Salary Outlook for Neuropsychologists
The American Psychological Association states that neuropsychology is a subspecialty of clinical psychology. The field is dedicated to understanding the relationships between behavior and the brain, especially how these relationships apply to brain disorder diagnoses. Neuropsychology also is concerned with assessing cognitive and behavioral functioning and designing proper treatments. (APA.org)
Neuropsychologists perform patient evaluations to grasp the different systems and areas of the brain and how they function. Testing may be required when there are symptoms that affect thinking or memory. These symptoms could manifest as changes in concentration, reasoning, organizing, memory, language, and perception.
Neuropsychologists serve people of all ages and developmental stages when there are problems with brain function. Issues addressed include developmental problems with infants, school problems in children and adolescents, and work and social problems in adults.
Students interested in neuropsychology may be interested to know the salary potential of these specialists. Below is more information.
Neuropsychologist Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the federal clearinghouse for detailed statistics nationally and locally, however it does not have specific information for neuropsychologist salaries. However, it does report the median salary for all psychologists is $92,740. Professionals with a PhD in the field and a decade of experience can consider the top 10% salary for psychologists, which starts at $151,880.
The BLS groups statistics for neuropsychologists and clinical neuropsychologists in its career classification all other psychologists. While this category specifically includes neuropsychologists, it also includes other less common types of psychologists. The salary breakdown for this category is:
- Bottom 25% salary – $76,550 and lower
- Median salary – $117,750
- Average salary – $110,300
- Top 25% salary – $138,280 and higher
- Top 10% salary – $157,420 and higher
The BLS also tracks average salary data for all other psychologists according to sector, with the following being particularly relevant for neuropsychologists:
- Scientific research and development services – $131,220
- Educational support services – $123,260
- Local government, excluding schools and hospitals – $118,690
- Specialty hospitals, except psychiatric and substance abuse facilities – $118,280
- Federal, state, and local government, excluding schools and hospitals – $117,690
- Outpatient care centers – $110,940
- Offices of other health practitioners – $110,270
- General hospitals – $96,800
- Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals – $73,090
Some neuropsychologists may have a passion for working as a college professor or researcher. The BLS reports an average salary for psychology professors of $93,990. Those who work in colleges, universities, and professional schools earn an average salary of $94,610. Trade schools, technical colleges, and junior colleges offer an average salary of nearly $91,000.
Average Neuropsychologist Salary by State
Using data from the all other psychologists category we can extrapolate the following:
| Hourly Salary | Annual Salary | |
| 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 Neuropsychologists
The BLS reports job demand for psychologists will increase by 7% between 2023 and 2033. This is much faster than the general average of 4%. Generally, psychologists are hired more because an aging US population wants to have help with their mental health issues as they age. Hospitals and other medical facilities also hire more psychologists to help patients with diseases and illnesses to manage their conditions easier.
For the all other psychologists category, which includes neuropsychologists, the projected growth rate over that same period is 5%.
Job demand for psychology professors is also projected to rise by approximately 5% over that period. There is more job demand for psychologists, so there is a greater need for professors. Most full-time professorships are difficult to find, and you may need to take two part-time positions to earn a good salary.
The American Psychological Association states that these professionals are serving more people than ever – those in every age bracket and developmental stage. Neuropsychologists serve the needs of infants, children in school, and adults in work and social situations. They also work with the elderly to help with declining mental and physical function as they age.
Additionally, working on grave health conditions, including traumatic brain injuries, epilepsy, brain cancer, and stroke is driving more need for neuropsychologists. As Americans age, it is likely more professionals will be needed to work with the elderly with these health problems.
Summary
The salary potential for neuropsychologists is excellent. You can make more than $157,420 in this field if you’re in the top 10% salary range. Professionals also can earn a good salary as a professor of psychology.
Most psychologists with a PhD have the best salary potential working in private practice where they can charge as much as the market will bear. If you want to work in private practice the demand for neuropsychologists continues to be robust.
May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary for Psychologists, Psychologists, all other, and Postsecondary 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.