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
Below is detailed salary information from several sources on salaries for quantitative psychologists.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
BLS data does not provide salary information for quantitative psychologists. But it does provide general salary information for psychologists. The median salary for all psychologists is $79,100. To earn the highest salary of $129,000, you need to be in the top 10% of all psychologists. Making the top wage requires a Ph.D. and many years of work experience. (BLS.gov)
Psychology salaries also are related to the industry in which you work:
- Government: $96,000
- State, local and private hospitals: $86,500
- Ambulatory healthcare services: $79,100
- Elementary and secondary schools: $75,800
Some quantitative psychologists may want to work as college professors. BLS data shows the median wage for all postsecondary teachers is $78,400. Psychology professors earn a salary of $76,700. (BLS.gov)
APA.org
The American Psychological Association reports that quantitative psychologists can earn a median salary as a professor of $65,000. Entry-level quantitative psychologists in the federal government can earn $55,000, and an experienced government researcher may earn $120,000. Entry-level salaries for quantitative psychologists in the private sector can earn between $85,000 and $111,000 per year. (APA.org)
Payscale.com
Payscale.com does not have data for quantitative psychologists, but it states that the holder of a Ph.D. in quantitative psychology can earn an average salary of $118,000. (Payscale.com). It also reports the following salaries:
- Data scientist: $108,000
- Psychometrician: $97,000
- Professor: $104,000
Glassdoor.com
This website reports the average salary for research psychologists is $78,400 with a range between $55,000 and $104,000. (Glassdoor.com)
Ziprecruiter.com
This source reports an average salary of $91,000 per year, with a range between $21,000 and $186,000. (Ziprecruiter.com). Most quantitative psychologists earn a salary between $43,000 and $126,000.
Job Outlook for Quantitative Psychologists
BLS does not report specific job outlook information for quantitative psychologists. But BLS states job demand for all psychologists will rise by 14% by 2028, which is much faster than average. Demand for psychologists comes from the aging US population and a desire to deal with their mental health problems as they live longer. (BLS.gov)
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 ant universities.
The job outlook for postsecondary teachers is robust, with 11% job growth expected through 2028. (BLS.gov)
Summary
The salary and job outlook for quantitative psychologists is bright. Quantitative psychologists can earn a salary from $60,000 to more than $100,000 per year. These high salaries are occurring because of these professionals working in so many areas of our economy today.
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. (APA.org)
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 Ph.D. and at least five years of experience.