Biological Psychology Careers + Salary Basics

The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for Biological Psychology around the country.

What We Do

A biological psychologist, or biopsychologist, studies how human beings behave, and what are the physiological causes of such behavior. Essentially, it looks at what the link is between the human mind and the human body. For example, biopsychologists will try to understand why phantom pains are common in people who have lost a limb. At the same time, they look at the different external and internal stimuli, and how these affect the functioning of the nervous system. These include cognitive processes and emotions.

Work Environment

The majority of biological psychologists work in universities and colleges, often as professors. Additionally, many work in research laboratories, as well as for various organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They can be found in clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. Others work for the pharmaceutical industry, or within drug and alcohol treatment facilities. There are even some who work for zoos and parks, exploring animal behavior.

How to Become a Biological Psychology

To become a biological psychologist, you will need to hold a doctoral degree in psychology first. This means that you will need to start with an undergraduate degree, which does not have to be in psychology, although that is more relevant. Holding a psychology undergraduate degree provides people with a more solid foundation of the field. After the bachelor’s degree, they can enroll in a graduate master’s degree program specific to biological psychology. This usually takes around two years to complete. Following that, they can complete their doctorate degree, which is often the Psy.D. rather than the Ph.D., although this does depend on a student’s personal interest. Becoming a biological psychologist, therefore, takes an extensive period of time, but once training has been completed, they are classed as true specialists.

Training & Certification Requirements

In order for professionals to be able to call themselves psychologists and practice as such, they must complete a doctorate degree. The American Psychological Association also offers licensure examinations, although exact requirements vary depending on the state in which you work.

Biological Psychology Related Job Titles

According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Biological Psychology.

Career/Job Title Average Salary

Biological Psychology Earning Potential

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that the mean salary of all psychologists was $72,580 per year as of May 2015.

Biological Psychology Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, all psychologists can expect to see a 19% growth in employment opportunities from 2014 to 2024. This is much faster than that of most other professions.

According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Biological Psychology was $60,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 4% higher than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Biological Psychology Salary by State

The following lists Biological Psychology salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings by employers through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $75,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $37,000.

Alaska$44,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 48th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Workplace Alaska and Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc..
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $44,000 Bar high
.
Alabama$61,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 12th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Auburn University Faculty.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $61,000 Bar high
.
Arkansas$61,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 13th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $61,000 Bar high
.
Arizona$49,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 44th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Northern Arizona University and University of Arizona.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $49,000 Bar high
.
California$64,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 8th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Acuity Behavior Solutions, COLLEGE OF THE REDWOODS, Seneca Family of Agencies, and California State University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $64,000 Bar high
.
Colorado$53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 33rd
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like University of Denver and EdisonLearning Inc..
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $53,000 Bar high
.
Connecticut$69,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 4th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Child Guidance of Southern Connecticut, UCONN Health Center, Wheeler Clinic, and Yale University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $69,000 Bar high
.
DC$75,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 1st
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Montgomery County Public Schools, U.S. Department of Labor, Clinical Research Management, and University of Maryland.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $75,000 Bar high
.
Delaware$53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 34th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Brandywine Zoo.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $53,000 Bar high
.
Florida$56,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 27th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Behavioral Support Services, Inc., One Hope United, Comprehensive Health Services, and U.S. Department of Labor.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $56,000 Bar high
.
Georgia$69,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 5th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like College of Coastal Georgia and Emory College of Arts and Sciences.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $69,000 Bar high
.
Hawaii$37,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 51st
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like University College Honolulu Community College.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $37,000 Bar high
.
Iowa$59,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 16th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like The University of Iowa, Mount Mercy University, and Buena Vista University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $59,000 Bar high
.
Idaho$39,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 50th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $39,000 Bar high
.
Illinois$68,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 6th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Allendale Association, University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, and Association House of Chicago.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $68,000 Bar high
.
Indiana$58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 20th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Aspire Indiana and INDIANA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $58,000 Bar high
.
Kansas$55,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 29th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $55,000 Bar high
.
Kentucky$52,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 39th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like University of Kentucky and SAFY.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $52,000 Bar high
.
Louisiana$54,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 32nd
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $54,000 Bar high
.
Massachusetts$72,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 3rd
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Commonwealth of Massachusetts, South Shore Mental Health, Decision Resources Group, and Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH).
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $72,000 Bar high
.
Maryland$62,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 10th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Montgomery County Public Schools, Kaiser Permanente, St. Mary's College of Maryland, and University of Maryland.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $62,000 Bar high
.
Maine$53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 35th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like University of New England.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $53,000 Bar high
.
Michigan$61,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 14th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like The Dow Chemical Company, Holy Cross Children's Services, Child and Family Services of the Upper Peninsula, Inc, and Catholic Charities West Michigan.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $61,000 Bar high
.
Minnesota$52,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 40th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like St. Olaf College, New Beginnings Minnesota, St. David's Center for Child & Family Development, and Mayo Clinic.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $52,000 Bar high
.
Missouri$59,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 17th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like University of Missouri- Columbia, Cell Staff, Washington University in St. Louis, and University of Missouri – Kansas City.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $59,000 Bar high
.
Mississippi$63,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 9th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $63,000 Bar high
.
Montana$50,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 42nd
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Benefis Health System and Youth Dynamics.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $50,000 Bar high
.
North Carolina$57,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 24th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like North Carolina State University, Pinehurst Surgical, and Kisco Senior Living, LLC.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $57,000 Bar high
.
North Dakota$53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 36th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $53,000 Bar high
.
Nebraska$44,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 49th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $44,000 Bar high
.
New Hampshire$59,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 18th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Franklin Pierce University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $59,000 Bar high
.
New Jersey$65,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 7th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like SAINT CLARE'S HOSPITAL/BOONTON TOWNSHIP, Rutgers University, Tris Pharma, and Kessler Foundation.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $65,000 Bar high
.
New Mexico$52,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 41st
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like PB&J Family Services.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $52,000 Bar high
.
Nevada$46,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 46th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $46,000 Bar high
.
New York$73,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 2nd
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like PRIDE Health, LLC, New Alternatives for Children, Inc., Northwell Health, and NYS OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH Manhattan Psychiatric Center.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $73,000 Bar high
.
Ohio$57,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 25th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Procter & Gamble, P&G, State of Ohio Jobs, and Ohio Northern University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $57,000 Bar high
.
Oklahoma$55,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 30th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Oklahoma State University and Saint Francis Health System.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $55,000 Bar high
.
Oregon$58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 21st
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Youth Villages and University of Oregon.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $58,000 Bar high
.
Pennsylvania$58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 22nd
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like NHS, The University of Pittsburgh, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and Phipps Conservatory.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $58,000 Bar high
.
Rhode Island$55,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 31st
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like The State of Rhode Island, Portsmouth School District, and Brown University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $55,000 Bar high
.
South Carolina$59,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 19th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like New Foundations Home for Children.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $59,000 Bar high
.
South Dakota$45,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 47th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Sanford Health.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $45,000 Bar high
.
Tennessee$56,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 28th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Helen Ross McNabb, Helen Ross McNabb Center, Omni Family of Services, and Childhelp.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $56,000 Bar high
.
Texas$58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 23rd
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, MD Anderson, and MHMR.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $58,000 Bar high
.
Utah$47,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 45th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $47,000 Bar high
.
Virginia$60,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 15th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like First Home Care – VA, MD, DC, Virginia Commonwealth University, VA Commonwealth Univ, and County of Henrico Department of Social Services.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $60,000 Bar high
.
Vermont$53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 37th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $53,000 Bar high
.
Washington$62,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 11th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Washington State University, University of Washington, Multicare Health System, and University of Washington Medical Center.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $62,000 Bar high
.
Wisconsin$53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 38th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Aurora Health Care and Marquette University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $53,000 Bar high
.
West Virginia$57,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 26th
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country.
There were also job openings from employers like Pressley Ridge.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $57,000 Bar high
.
Wyoming$50,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 43rd
Average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Biological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country.
There were no current job openings from employers in this state.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Biological Psychology $50,000 Bar high
.

Learn More