Salary Outlook Ph.D vs Psy.D. in Behavioral Health Degree
The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides salary data for several fields related to behavioral health. First, BLS states the median salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors in 2023 was $53,710. The top 10%, those with the most education and experience such as a PhD or PsyD, earn an annual salary starting at $89,920.
SEE ALSO: 10 Best Careers with a PhD in Behavioral Health
Below are some common jobs and average annual salaries that you can find with a PhD or PsyD in behavioral health:
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: $60,080. These specialists helps clients who are living with serious mental illness and how it affects those around them. This field is related to psychology, but the mental health specialist is often trained in behavioral health, and is often the first person that provides advice in the field.
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker: $63,870. These are healthcare workers who treat and diagnose various mental health problems and mental illnesses. Mental health counseling normally consists of helping patients who are working through illness or psychological problems.
- Psychologist: $101,170. A psychologist studies behavioral, emotional, cognitive and social processes as they observe, interpret and record how people relate to each other and the environment. They use their conclusions to improve processes and behaviors for their patients. See also clinical psychologists.
- Substance Abuse Counselor: $60,080. A substance abuse counselor offers behavior modification therapy to people who struggle with alcohol or drug abuse. This can lead to support groups and group counseling, as well as potential one on one sessions with your patients.
The Difference Between a PhD and PsyD
You can earn either a PhD or PsyD in this field. But what is the difference? Generally, the PhD in behavioral health is focused more on research, conducting experiments and analyzing behavior data. Many graduates with this degree will work in research laboratories and/or academia.
SEE ALSO: What is Difference PhD vs PsyD of Psychology?
On the other hand, a PsyD in behavioral health that is focused more on the clinical aspects of behavioral health. The PsyD generally prepares the student for a career in professional and/or private practice in psychology or behavioral health.
Salary Overview for Overview for Psychologists
In the field of psychology, which is tied closely to behavioral health, the median salary for all professionals is $92,747, with the most educated and experienced earning a top 10% salary that starts at $151,880 per year. The median salary for major industries for psychologist are as follows:
- Government: $115,400
- Hospitals: $102,660
- Ambulatory healthcare services: $98,380
- Elementary and secondary schools: $84,750
The average salary for clinical or counseling psychologists is $106,600, while those with a PhD or PsyD can eye a top 10% salary that starts at $168,870 per year. The average salary for psychologists in general is $92,740.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for doctorate-prepared professionals in behavioral health is strong, as this degree can apply to many high-demand fields.
For example, job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will rise by an impressive 18.8% between 2023 and 2033, much faster than average. More people will be seeking help for their behavior disorders as states are looking for treatment and counseling services for drug offenders rather than putting them in jails.
Further, the job outlook for the psychology professions also is looking good. Job demand for all psychologists in the US is projected to rise by 7% between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than average. Demand for clinical and counseling psychologists is forecast to rise by 13.3% over this period as people are looking for help to deal with their mental and behavior problems. This is common because our population is aging, and elderly people typically need more forms of psychological help and counseling.
More Demand for Behavioral Health and Psychology Professionals Reflects Healthcare Job Trends
Employment for healthcare occupations generally in the US is increasing quickly as the US population is growing older. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states employment in all healthcare and social assistance occupations will rise by 10% between 2023 and 2033, much faster than average. In this time, 2.3 million new jobs will be added, and many of them with be in doctoral level jobs in psychology and behavioral health.
May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and labor market information for Psychologists, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers is based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed February 2025.