collageA PhD in Forensic Psychology can greatly enhance your job prospects, resulting in a bump up the pay scale. Paired with over ten years of experience working in the field, this advanced degree opens many doors to the job market. Read on to learn more about what a Forensic Psychologist can do for you. Are you burned out from endless hours of searching on the internet for phd in forensic psychology salary without much success? Are you frustrated at having to put so much effort in trying to get the best salary structure of phd in forensic psychology but ending up with mediocre ones?
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So, if you are a doctorate degree holder of forensic psychology, your endless hours of search just ended. You just bumped into a website that offers you the best salary basis of phd holder in forensic psychology and a whole lot more. What more could you ask for?
Salaries for Forensic Psychologists
Whether working directly for the state or as hired guns called in to consult on cases and provide services on a contract basis, forensic psychologists are the trusted professionals the courts, law firms, police departments, schools, correctional and rehabilitation centers rely on for a better understanding and perspective on the criminal mind.
On any given day, forensic psychologists are performing mental health evaluations for the courts or correctional system…assisting attorneys in jury selection…providing dispute resolution and competency assessment services for the courts…performing background investigations for law enforcement agencies…and assessing and evaluating both offenders and victims of crime for civil and criminal cases. It’s a specialized profession that calls for specialized credentials (all must have a PhD or PsyD from an American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited doctoral program, two years of post-doctoral experience, and state licensure as a clinical psychologist), but in this field, the rewards make it well worth it.
What Exactly is Behind the Record High Salaries in Forensic Psychology
So, how is it that specializing in forensics offers psychologists a chance to earn far more than they could in just about any other area of clinical and applied psychology?
In a word: demand.
According to a report from the American Psychological Association (APA), psychologists working in settings where psychology and the law overlap are “in hot demand.”
Ever since 2001 when the APA approved forensic psychology as a specialty, interest has surged in the field, and today, nearly every part of the legal system relies on their expertise.
Working as an independent consultant is an attractive option, providing total control over the kinds of clients they work with and how they bill for their services.
Unlike most clinical psychologists, forensic psychologists aren’t reliant on insurance reimbursement to make their money, and they aren’t subject to the same kind of standard rate billing. They may very well bill their services on an hourly basis or accept retainers for taking cases, but those rates aren’t ever going to be processed for approval by an insurance company. And so their services go to the highest bidder, and in a high-demand field without a lot of other options to choose from when a law firm or law enforcement agency needs a forensic psychologist, those bids can go pretty high.
They also have the opportunity specialize and diversify their practice according to where demand in the field takes them.
Not only is earning a salary in the six figures possible in forensic psychology, but it’s also more common than you may think. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), forensic psychologists (categorized by the BLS as Psychologists, All Others) earned a median salary of $101,790 as of May 2019. The top 10% of earners in this field – likely those with extensive experience and specialized experience in specific areas of the legal system – earned more than $129,530 during this time.
Based on BLS stats, some of the highest paid forensic psychologists were among those who worked as consultants, earning an annual average of $115,360.
Forensic psychologists working for state government earned an average of $104,280, while those working for the federal government earned just $94,670, about $10,000 less by comparison.
Coventry University Forensic Psychology
A Closer Look at Where Forensic Psychologists Are Earning the Most
ZipRecruiter, a leading online employment marketplace, provides a clear picture of what forensic psychologists today are earning, and where. Using current salaries gathered from the more than seven million jobs posted daily on the site, they are able to provide accurate average salaries for forensic psychologists.
As of September 2020, ZipRecruiter revealed that the highest average salaries for forensic psychologists were in the following states:
- New York: $115,299
- Massachusetts: $114,208
- Washington: $113,411
- New Hampshire: $111,152
- Hawaii: $109,689
- Maryland: $105,844
- Connecticut: $105,810
In general, top salaries for forensic psychologists are largely in line with those states that have a higher cost of living.
While psychology remains one of the most popular fields for advanced education, with almost 28,000 students earning graduate degrees in the field in 2017-2018, federal education officials reported.
But not all specialty areas within this popular field are growing at the same rate. Forensic psychology, for instance, seems to be getting more in-demand among students who want to combine a deep knowledge of human behavior with a desire for justice.
Why Do We Need Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychology can sometimes be a very important piece of the puzzle when trying to solve a criminal case. Professionals in this field are often able to help narrow down the suspect list or at least provide a motive for a crime. In some cases, the expert testimony of a respected forensic psychologist might be the last piece of the puzzle when trying to convict a criminal.
The field of forensic psychology is also a very important part of crime prevention as well. Professionals in this field might be called upon to participate in the rehabilitation of criminals, for instance, to help ensure that they become law abiding citizens. Research in this field can also help pinpoint certain types of people who might possibly commit crimes before they actually do.
What Are the Education Requirements to Become a Forensic Psychologist?
In general, individuals pursuing forensic psychology careers should make sure that their education is focused on psychology, criminology, and forensics. There are a couple different ways to pursue this type of education. First, a student can earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus on criminology or criminal justice. A student can also earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or criminology with a focus on psychology. Some courses that an aspiring forensic psychologist might take may include courses on forensics, abnormal psychology, and the psychology of deviance.
1: Psychiatrist $177,520
- Mean salary: $177,250
- Years of education: 12
- Focus: Medicine/Therapeutic Practice
- Stability & Growth: Slightly Above Average/Industry Experiences Steady Yearly Growth
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who evaluate, diagnose, and help prevent disorders of the mind and either prescribe medicine or employ psychotherapy or a combination of the two as treatment. The mean annual salary for a psychiatrist is $177,250, which equates to about 85 dollars an hour. Psychiatrists who specialize are able to garner even higher salaries. For example, those employed at residential care centers earn a mean annual salary of $212,490. Psychiatry is an extremely demanding endeavor, however, as it requires about 12 years of schooling, which includes a bachelor’s degree, medical school, and a 4 year residency program, and in turn may generate a large amount of debt or student loans. Despite the immense time and effort required, psychiatry as an industry experiences steady growth from year to year, offers stable six-figure salaries, and has extremely high salary potential for those who are willing to specialize. For these reasons, psychiatry takes the number one spot on our list.
2: Private Practice Clinical Therapists ≈ $150,000
- Mean salary: ≈ $150,000
- Years of education: 6-8+
- Focus: Therapeutic Practice
- Stability & Growth: Above Average/Industry Experiences Steady Yearly Growth
Private practice clinical therapists often run their businesses out of home offices, and independently practice therapeutic techniques to treat their clients. To enter into such private practice, one has to first has to earn a bachelor’s and then pursue a master’s degree (2 years) in clinical therapy. It is common for therapists to then pursue a doctorate in clinical therapy (2 years) because the success of private practice hinges on the accolades and rapport of the practitioner. This independence is both a weakness and strength of this career path. It allows the individual to self-market, establish self-made hours, and set the fee for services offered, which creates high-end salaries reported to range most commonly from 150,000 to 200,000 annually.
3: Industrial-Organizational Psychologist $98,800
- Mean salary: $98,000
- Years of education: 6-8
- Focus: Consultation
- Stability & Growth: Greatly Above Average/Industry Experiences High Yearly Growth
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists are human efficiency experts who specialize in working with companies and corporations to keep employees efficient, healthy, and working hard. The majority of industrial-organizational psychologists enter their careers with a master’s in I/O psychology, but salaries increase substantially with doctoral education. The industry for this career is one of the most stable and expanding on this list. Companies around the world are dedicating time and money to making their employees more efficient and happier, and are hiring I/O psychologists right out of school to make this happen. And, as the number of job opportunities in this field increases, so do the mean annual salaries. These trends justify this career’s spot in our top 3.
4: Neuropsychologist $86,645
- Mean salary: $86,645
- Years of education: 8
- Focus: Assessment/Consultation
- Stability & Growth: Average/Industry Experiences Average Yearly Growth
Neuropsychologists study cognitive science and the brain. Neuropsychology is a much more lucrative career at the doctorate level (4 years post undergrad), where neuropsychologists perform cognitive tests, run brain scans, study how drugs impact the nervous system, and consult victims of brain injuries. Although there is no data presented by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for neuropsychologists, PayScale reports that the average annual salary is $86,645, and while the bottom ten percent in the field earns just $57,908, the top earning neuropsychologists bring home $143,476 annually.
5: Clinical Psychologist $72,220
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- Mean salary: $72,220
- Years of education: 8+
- Focus: Therapeutic Treatment
- Stability & Growth: Average/Industry Experiences Average Yearly Growth
Clinical Psychology is the single largest employment area in Psychology, but there is still plenty of opportunity for prospective students and professionals. The high-paying jobs in this industry require doctorate study in clinical psychology, which are highly competitive, and most programs require a 1 year internship. Despite the rigorous schooling involved, the sheer size and opportunity associated with clinical psychology makes it a high-ranking career option.
6: Engineering Psychologist $80,000
- Mean salary: $80,000
- Years of education: 6-8
- Focus: Consultation/Design
- Stability & Growth: Above Average/Industry Experiences Average Yearly Growth
Engineering psychologists use their understanding of the human mind to improve and develop products and technology. This is a relatively new industry, and its growth exceeds the number of engineering psychologists, so it is a great option for those looking to meld psychology and technology. The typical requirement for this career is a master’s in engineering psychology, but doctoral level engineering psychologists report dramatically higher salaries. According to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, starting salaries for engineering psychologists range between $48,000 and $75,367, while doctoral level professionals employed in the private sector earn $179,160.
7: Correctional Facility Psychologist $85,000
- Mean salary: $85,000
- Years of education: 6-8
- Focus: Assessment/Therapeutic Treatment
- Stability & growth: Above Average/Industry Experiences Average Yearly Growth
Correctional facility psychologists conduct assessments and therapeutic sessions with inmates in a correctional facility environment. This stressful and potentially dangerous setting of this work means employers offer higher salary in compensation, and competition is usually less of a factor than it is in other professions. Typically, correctional facility psychologists have a master’s level degree in clinical psychology, although doctoral education increases the salaries available. For those who thrive in a more stressful or uncomfortable environments, this is a great option.
8: Military Psychologist $80,000
- Mean salary: $80,000
- Years of education: 6-8
- Focus: Assessment/Therapeutic Treatment
- Stability & growth: Greatly Above Average/Industry Experiences High Yearly Growth
Men and women who have served in the armed forces often experience trauma or other discomfort that requires therapeutic treatment. Military psychologists are government employed psychologists who specialize in dealing with soldiers and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As the research on the link between PTSD and armed forces increases, the demand for treatment and prevention methods increases significantly. This career opportunity is a great option for those looking to work with veterans, or to study PTSD.
9: Corporate Manager 100,000+
- Mean salary: $100,000+
- Years of education: 4-8
- Focus: Management/Consultation
- Stability & growth: Average/Industry Experiences Yearly Growth
When considering career options with a psychology degree, big business probably doesn’t come to mind. In actuality, however, a background in psychology is excellent preparation for corporate work. Corporate managers with psychology degrees are often able to direct their employees more accurately and more efficiently. While there is little data on the specifics of these salaries, corporate managers report six figure salaries and up. This is a great career path for those with a predisposition for business and managing.
10: Administrative Hospital Psychologist $95,000
- Mean salary: $95,000
- Years of education: 6-8
- Focus: Management
- Stability & growth: Average/Industry Experiences High Yearly Growth
As integrated healthcare models become more accepted in the mainstream, psychologists are being brought into primary care facilities. Administrative hospital psychologists oversee and manage the psychologists stationed in a hospital. This position is relatively new, and thus the data on it is sparse; however, existing data suggests that middle-ground salaries sit around $95,000, while positions of greater responsibility offer much greater salaries.
11: Forensic Psychologist $69,280
- Mean salary: $69,280
- Years of education: 6-8
- Focus: Assessment/Consultation
- Stability & growth: Above Average/Industry Experiences High Yearly Growth
Forensic Psychology may currently be one of the hottest and fast growing careers in psychology due to its glamorous portrayal in modern novels, popular TV shows, and movies, however, the reality of the job may not be as appealing. While the high-stress and uncomfortable situations associated with this profession boosting available salaries, the subject matter of the job may be a turn-off for some. Forensic psychologists lend their skills to insurance claim cases, child custody disputes, child abuse accusations, and other legal disputes in need of a psychological perspective. While the mean average salary is nothing to gawk at, experience and education can lead forensic psychologists to six-figure salaries and specialization, which allows one to focus on his or her favored area of the profession.
12: Teaching Psychologist $79,360
- Mean salary: $79,360
- Years of education: 6-8
- Focus: Teaching/Theory
- Stability & growth: Average/Industry Experiences Average Yearly Growth
A large number of psychologists use their skills and education to teach new generations of psychologists. The most lucrative option for teaching psychologists is to seek professorship at a university, where the mean salary is about $80,000. University teaching positions require extensive experience and at least a master’s degree although most universities will require doctoral degrees. To earn the highest salaries, teaching psychologists should seek tenure opportunities at upscale universities where salaries nearly double.
13: Genetics Counselor $63,700
- Mean salary: $63,700
- Years of education: 6-8
- Focus: Genetics/Counseling
- Stability & growth: Above Average/Industry Experiences High Yearly Growth
Often referred to as a “job of the future,” genetics counseling is a newly emerging, and potential lucrative career path. Genetics counselors offer support, guidance, and assistance to individuals with a genetic disorder, or to families who are at risk of passing on a genetic disorder. Genetics counselors usually have backgrounds in both genetics and counseling, with a at least one master’s degree. Genetics Counselors with PhDs can attain salaries around $150,000.
14: Market Research Analyst $60,570
- Mean salary: $60,570
- Years of education: 4-8
- Focus: Market Analysis/Consultation
- Stability & growth: Above Average/Industry Experiences High Yearly Growth
Psychologists are taught to recognize the underlying trends and motivations in human behavior which are crucial components to the sales and marketing industries. Market research analysts study market conditions and analyze consumer trends to help determine what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price. The median salary for market research analysts is about $60,000, with huge variation according to experience and education. Huge growth is expected in this field with 32% growth projected by 2022.
15: Experimental Psychologist $69,280
- Mean salary: $69,280
- Years of education: 6-8
- Focus: Experimentation/Theory
- Stability & growth: Above Average/Industry Experiences High Yearly Growth
Experimental psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and human behavior. Experimental psychologists work independently or as part of a team of researchers to reach their goals. The mean annual salary of experimental psychologists is about $69,000, however, those with doctoral degrees can earn salaries of $116,343 or more. This industry is highly stable and growing, as psychological research becomes more important to various other industries.
16: Special Education Teacher $53,220
- Mean salary: $53,220
- Years of education: 4-8
- Focus: Teaching
- Stability & growth: Above Average/Industry Experiences High Yearly Growth
Special education teachers work with individuals who have learning disabilities or mental handicaps. Special education teachers are required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree and attend special teacher training. Compared to the schooling and experience required by other psychology professions, special education requires the least and offers the most. As special education enrollment increases substantially year by year, job growth is expected to be substantial.
17: School Psychologist $59,440
- Mean salary: $59,440
- Years of education: 6-8
- Focus: Therapeutic Practice
- Stability & growth: Above Average/Industry Experiences High Yearly Growth
School psychologists work in schools to help students of all ages deal with life stressors and any relevant mental conditions. School Psychology is a rapidly growing field due to federal education legislation. While the mean average salary of school psychologists is decent, much higher salaries can be earned after experience and higher education. Typically, the quality and rapport of the school in which the psychologist is stationed determines the salary.
18: Social and Community Service Manager $57,950
- Mean salary: $57,950
- Years of education: 6-8
- Focus: Management/Budgeting
- Stability & growth: Above Average/Industry Experiences High Yearly Growth
Social and Community Service Managers work with members of the community to identify and address public needs. These professionals usually oversee community projects and manage budgets and fundraising. The typical requirement for such work is at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, however, psychologists are also highly sought after for such positions. Experience and education determine the types of projects a social and community service manager will oversee, which also determines the salary earned.
19: Sports Psychologist ≈$50,000
- Mean salary: ≈$50,000
- Years of education: 6-8
- Focus: Consultation/Therapeutic Practice
- Stability & growth: Above Average/Industry Experiences High Yearly Growth
Sports psychologists specialize in the psychological components of sports and athletics such as motivation, performance, and injury management. Sports psychologists work in a wide range of environments, from schools to hospitals to professional sports teams, and their salaries reflect this diversity. Although the data is currently sparse, the salary range most commonly reported is from about $45,000 to $85,000, with experience and education level being the determining factor.
20: Geropsychologist $50,000
- Mean salary: ≈$50,000
- Years of education: 6-8
- Focus: Assessment/Consultation/Therapeutic Practice
- Stability & growth: Above Average/Industry Experiences High Yearly Growth
Geropsychologists specialize in working with geriatric populations which is a rapidly growing group in the United States. In 2004, Americans 65 and older made up 12 percent of the population and by 2050 they’re expected to make up 21 percent. Although there is little data to establish the average salaries of this profession, we do see a decent range of reported earnings. Geropsychologists working in a government research organization bring in $56,714 while those working in a veterans affairs hospital earn around $70,000.
21: Marriage and Family Therapist $45,720
- Mean salary: $45,720
- Years of education: 6-8
- Focus: Therapeutic Practice
- Stability & growth: Average/ Industry experiences extremely high yearly growth
Marriage and family therapists work with individuals, couples, and families to help build better relationships and address underlying issues. Stigmas that previously surrounded this kind of therapy are dissipating, and the industry shows remarkable growth projected at 41% through 2020. At a minimum, a master’s degree in counseling or a related field is required to become a licensed marriage and family therapist. Despite outliers with six-figure salaries, this is one field where experience and education do not explicitly yield greater returns.
22: Career/Vocational Counselor $46,000
- Mean salary: $46,000
- Years of education: 4-8
- Focus: Consultation
- Stability & growth: Average/ Industry experiences high yearly growth
Due to rapidly changing and evolving job markets, students and professionals often seek the aid of career and vocational counselors to help them establish career paths best suited to individual strengths and weaknesses. Career and vocational counselors employ personality tests and other assessments to determine the type of careers in which an individual is most likely to excel. While the mean average salary is not extremely impressive, this career path requires less schooling than other paths, requiring at minimum a bachelor’s degree with additional training, and offers a steadily growing job opportunities.
23: Recreational Therapist $45,520
- Mean salary: $45,520
- Years of education: 4-8
- Focus: Therapeutic Practice/Project Managing
- Stability & growth: Average/ Industry experiences high yearly growth
Recreational Therapists plan, direct, and/or coordinate medically-approved recreational activities for individuals in hospitals, schools, or other institutions. Typically these programs are directed at helping individuals with mental or physical illnesses or disabilities. Experience and higher education earns greater salaries, with the top 10% of these therapists making about $70,000. Since this is a relatively new field it offers growing opportunity and flexible salaries.
24: Mental Health Counselor: $39,710
- Mean salary: $39,710
- Years of education: 6-8
- Focus: Assessment/Therapy
- Stability & growth: Average/ Industry experiences extremely high yearly growth
Mental health counselors help people with problems concerning their personal lives and their emotional and mental well-being such as marital, family, and education problems, and substance abuse issues. Most states require at least a master’s degree in counseling in order to become a licensed counselor. While the industry is growing, with expected 37% growth through 2020, the average mean salaries remain fairly low. In order to garner high salaries, mental health counselors must be experienced and educated, and as such lucrative paths within this career are highly competitive.
25: Substance Abuse Counselor $38,520
- Mean salary: $38,520
Bedfordshire University Requirements
Applying from the UK?UCAS Tariff – Achieving between 80 and 96 points
- 3 A-levels – Grades CCC, or ACE.
- 2 A-levels plus 2 AS – Grades CC+bb, or CD+aa.
- 2 A-levels plus 1 AS plus Extended Project – Grades CC+b+C, or BC+c+D.
- 1 A-level plus BTEC Diploma – Grades C+MM.
- BTEC Extended Diploma – Grades MMM.
Masters in Forensic Psychology
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