Salary Outlook for Cognitive Psychologist
Cognitive psychology uses human learning and development principles and cognitive processing to overcome problematic behaviors and emotional thinking. It uses these principles to help patients to lead more productive and happier lives. Cognitive psychologists perform research, training, education, and work in clinical practice with individuals and groups. (APA.org)
Cognitive psychologists must understand applied behavior analysis, cognitive therapy, behavior therapy, social learning concepts, and emotional processing theories. They are trained in college to use this psychological knowledge to patients.
Some of the problems that cognitive psychologists address include:
- Anxiety disorder
- Depressive disorder
- Substance abuse
- Health-related problems
- Autism disorders
- Relationship problems
- Stress management
- Problems with daily life
Cognitive psychologists serve many populations, such as children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. In this work, cognitive psychologists measure both behavior and cognition. They devise conceptualizations for each case that center on learning principles and ways that cognitions and emotions are processed. Evidence-based treatments are adapted to each patient.
Students interested in a cognitive psychology career must earn at least a master’s degree, and most require a Ph.D. to earn the most money. Below is income information for this profession.
Cognitive Psychologist Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median salary for all psychologists is $92,740. For 10% of earners at the top of the wage scale, the salary starts at $151,880. Earning your PhD in cognitive psychology and working in private practice or a hospital will pave the way towards the highest income.
The BLS tracks salaries of specific categories of psychologists. Clinical and counseling psychologists comprise the category most relevant to cognitive psychologists. Their salary breaks down as follows:
- Bottom 25% salary – $66,050 and below
- Median salary – $96,100
- Average salary – $106,600
- Top 25% salary – $129,020 and up
- Top 10% salary – $168,870 and up
Data according to work environment is also available. The following are average salaries for clinical and counseling psychologists based on sectors that are most relevant for cognitive psychologists:
- Scientific research and development services – $131,050
- Specialty hospitals, except psychiatric and substance abuse – $117,940
- Offices of other health practitioners – $114,900
- Offices of physicians – $113,970
- Educational support services – $111,340
- Outpatient care centers – $107,500
- General medical and surgical hospitals – $101,450
- Local government, excluding schools and hospitals – $101,440
- Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals – $100,210
- Individual and family services – $91,160
- Residential intellectual and developmental disability, mental health, and substance abuse facilities – $87,910
- Other residential care facilities – $74,070
- Childcare centers – $70,680
Some cognitive psychologists may desire to work as a college professor or researcher, specializing in an area like brain science. BLS reports the median salary for professors of psychology is $82,140. At colleges, universities, and professional schools the average salary for these professors is $94,610, while that number drops to $90,870 at junior colleges.
The BLS also keeps tabs on state-level average salary information for clinical and counseling psychologists; cognitive psychologists by proxy:
| Hourly | Annual | |
| New Jersey | $71.33 | $148,370 |
| California | $63.66 | $132,410 |
| Oregon | $62.25 | $129,470 |
| Rhode Island | $58.04 | $120,720 |
| Maine | $56.59 | $117,710 |
| Maryland | $56.04 | $116,560 |
| New York | $54.44 | $113,230 |
| Illinois | $53.51 | $111,300 |
| Utah | $53.19 | $110,630 |
| Wisconsin | $52.83 | $109,890 |
| Tennessee | $52.73 | $109,670 |
| Arizona | $52.67 | $109,550 |
| Alaska | $52.55 | $109,300 |
| Ohio | $52.25 | $108,690 |
| Washington | $52.24 | $108,650 |
| Virginia | $51.99 | $108,130 |
| Nevada | $51.36 | $106,830 |
| Arkansas | $51.12 | $106,330 |
| Kentucky | $50.55 | $105,140 |
| Massachusetts | $49.34 | $102,630 |
| Colorado | $47.93 | $99,690 |
| Vermont | $46.13 | $95,950 |
| Minnesota | $45.72 | $95,100 |
| Hawaii | $44.61 | $92,780 |
| Indiana | $44.57 | $92,700 |
| New Mexico | $44.49 | $92,530 |
| Alabama | $44.46 | $92,470 |
| North Carolina | $43.94 | $91,390 |
| Florida | $43.00 | $89,450 |
| Oklahoma | $42.97 | $89,380 |
| North Dakota | $42.55 | $88,500 |
| Missouri | $42.18 | $87,730 |
| Iowa | $42.00 | $87,360 |
| South Dakota | $41.42 | $86,160 |
| Georgia | $41.25 | $85,800 |
| Michigan | $39.79 | $82,770 |
| Texas | $39.62 | $82,420 |
| Pennsylvania | $38.66 | $80,400 |
| Montana | $38.61 | $80,310 |
| West Virginia | $36.45 | $75,810 |
| Idaho | $36.22 | $75,330 |
| Wyoming | $35.03 | $72,860 |
| Kansas | $34.89 | $72,570 |
| South Carolina | $31.25 | $64,990 |
| New Hampshire | $30.96 | $64,390 |
Job Outlook for Cognitive Psychologists
The BLS reports careers for all psychologists will increase by 7% between 2023 and 2033. This is much faster than the average of 4% for all occupations in general. An aging US population – with people living active and healthier lives – want their mental health problems treated so they can enjoy life.
Over that same time period clinical and counseling psychologist jobs are forecast to increase by 13.3%, while psychology professors should see an increase rate of 5%.
At the state level, jobs for clinical and counseling psychologists are forecast to increase by the following rates between 2022 and 2032:
| Utah | 50% |
| Arizona | 26.8% |
| Florida | 26.1% |
| Oregon | 23.4% |
| Tennessee | 23.4% |
| New Mexico | 23.3% |
| South Carolina | 22.8% |
| California | 20.7% |
| Iowa | 20.6% |
| Colorado | 20.1% |
| New Hampshire | 20% |
| Texas | 19.6% |
| North Carolina | 18.9% |
| Mississippi | 16% |
| New Jersey | 15.2% |
| Oklahoma | 14.6% |
| South Dakota | 14.3% |
| Indiana | 13.4% |
| Arkansas | 13.2% |
| Montana | 13% |
| Maryland | 12.6% |
| Kansas | 12.5% |
| North Dakota | 12.5% |
| West Virginia | 12.2% |
| Massachusetts | 11.9% |
| Virginia | 11.6% |
| Alabama | 11.4% |
| Nebraska | 11.4% |
| Michigan | 11.2% |
| Kentucky | 11.1% |
| Wyoming | 11.1% |
| Illinois | 11% |
| Missouri | 10.9% |
| Rhode Island | 10.9% |
| Louisiana | 10.8% |
| Nevada | 10.7% |
| Georgia | 10.5% |
| Minnesota | 9.9% |
| Pennsylvania | 9.5% |
| Connecticut | 9.1% |
| Wisconsin | 9.1% |
| Delaware | 8.3% |
| District of Columbia | 7.1% |
| Vermont | 5.6% |
| Ohio | 4.5% |
| Alaska | 0% |
| Idaho | 0% |
| Maine | 0% |
Demand is rising for psychologists because the connection between physical and mental health is better understood than decades ago. There is more demand for psychological services in social services, hospitals, and private practice.
Cognitive psychologists often spend their careers in a university or research position where they teach or perform research. But there has been job growth in human and computer interaction, organizational psychology and software development. There are now more opportunities for cognitive psychologists in the private sector.
Some cognitive psychologists work in a clinical setting. They treat problems related to mental health disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, speech problems, loss of memory, or difficulties with loss of memory or perception. These professionals may work in a government or private research position. Some work in hospitals, mental health centers. Others work as consultants and expert witnesses.
With a master’s degree in cognitive psychology, there are employment opportunities in industrial and organizational psychology. This profession is focused on improving worker and workplace productivity so that companies are more profitable and efficient.
Summary
Earning a master’s or doctoral degree in cognitive psychology can mean an excellent salary for many years. Working for the government or in private practice with a PhD can translate to a salary that’s in the top 10% range, so it is an excellent field to enter to earn a good income, with the added benefit of helping people.
May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary for Psychologists, Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, and Post-Secondary Psychology Teachers. National labor market information and state labor market information also sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor. Information based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed February 2025.