Salary Outlook for Environmental Psychologists
Environmental psychology has existed as a subfield of the field for four decades. But years ago, environmental psychology was often concerned with homes, offices, and urban spaces, and exploring how people interacted and worked in those environments. Today the work is expanding significantly.
We are now more concerned about the effects that humanity has on the natural world and climate. The research that environmental psychologists perform is shaping policies that can preserve the world for centuries to come. (APA.org)
According to some sources, there are two types of environmental psychologists:
- Conservation psychologists: Focused on the development of environmental attitudes. They could investigation how and why some people value nature. Another research focus is the study of behaviors towards natural resources and nature.
- Ecopsychology: Studies the ties between environmental and societal degradation. This type of psychology sees the well being of humans to be tied to the well being of the environment.
Environmental psychologists work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and non-governmental organizations. They may apply psychological expertise to urban planning, interior and environmental design, and climate change. Those who want to teach at a university may teach in developmental or social psychology.
Some environmental psychologists work in research. They study how people work and respond to their environment at work and at home. Their research could focus on why some people recycle, what causes some to try to help the environment, and why certain areas make people feel productive and happy.
Most who work in this field has a Ph.D. in environmental psychology, which takes four or six years to earn. Keep reading if you want to learn how much you can make as an environmental psychologist.
Environmental Psychologist Salary Information
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for all psychologists is $92,740, and this includes environmental psychologists. The top 10% of psychologists earn a salary that starts at $151,880. Environmental psychologists with a PhD will make the most money.
The BLS also tracks general psychologist salaries according to place of work. We can consider the following average psychologist salaries for sectors that are most relevant to environmental psychologists:
- Scientific research and development services – $130,900
- Federal government – $117,670
- Educational support services – $103,980
- Local government, excluding schools and hospitals – $100,860
- State government, excluding schools and hospitals – $99,360
- Educational services – $91,430
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools – $84,430
- Junior colleges – $82,170
With a PhD in environmental psychology, you could become a college professor. BLS reports the median wage for psychology professors is $82,140. At junior colleges the average salary for a psychology professor is $90,870. At colleges, universities, and professional schools that figure is $94,610.
Job Outlook for Environmental Psychologists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the employment outlook for all psychologists, which includes environmental psychologists, is strong. Between 2023 and 2033 jobs in this field are forecast to increase by 7%, which is nearly double the 4% average for all jobs in general.
As more people and companies are concerned about the environment, there should be more need for environmental psychologists.
Summary
The outlook for environmental psychologists in the job world is solid. There should be plenty of jobs available for these psychologists in consulting firms, where they provide psychological expertise to industry and government agencies. They also can be employed by planning, housing, and environmental agencies.
Some environmental psychologists may work for environmental nonprofits and think tanks. With a PhD in psychology, you can look towards salaries in the top 10% range.
May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and labor market information for Psychologists and Post-Secondary Psychology Teachers is based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed February 2025.