Salary Outlook for Social Psychologist
Social psychology studies how people affect and are affected by others, and by their physical and social environments. Social psychologists help us to have a better understanding of how group dynamics affect choices and actions. The field also provides insight into how social perceptions affect interactions with other people. (APA.org)
A social psychologist studies interpersonal and group dynamics and social challenges: implicit bias, prejudice, criminal activity, and bullying, for example. They perform research on social interactions and what influences them, including attitudes, group behavior, leadership, and public perceptions.
Social psychologists also may help companies hire and train workers; evaluate training programs; and look for ways to encourage people to reduce pollution. A background in this field provides skills in organizational consultation, market research, and systems design. Many social psychologists may specialize in a niche, such as leadership or group behavior.
With a master’s degree or Ph.D. in social psychology, you may teach or research at a university. You almost always need a doctoral degree to be employed as a college professor in social psychology. Some employers that are not in academia may accept a master’s degree.
Social psychologists also work in the private sector as consultants, researchers, marketing managers, and technical directors. You can work in private companies, nonprofit organizations in education or conflict resolution, and for the government.
Becoming a social psychologist requires a master’s degree or Ph.D. Earning these esteemed degrees takes money and time, so be sure to learn what your salary potential is. Below is more information.
Social Psychologist Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median salaries for all psychologists is $92,740. The top 10% with the most education and experience earn a salary that starts at $151,880. Earning your PhD in social psychology and working in the private sector or for a university is probably the path to a higher salary in this field.
The median salary in the BLS category for all other psychologists is $117,750, while clinical psychologists and counseling psychologists earn a median salary of $96,100. That figure for school psychologists is $84,940.
Salary is influenced by where psychologists work. The following sectors are relevant for social psychologists, listed with their median annual salaries for general psychologists:
- Childcare services: $156,000
- Government: $115,400
- Hospitals: $102,660
- Educational support services: $101,504
- Ambulatory healthcare services: $98,380
- Employment services: $85,925
- Elementary and secondary schools: $84,750
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools: $80,350
The BLS also states the median salary for sociologists is $101,770, with the top 10% earning a salary that starts at $165,280 per year. The median sociologist salaries in the following sectors are:
- Social advocacy organizations: $135,117
- Scientific research and development services: $98,051
- State government, excluding schools and hospitals: $93,808
- Management of companies and enterprises: $93,579
- Local government, excluding schools and hospitals: $88,379
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools: $86,798
The American Psychological Association reports social psychologists can make a median salary of $85,800. But the site notes that income in this field largely hinges on location, industry, and work experience.
Job Outlook for Social Psychologists
The BLS reports employment for psychologists, including social psychologists, should grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033. Employment for all psychologists will increase because of the greater desire for people to obtain assistance with their mental health disorders. More psychological services are needed at mental health centers, social services agencies, and hospitals.
The BLS also reports job demand for sociologists will increase by 6.9% between 2023 and 2033, faster than average. Demand for sociologists is driven by a greater need to apply psychological and sociological research to other disciplines. Social psychologists may work with other researchers, such as economists, survey researchers, and market researchers.
Summary
A high salary is possible as a social psychologist, with the top 10% salary for psychologists in general starting at $151,880. Earning the highest salary requires a PhD and work in either the private sector or a university. Private practice also is a good option if you want to work independently and determine your salary.
May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and labor market information for Psychologists, Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Psychologists all other, School Psychologists, and Sociologists is based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed February 2025.