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
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
BLS data does not have specific information for neuropsychologist salaries. However, the site states the median salary for all psychologists is $79,000. Professionals with a Ph.D. in the field and a decade of experience can expect to make $129,000 or more. Meanwhile, clinical psychologists earn $76,000. (BLS.gov)
To make the most as a neuropsychologist, consider working in these industries:
- Government: $96,400
- Hospitals: $86,500
- Ambulatory healthcare services: $79,100
- Elementary and secondary schools: $75,800
Some neuropsychologists may have a passion for working as a college professor or researcher. BLS reports a median salary for psychology professors of $76,700. (BLS.gov). At public universities, the median salary is $81,200, and $78,000 at private ones.
Payscale.com
According to Payscale, the average salary for neuropsychologists is $91,500, with a range between $61,000 and $125,000. (Payscale.com). This source also notes the first-year salary for this professional is $81,000, and $113,000 after 20 years of experience. Earning a Ph.D. in the field also will lead to a much higher salary than only a master’s degree.
Salaries in neuropsychology can be higher or lower depending on the city:
- Boston: +31%
- Los Angeles: +4%
- Phoenix: +1%
- Chicago: +1%
- Atlanta: -3%
- New York City: -5%
- Milwaukee: -9%
Glassdoor.com
This website reports an average base pay for neuropsychologists of $104,200, with a range between $94,000 and $252,000. While the source does not mention it, the highest salaries probably come from psychologists in private practice with many years of specialized experience and training. (Glassdoor.com)
Ziprecruiter.com
Ziprecruiter.com reports an average salary of $130,500, with a range between $72,000 and $187,500. (Ziprecruiter.com). Most neuropsychologists earn between $105,000 and $154,500. Earning a salary of this level almost always requires a doctoral degree and at least seven years of work experience. In addition to the nationwide average salary, you’ll find a list of neuropsychologist salary figures by state.
Average Neuropsychologist Salary by State
| State | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $66.56 | $138,443 |
| Massachusetts | $65.93 | $137,134 |
| Washington | $65.47 | $136,177 |
| New Hampshire | $64.17 | $133,464 |
| Hawaii | $63.32 | $131,707 |
| Maryland | $61.10 | $127,090 |
| Connecticut | $61.08 | $127,050 |
| North Dakota | $60.68 | $126,217 |
| Alaska | $60.68 | $126,217 |
| Wyoming | $60.68 | $126,217 |
| Montana | $60.68 | $126,217 |
| Nevada | $60.68 | $126,217 |
| Idaho | $60.68 | $126,217 |
| Rhode Island | $60.59 | $126,017 |
| Vermont | $60.26 | $125,332 |
| Nebraska | $60.18 | $125,173 |
| California | $59.66 | $124,084 |
| Virginia | $59.39 | $123,533 |
| Kentucky | $58.20 | $121,046 |
| South Dakota | $58.06 | $120,761 |
| New Jersey | $57.93 | $120,500 |
| West Virginia | $57.86 | $120,353 |
| Pennsylvania | $57.58 | $119,771 |
| South Carolina | $57.28 | $119,151 |
| Minnesota | $57.23 | $119,042 |
| Oregon | $57.09 | $118,754 |
| Delaware | $57.09 | $118,738 |
| Tennessee | $57.05 | $118,654 |
| Colorado | $57.01 | $118,579 |
| Ohio | $56.63 | $117,799 |
| Wisconsin | $56.50 | $117,518 |
| Arizona | $56.38 | $117,273 |
| Kansas | $56.14 | $116,768 |
| Utah | $56.11 | $116,716 |
| Indiana | $56.02 | $116,521 |
| Oklahoma | $55.93 | $116,337 |
| Maine | $55.73 | $115,921 |
| Louisiana | $55.50 | $115,449 |
| Iowa | $54.93 | $114,261 |
| Georgia | $54.39 | $113,133 |
| Texas | $53.77 | $111,834 |
| New Mexico | $53.65 | $111,591 |
| Michigan | $53.51 | $111,309 |
| Arkansas | $53.47 | $111,227 |
| Illinois | $53.18 | $110,622 |
| Alabama | $53.12 | $110,486 |
| Mississippi | $52.58 | $109,367 |
| Missouri | $52.46 | $109,111 |
| Florida | $51.26 | $106,630 |
| North Carolina | $48.81 | $101,535 |
| Ziprecruiter.com June, 2020 | ||
Job Outlook for Neuropsychologists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports job demand for psychologists will increase by 14% by 2028. This is much faster than average when compared to other fields. 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. (BLS.gov)
Job demand for psychology professors will rise by approximately 8% in the next 10 years. 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
Sources indicate that the salary potential for neuropsychologists is excellent. You can make more than $100,000 in this field either in private practice or government service. Professionals also can earn a good salary as a professor of psychology, although full-time positions can be challenging to find.
Most psychologists with a Ph.D. have the best salary potential working in private practice where they can charge as much as the market will bear. The good news if you want to work in private practice is the demand for neuropsychologists has been robust since at least 2004. Jobs for this career have risen by 65% since that time, with an average growth of 11% per year. (Recruiter.com)