How Much Do Geropsychologists Make?
Geropsychology is a psychology specialty that applies the methods and knowledge of psychology to helping and understanding elderly people and their families to overcome problems, maintain health, and achieve their potential during the latter part of life.
Geropsychology focuses on the diversity of experience among older Americans, the complicated ethical matters that can arise in a geriatric psychology practice, and the importance of interdisciplinary care models.
Psychologists who specialize in this field focus on the following areas of knowledge:
- Aging and adult development, including aging-related psychological, social change, and sociocultural factors.
- Mental health and behavioral issues in later life, including medical problems, psychopathology, neuroscience, and functional changes.
- Neuropsychological assessment foundations, including research and theory regarding multiple assessment domains. These include cognition, mood, and decision making.
- Foundations of consultation and intervention, such as research and theory evidence about interventions in geropsychology, prevention and health, and aging services.
Common problems that geropsychologists address are:
- Depression and anxiety
- Dementia
- Changes in living abilities and decision making
- Dealing with chronic illnesses
- Behavioral problems such as pain and insomnia
- Grief and loss
- Problems with family caregiving
Students interested in this psychology specialty may be interested in the salary potential in this field. Below is detailed information.
Salary Outlook for Geropsychologists
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks statistics for a range of professions, including for all psychologists in general.
It reports the median salary for psychologists is $92,740 annually. The bottom 10% salary bracket starts at $52,430 and goes down, while the top 10% salaries start at $151,880 and go up.
A psychologist in this field is highly specialized and probably has a doctoral degree. Therefore, a geropsychologist’s salary may be in the top 10%
The BLS also reports average annual salaries for psychologists in the following sectors which are most relevant to geropsychologists:
- Specialty hospitals, except psychiatric and substance abuse – $118,020
- Physician offices – $112,120
- Residential intellectual and developmental disabilities facilities – $107,240
- Outpatient care centers – $107,170
- Hospitals – $100,180
- Nursing care facilities – $93,590
- Social assistance – $91,150
- Nursing and residential care facilities – $90,810
- Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities – $81,990
- Community food and housing, and emergency and other relief services – $74,410
- Other residential care facilities – $73,160
In addition to all psychologists in general, the BLS also tracks four categories of specialized psychologists, listed here with their median annual salaries:
- Industrial-organizational psychologists – $147,420
- Clinical and counseling psychologists – $96,100
- School psychologists – $84,940
- All other psychologists – $117,750
A geropsychologist holding a Ph. D. should be able to earn a similar salary as a clinical or counseling psychologist with the same experience.
Geropsychology Job Outlook
The job outlook for geropsychologists looks strong for the next decade or more. BLS states that jobs in the psychology field should increase by 7% between 2023 and 2033, a much better rate than the 4% projected for all jobs in general.
Employment for clinical and counseling psychologists will increase because of higher demand for mental health assistance in mental health centers, hospitals, and social service agencies.
Also, elderly Americans live longer than ever and want to deal with the psychological issues that occur with aging, including anxiety, depression, grief, and loss.
The APA adds that by 2030, older Americans will account for 20% of the country’s population. People who are 65 and older are the fastest-growing part of the United States population.
Researchers think there will be a shortage of geropsychologists to handle the higher demand for services for people in this age bracket. According to the National Institute on Aging, thousands of additional doctoral-level geropsychologists are needed to handle the more significant mental health needs of baby boomers.
Further, the APA notes the number of Americans with mental health disorders in 2030 is expected to be 15 million, four times what it was in 1970. Older adults also have the highest suicide rates of all age groups.
Summary
The geropsychology field should grow in the next 10-20 years as more Americans live longer and need help with their mental health issues and the challenges of aging. Earning a doctoral degree in this specialty is likely a valuable addition to your education.
May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and labor market information for Psychologists is based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed February 2025.