Salary Outlook with PhD in Quantitative Psychology Degree
All Ph.D. graduates in psychology will take classes in statistics and quantitative methods, but quantitative psychology is a growing subfield of its own that focuses on research and development in psychology using statistics, measurement, and methodology. (APA.org)
With a Ph.D. in Quantitative Psychology, you will focus on improving research methods, exploring applications of new statistical models, and identifying new ways to apply methodologies to answer complex psychological research questions. For example, as a quantitative psychologist, you may specialize in how to improve the design of surveys and questionnaires to obtain the most accurate and complete responses.
If you are interested in earning your Ph.D. in quantitative psychology, plan to spend four to six years in college – full time. With this type of time and financial commitment, it is important to consider your salary potential in this field. Learn more about the salary outlook in this psychology specialty below.
Salary Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2018 that the median salary for all psychologists was $79,000. The lowest 10% earned $43,000 annually, and the top 10% earned $129,000 per year. (BLS.gov). BLS data also shows the salary for all other psychologists, including quantitative psychologists, is $100,700 per year.
Also, the American Psychological Association (APA) states that a nine-month academic salary in this field at a respected research university in a major city begins at approximately $65,000 per year. Also, the APA reports an entry-level quantitative psychologist in the federal government may start at $55,000, while a senior government researcher in this field may earn up to $120,000 per year. Entry-level salaries for private-sector quantitative psychologists can range between $85,000 and $111,000 per year.
Payscale.com reports a quantitative psychologist with a Ph.D. earns an average salary of $118,000 per year. Reported salaries for this degree range from $97,000 to $108,000. (Payscale.com)
If you are interested in working as a college instructor or professor in quantitative psychology, the median salary is $78,700, while psychology professors specifically earn a median of $76,700. (BLS.gov).
High Salary Growth in Ph.D. in Quantitative Psychology Job
If you earn a Ph.D. in quantitative psychology, you can earn the highest salary by becoming a quantitative psychologist professor at a major university, or possibly working for the federal government in a research capacity. Both of these positions can earn you a salary of well over $100,000 per year.
Ph.D. Job Outlook
BLS reports there is much stronger demand for all psychologists expected, with a 14% increase in jobs through 2026. (BLS.gov). For professionals interested in a career as a psychology professor, job demand will increase by 15% through 2026, which is faster than average when compared to other occupations.
Career Opportunities
With a Ph.D. in quantitative psychology, you can work in a variety of occupations in the psychology field. Quantitative psychologists work in colleges and universities, research centers, private organizations and businesses, and for the federal government. Some quantitative psychologists work as consultants on research projects. (APA.org)
In addition to working as a practicing psychologist or college professor, here are two interesting job possibilities with this degree:
- Testing companies: Test publishes, including Pearson, College Board and ACT are some of the largest employers of quantitative psychologists. Psychologists at these companies work in psychometrics, also known as the measurement of knowledge. You will help to develop new college admissions tests and state standardized assessments for elementary and secondary schools. They also may design tests for government agencies and corporations for new worker hiring and evaluation.
- School systems, health care companies and private research firms: Work as a program analyst to assess the design, implementation and effectiveness of various public programs in education or health. You may study and improvement initiatives that intend to raise standardized test scores for at-risk youth, or programs designed to reduce high school drop out rates.
Featured Online Ph.D. in Quantitative Psychology Programs
While there are no available online Ph.D. programs in quantitative psychology at this time, Walden University does offer a Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in Research. (Walden.edu). This unique specialization features courses in survey research, tests and measurement, advanced mixed-methods analysis and multivariate analysis. Required courses include:
- Research Theory, Design and Methods
- Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
- Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
- Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
- Survey Research Methods
- Multivariate Analysis and Data Mining
- Tests and Measurement
- Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis
Walden University also allows you to self-design your program of study to earn your Ph.D. YOu can choose four specialization courses in the Ph.D. in Psychology program to fit your needs and career goals. With this flexibility and with the above research-related courses, you can earn a degree that is the equivalent of a Ph.D. in Quantitative Psychology. And, you can do it online from the comfort of your own home so that you can keep up with your professional and personal obligations.
Conclusion
If you have a passion for psychology and a strong interest in using data and statistics to solve difficult problems, such as developing new test score baselines and evaluative measures to discover who could qualify for public health services, earning a Ph.D. in quantitative psychology could be an excellent choice.
The demand for psychologists with a strong background in quantitative analysis is high and growing, especially as new research methodologies and innovations come to light. Also, demand for more data-driving decision making in the public and private sectors is on the rise, which increases the demand for psychologists in this specialty.
Many lucrative job options exist for holders of a Ph.D. in psychology in this and other specialties, with income potential well over $100,000 per year, so this is definitely a degree to consider to bolster your career prospects.
References
- Things You Can Do With a Doctorate In Psychology Degree. 2019 (N.D.). Retrieved from: https://psydprograms.org/50-things-you-can-do-with-a-psychology-degree/