Criminal Psychologist Salary Guide 2025
Criminal psychologists earn between $66,000 and $169,000 annually, with significant variations based on education level, work setting, and geographic location. This specialized field combines psychological expertise with legal knowledge, offering rewarding career opportunities for those passionate about justice and mental health.
As the criminal justice system increasingly recognizes the importance of psychological factors in criminal behavior, rehabilitation, and legal proceedings, demand for qualified criminal psychologists continues to grow. This comprehensive guide provides 2025 salary data, career pathways, and essential information for prospective psychology students considering this specialized field.
What Is Criminal Psychology?
Criminal psychology, also known as forensic psychology, focuses on applying psychological principles within the legal and criminal justice systems. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), criminal psychologists provide essential psychological services and expertise to help create accurate, relevant, and credible data that supports legal arguments and judicial decisions.
These specialized professionals operate at the intersection of psychology and law, fulfilling various roles within the criminal justice system. They may conduct psychological evaluations, provide expert testimony, offer treatment services, and consult with legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, and correctional facilities.
Criminal psychologists typically work with two distinct populations within the justice system:
- Civil Cases: Providing services for personal injury litigation, child custody evaluations, guardianship assessments, and disability determinations
- Criminal Cases: Conducting competency evaluations, insanity assessments, sentencing recommendations, juvenile transfer evaluations, and treatment planning for defendants
Beyond direct client services, criminal psychologists also provide crucial support to attorneys, courts, insurance companies, and employers, helping them understand the psychological factors that influence legal decisions and outcomes.
Education Requirements for Criminal Psychologists
Becoming a criminal psychologist requires extensive education and specialized training. The typical educational pathway includes:
Doctoral Degree Requirements
Criminal psychologists typically earn a doctoral degree in psychology, often holding a degree in clinical psy, either a PsyD or PhD. Both degree types prepare students for clinical practice but with different emphases:
| Degree Type | Focus | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) | Clinical practice and application | 4-6 years | Direct criminal psychology practice |
| PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) | Research and clinical practice | 5-7 years | Research-oriented forensic careers |
Specialized Forensic Training
After completing doctoral education, aspiring criminal psychologists must pursue postdoctoral specialization in forensic psychology. This specialized training includes:
- Forensic assessment techniques
- Legal standards and procedures
- Criminal justice system navigation
- Expert testimony preparation
- Ethical considerations in forensic practice
Criminal Psychologist Salary Information
Understanding criminal psychologist salaries requires examining data from multiple categories of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as this specialized field isn’t tracked separately. Criminal psychologists typically fall under two main BLS classifications: Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, and “All Other Psychologists.”
National Salary Overview
According to the latest 2024 BLS data, psychologists overall earn a median salary of $96,100, with the top 10% earning $157,420 or more annually.
For criminal psychologists specifically, salary expectations typically fall between the ranges for clinical/counseling psychologists and “all other psychologists,” depending on their specific role and work setting:
| Salary Percentile | Clinical/Counseling Psychologists | All Other Psychologists | Estimated Criminal Psychology Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th Percentile | $66,050 | $76,550 | $66,000 – $77,000 |
| Median (50th) | $96,100 | $117,750 | $96,000 – $118,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,020 | $138,280 | $129,000 – $138,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $168,870 | $157,420 | $157,000 – $169,000 |
Salary by Work Setting
Criminal psychologists work in various settings within the justice system, each offering different compensation levels. Understanding these variations helps prospective professionals make informed career decisions:
| Work Setting | Clinical/Counseling Psych | All Other Psychologists | Common Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialty Hospitals | $117,940 | $118,280 | Forensic unit evaluations |
| Local Government | $101,440 | $118,690 | Court evaluations, consultations |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $107,500 | $110,940 | Forensic assessments |
| General Hospitals | $101,450 | $96,800 | Emergency evaluations |
| Psychiatric Hospitals | $100,210 | $73,090 | Inpatient forensic services |
Private Practice Opportunities
Many criminal psychologists establish private practices, offering services such as:
- Independent forensic evaluations for legal cases
- Expert witness testimony
- Consultation services to law firms
- Training programs for law enforcement agencies
Private practice earnings can vary significantly, often ranging from $150 to $500 per hour for evaluations and $300 to $600 per hour for expert testimony, depending on experience and reputation.
State-by-State Salary Breakdown
Geographic location significantly impacts criminal psychologist salaries. Based on 2024 BLS data, here are the top-paying states for psychologists in related specialties:
| State | Clinical/Counseling | All Other Psychologists | Cost of Living Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $132,410 | $134,360 | High |
| New Jersey | $148,370 | $114,830 | High |
| Oregon | $129,470 | $125,130 | Moderate |
| Hawaii | $92,780 | $125,790 | Very High |
| Massachusetts | $102,630 | $122,690 | High |
Regional Considerations
When evaluating salary opportunities, consider these regional factors:
- Urban vs. Rural: Metropolitan areas typically offer higher salaries but increased living costs
- State Funding: States with robust public mental health systems often provide better compensation
- Legal Market: Areas with active legal markets create more opportunities for forensic work
- Correctional Facilities: States with large prison systems may offer more positions
Career Advancement Opportunities
Criminal psychology offers several pathways for career advancement and salary growth:
Experience-Based Progression
| Experience Level | Typical Salary Range | Common Responsibilities | Advancement Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $66,000 – $85,000 | Basic evaluations, supervised practice | 2-3 years |
| Mid-Level (3-7 years) | $85,000 – $120,000 | Independent assessments, court testimony | 4-5 years |
| Senior-Level (8+ years) | $120,000 – $169,000+ | Complex cases, supervision, consulting | Ongoing |
Specialization Areas
Criminal psychologists can further specialize in specific areas, each with unique salary implications:
- Competency Evaluations: Assessing defendants’ ability to stand trial
- Risk Assessment: Evaluating likelihood of recidivism or violence
- Treatment Planning: Developing therapeutic interventions for offenders
- Victim Services: Providing support and evaluation for crime victims
- Expert Testimony: Serving as court-appointed or hired experts
Job Outlook for Criminal Psychologists
The employment outlook for criminal psychologists appears promising, driven by several key factors. According to the BLS, jobs for psychologists are projected to increase by 7% between 2023 and 2033, nearly twice the national average of 4% for all occupations.
More specifically, the growth projections for related psychology fields include:
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists: 13.3% growth (much faster than average)
- All Other Psychologists: 5% growth (about as fast as average)
Factors Driving Demand
Several trends are contributing to increased demand for criminal psychologists:
- Mental Health Awareness: Growing recognition of mental health issues in the criminal justice system
- Criminal Justice Reform: Emphasis on rehabilitation over punishment
- Legal Precedents: Increasing court requirements for psychological evaluations
- Specialized Courts: Expansion of drug courts, mental health courts, and veterans’ courts
Competition and Market Realities
While demand is growing, criminal psychology remains a competitive field. Industry experts recommend several strategies for entering this specialized area:
- Obtaining internships at forensic hospitals and correctional facilities
- Gaining experience at mental health centers with forensic programs
- Joining professional organizations like the American Psychology-Law Society
- Pursuing additional certifications in forensic assessment
The American Psychology-Law Society, with over 3,000 members, continues to grow as more experienced clinical psychologists transition into forensic work, often seeking alternatives to the limitations of managed care.
How to Get Started in Criminal Psychology
For prospective psychology students interested in criminal psychology, the path requires careful planning and strategic educational choices:
Undergraduate Preparation
While pursuing your bachelor’s degree, focus on building a strong foundation:
- Psychology Major: Core psychology courses with emphasis on abnormal and social psychology
- Criminal Justice Courses: Understanding legal systems and criminology
- Statistics and Research Methods: Essential for doctoral programs and practice
- Volunteer Experience: Opportunities in legal settings, victim services, or correctional facilities
Choosing the Right Doctoral Program
Select a doctoral program in forensic psychology or clinical psychology with a forensic concentration. Key considerations include:
- APA accreditation status
- Faculty expertise in forensic areas
- Clinical training opportunities in forensic settings
- Research opportunities in criminal psychology
- Internship placement rates in forensic facilities
Building Relevant Experience
During doctoral training, maximize opportunities to gain forensic experience:
- Practicum Placements: Seek rotations in correctional facilities, forensic hospitals, or court clinics
- Research Projects: Participate in studies related to criminal behavior or forensic assessment
- Professional Development: Attend forensic psychology conferences and workshops
- Networking: Connect with practicing criminal psychologists and legal professionals
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between criminal psychology and forensic psychology?
Criminal psychology and forensic psychology are essentially the same field. Both terms describe the application of psychological principles within the legal and criminal justice systems. The APA officially uses “forensic psychology” as the preferred term.
How long does it take to become a criminal psychologist?
Becoming a criminal psychologist typically requires 8-10 years of education beyond earning a bachelor’s degree. This includes 4-6 years for a doctoral degree, 1-2 years of internship, and 1-2 years of postdoctoral specialization in forensic psychology.
Do criminal psychologists work with violent offenders?
Yes, criminal psychologists often work with individuals who have committed violent crimes. They conduct risk assessments, competency evaluations, and treatment planning while following strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines.
Can criminal psychologists work in private practice?
Many criminal psychologists maintain private practices, offering forensic evaluations, expert testimony, and consultation services to attorneys and courts. Private practice can significantly increase earning potential, with hourly rates ranging from $150 to $600, depending on the services provided.
What certifications are beneficial for criminal psychologists?
While not required, the American Board of Forensic Psychology offers board certification that can enhance credibility and earning potential. Additional training in specialized assessment instruments and forensic techniques is also valuable.
Is there job security in criminal psychology?
Yes, the field offers good job security due to consistent need for psychological services in the justice system. However, competition for positions can be intense, particularly for desirable roles in major metropolitan areas.
A Final Word to Tie it All Together
Criminal psychology offers a rewarding career path for those interested in applying psychological expertise within the legal system. With salary ranges from $66,000 to $169,000+ and strong job growth projections, this field provides excellent opportunities for qualified professionals.
Success in criminal psychology requires dedication to extensive education, including a doctoral degree and specialized forensic training. However, for those passionate about the intersection of psychology and justice, the field offers meaningful work with competitive compensation and benefits.
Whether you’re considering a PsyD program or exploring online psychology doctorate options, understanding the salary landscape helps inform your educational and career decisions.
SEE ALSO: Top Online PhD in Forensic Psychology Degree Programs
As Psychology Today notes, forensic psychology has gained popularity through media portrayals, which have created competitive admission standards. Prospective students should focus on gaining relevant experience and pursuing doctoral-level education to distinguish themselves in this competitive but rewarding field.
May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Psychologists, Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, and Psychologists, all other. Job growth projections from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, CareerOneStop. Figures are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2025.
