How Much Do Quantitative Psychologists Make?
Do you enjoy looking at numbers and determining what those numbers mean? Do you like courses in research methods and statistics? If so, you could become a quantitative psychologist and solve real-world problems with statements driven by data. (APA.org)
Quantitative psychologists engage in the study of statistical methods, modeling psychological processes, research methodology, and data analysis. These psychologists use methodological and statistical expertise to explore many topics in ways that make contributions to practice, science, education, and public interest.
Depending on the person’s skills, interests, and training, a quantitative psychologist is involved in many activities. Some will perform research on new methods, psychometric properties, and measurement or assessment techniques. For instance, a quantitative psychologist interested in structural equation modeling may run models under different situations, compare results, and pinpoint the way that gives the best outcome.
Other psychologists offer guidance about research design, and others perform data analysis. Expertise in complex methodology and big data allow quantitative psychologists to make sense of large data sets, as well.
Quantitative psychologists can work in colleges and universities, private organizations, businesses, and research centers.
If you are interested in a quantitative psychology career, below is information about the salaries these professionals make.
Quantitative Psychologist Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks data for several categories of psychologists. While quantitative psychologists specifically aren’t one of them, it does provide data for all psychologists in general, which includes quantitative psychologists.
The median salary for psychologists nationwide is $92,740. The top 10% salary in this field starts at $151,880. Earning the top wage typically requires a PhD and many years of work experience.
The BLS also tracks data for how much psychologists make according to type of workplace. The following are average psychologist salaries listed with the most relevant sectors for quantitative psychologists:
- Research and development in the social sciences and humanities – $131,050
- Scientific research and development services – $130,900
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting services – $123,200
- Federal government – $117,670
- Educational support services – $103,980
- General hospitals – $100,180
- Other professional, scientific, and technical services – $98,900
- State government, including schools and hospitals – $94,850
- Local government, including schools and hospitals – $91,930
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools – $84,430
- Junior colleges – $82,170
Quantitative psychologists often work in academia. The salary breakdown for psychology professors is:
- Bottom 25% salary – $62,980 and lower
- Median salary – $82,140
- Average salary – $93,990
- Top 25% salary – $106,610 and higher
- Top 10% salary – $151,890 and higher
Job Outlook for Quantitative Psychologists
The BLS reports psychologists in general should see a 7% increase in job openings between 2023 and 2033. That rate for psychology professors is 5%. The average rate for all jobs nationally is 4%.
Demand for psychologists comes from the aging US population and a desire to deal with their mental health problems as they live longer.
The APA reports there is a growing need for quantitative psychologists in research that applies to both public and private organizations. For example, they may focus their career on improving research methods that are used for public health problems or to better design products in the private sector.
Quantitative psychologists also are being employed to enhance the design of questionnaires and surveys to obtain accurate responses. They also are working as experts in statistics, measurement, research methodology, and program evaluation at universities.
Summary
The salary and job outlook for quantitative psychologists is bright. Quantitative psychologists can earn a salary in the top 10% range with the right combination of education and experience.
As research questions become more diverse and complex in public and private organizations, the methodologies used to answer them must improve. For instance, the increase in growth-curve and multilevel modeling of longitudinal data gives psychologists a new point of view on child development over many years. This has had a large effect on developmental psychology.
Also, measurement is another vital quantitative psychology specialty that is becoming more important, such as improving the SAT test’s connections to school curriculums.
Quantitative psychology is a rapidly developing field, and earning a high salary is possible with a PhD and at least five years of experience.
May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and labor market information for Psychologists and Post-Secondary Psychology Teachers is based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed February 2025.