How Much Do Engineering Psychologists Make?
The modern world relies on technology, from home appliances to smartphones to computers. How well workers design computer systems affect the user experience. To ensure various forms of technology run smoothly, safely and effectively, engineering psychologists work to improve the interaction between users and machines. (APA.org)
The demand for engineering psychologists is growing because technology companies understand that getting psychologists involved in the design and manufacturing process helps the final product to function better. It also is more enjoyable for the consumer to use. Also, a system or product that is well designed from the ground up reduces the number of frustrated customers. A well-executed product from the beginning also avoids expensive redesigns, and this increases company profits.
There also have been well-publicized reports of major medical errors that were due to improperly designed medical devices. Engineering psychologists are now being used to better design medical equipment and devices to reduce the chances of dangerous mistakes.
Engineering psychologists can also enjoy a career in academia in human factors, ergonomics, human/computer interaction, or usability engineering. These psychologists also provide design advice to auto manufacturers, the Department of Transportation, NASA and the Federal Highway Administration.
Becoming an engineering psychologist requires extensive education; most professionals the field hold a Ph.D. in engineering psychology. If your career interest is in engineering psychology, it is critical to know how much you can make. Below is detailed salary information for engineering psychologists.
Engineering Psychologist Salary Information
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide specific salary information for engineering psychologists. However, the median wage for all psychologists –which includes engineering psychologists– is $92,740. The lowest 10% earn $52,430 or less and the top 10% earn $151,880 or more.
The BLS tracks data for specific types of psychologists, and its category of all other psychologists is most relevant for engineering psychologists. Nationally, annual salaries for all other psychologists break down as follows:
- Bottom 25% salary – $76,550 and lower
- Median salary – $117,750
- Average salary – $110,300
- Top 25% salary – $138,280 and up
- Top 10% salary – $157,420 and up
The BLS also provides data for all other psychologists and their average annual salaries according to type of workplace. The following sectors are most relevant for engineering psychologists:
- Research and development in the social sciences and humanities – $138,180
- Scientific research and development services – $131,220
- Professional, scientific, and technical services – $129,010
- Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences – $127,190
- Federal government – $117,670
- Local government, including schools and hospitals – $100,870
- Educational services – $81,850
- State government, including schools and hospitals – $79,970
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools – $75,320
At the state level, the BLS also tracks average salaries for all other psychologists, the category most closely matching engineering psychologists:
| Hourly | Annual | |
| California | $64.60 | $134,360 |
| Hawaii | $60.48 | $125,790 |
| Oregon | $60.16 | $125,130 |
| Nevada | $59.93 | $124,650 |
| Massachusetts | $58.99 | $122,690 |
| Texas | $57.71 | $120,040 |
| Wisconsin | $56.08 | $116,640 |
| South Carolina | $55.86 | $116,200 |
| Virginia | $55.55 | $115,540 |
| New Jersey | $55.21 | $114,830 |
| Alabama | $55.10 | $114,600 |
| Ohio | $55.08 | $114,570 |
| Connecticut | $54.19 | $112,720 |
| Kansas | $54.01 | $112,340 |
| District of Columbia | $53.84 | $111,990 |
| Georgia | $53.84 | $111,980 |
| Maryland | $53.70 | $111,700 |
| North Carolina | $53.46 | $111,190 |
| Kentucky | $53.15 | $110,560 |
| Florida | $53.12 | $110,490 |
| South Dakota | $53.12 | $110,490 |
| Washington | $53.04 | $110,330 |
| North Dakota | $52.61 | $109,430 |
| Colorado | $51.94 | $108,040 |
| New York | $51.03 | $106,150 |
| Missouri | $50.74 | $105,540 |
| Arizona | $50.47 | $104,980 |
| Tennessee | $50.31 | $104,650 |
| New Hampshire | $50.25 | $104,510 |
| New Mexico | $49.49 | $102,950 |
| Pennsylvania | $49.36 | $102,670 |
| Rhode Island | $48.70 | $101,290 |
| Montana | $48.45 | $100,780 |
| Utah | $48.37 | $100,610 |
| Iowa | $47.86 | $99,550 |
| Illinois | $46.69 | $97,100 |
| Oklahoma | $46.39 | $96,480 |
| Maine | $46.19 | $96,080 |
| Idaho | $45.14 | $93,890 |
| Arkansas | $44.71 | $92,990 |
| Louisiana | $44.56 | $92,690 |
| Mississippi | $41.31 | $85,930 |
| Minnesota | $40.71 | $84,670 |
| Michigan | $38.83 | $80,760 |
| West Virginia | $28.15 | $58,550 |
Job Outlook for Engineering Psychologists
The job outlook for engineering psychologists reflects that of the psychology profession overall. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs in psychology will increase by 7% between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than average the national average of 4% for all jobs. The rate for all other psychologists over that same time frame is 5%.
The APA notes that jobs for engineering psychologists tend to increase as the economy does better. In recent years, demand in the private sector has been growing as economic growth has improved. Improving technology and society’s reliance on computer systems will continue to boost job demand.
Summary
If you earn a PhD in engineering psychology, there are many rewarding career paths before you. Whether you choose to work for a private company, as a consultant or in academia, you can earn a salary that’s towards the top 10% range. When you obtain more experience, you can potentially earn six figures.
May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and labor market information for Psychologists and Psychologists, all other is based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed February 2025.