth will add 11,300 psychologists to the workforce. Why? Due to an aging population and health care costs associated with unhealthy lifestyles, personal and family problems and crime and punishment, there will be increased demand for forensic psychology professionals in schools, law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, consulting firms, and mental health centers.
With the growing interest in this popular field, jobs will most likely go to those with doctoral degrees, while master’s degree-holders will find the road to entry into the forensic psychology workplace highly competitive. National long-term projections of employment growth may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
How much job competition do forensic psychologists face?
Job prospects will be best for forensic psychologists with doctoral degrees. Graduates with a master’s degree will find stiff competition for jobs because of the limited number of forensic psychology positions that require only a master’s degree. Bachelor’s degree holders will also be limited in the forensic psychology careers they may pursue, although some might find work as an assistant in rehabilitation centers.
What kinds of companies hire forensic psychologists?
Often, people in forensics will work as independent contractors and consultants. According to the BLS, forensic psychologists are most frequently employed by the following types of industries or offices:
- Federal executive branches
- Health practitioners offices
- Prosecutors’ offices
- Law firms
- Insurance companies
How do I advance in my forensic psychology career?
Education is key to forensic psychologists, and those who provide expert analysis or testimony often have a master’s degree or doctorate. In addition, those who provide expert testimony need many years of work experience in their profession, as well as a sterling reputation in the field. If you decide you want to take the educational route to become a forensic pathologist, you’ll need to earn a medical degree and complete a residency program, as well as get board certified in forensic pathology.
Experience in law enforcement, legal procedures, and computer science may also help advance your career within the field of forensic psychology.
Like any profession, forensic psychology has its exciting days and its routine ones. In the end, however, the research, analysis and informed opinions that forensic psychologists produce have a powerful impact on the criminal justice system and the public at large.