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How much do forensic psychologists make? (2026 state-by-state pay)

Forensic psychology could be lucrative once you’ve earned your degree. Learn more about what you could earn.

Forensic psychologists—who apply their expertise to legal and criminal proceedings—earn a median annual salary of $110,840 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This figure includes other specialized psychologists that do not fall into the BLS’ other employment groups, such as clinical psychologists or school psychologists.

Key takeaways

• Forensic psychologists fall under the broader BLS category of “Psychologists, all other” which has a national median annual salary of $110,840 and a projected job growth rate of 2.3% through 2035.
• Forensic psychology salaries vary significantly by state, with median annual salaries ranging from $46,350 in West Virginia to $157,540 in California among states with available data.
• Earning potential and job opportunities can increase with advanced education and experience, with doctoral degree-holders generally having stronger prospects for forensic psychology positions than those with master’s degrees.

Median annual forensic psychology salary

Salaries for forensic psychologists can be excellent, with the BLS reporting that the top 10% of psychologists earned more than $168,520. As with most psychology careers, experience, chosen field of specialty and location play an enormous factor in salary. Check out state-by-state salaries below.

How do forensic psychology salaries compare to other psychology careers?

What is the job growth for forensic psychology?

According to the BLS, the employment of psychologists is expected to grow 5.6% through 2035, which is on par with all other careers. The BLS anticipates 11,300 job openings each year, on average, over the next decade.

This may be due in part to an aging population and healthcare costs associated with unhealthy lifestyles, personal and family problems and crime and punishment, which means there will be increased demand for forensic psychology professionals in schools, law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, consulting firms and mental health centers.

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.

“The dominant model continues to be one in which an individual earns a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, and subsequently pursues a postdoctoral specialization in forensics. However, more graduate schools are adopting forensic tracks,” says the American Psychological Association (APA).

What kinds of companies hire forensic psychologists?

Forensic psychologists often work as independent contractors and consultants in a variety of settings.

“Psychologists in this field may work in prisons, rehabilitation centers, police departments, courthouses, law firms, schools, government agencies or private practices. They are needed to determine whether a suspected criminal has a mental illness, for example, and are called upon to treat incarcerated individuals with substance abuse and addiction issues,” the APA explains. “Their work also spans important legal activities that involve minors. They help children in suspected abuse cases to process and communicate their experiences truthfully and accurately, and may prepare them to testify in court or child custody disputes.”

Forensic psychologists may also choose to work in academia and contribute to research efforts and/or teach the next generation of psychologists.

How can I advance in my forensic psychology career?

Education is key to forensic psychologists, and those who provide expert analysis or testimony often have a 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.

Experience in law enforcement, legal procedures, and computer science may also help advance your career within the field of forensic psychology.

“While there is no single model for becoming a forensic and public service psychologist, a doctoral degree, often in clinical or counseling psychology, is usually required. Such a degree takes five to seven years of graduate study to complete. After the appropriate education, training and experience, these psychologists can apply for board certification, which certifies that they have a high level of professional competence and maturity for their work in forensic psychology,” the APA says. “Most positions in the field require board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).”

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.

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