Best Experimental Psychology Careers + Salary Outlook

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What We Do

Experimental psychologists are research scientists. They use various scientific methods to be able to gain a greater understanding of patients’ behavior and the mind in general. Furthermore, they often conduct their own research studies as well. In experimental psychology, the focus is very strongly on methodology. This sets it apart from other forms of psychology, which usually emphasize a certain field.

Work Environment

Environmental psychologists take up various research positions. Hence, they can be found within government, research centers, universities, and colleges. While around one third of psychologists overall work in independent practices, most of the experimental psychologists are employed by organizations and businesses.

How to Become a Experimental Psychology

Experimental psychologists are one of the few psychologists for which the Psy.D., which is a clinical degree, is not available. As it is a research type of function, experimental psychologists always hold a Ph.D., which is the research type of degree.

Training & Certification Requirements

All types of psychologists have to follow their state licensure requirements in order to be able to call themselves a psychologist and in order to be able to practice their profession. This generally means having a doctorate degree, completing an internship, and taking part in at least two years of supervised working experience. In most states, all psychologists must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology as well.

Experimental Psychology Related Job Titles

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

Career/Job Title	Average Salary
Lecturer Psychology	$42,000
Assistant Professor of Psychology	$47,000
Financial Operations Officer	$42,000
Research Associate Wpic	$29,000
Behavioral Technician	$29,000
Lab Ast	$32,000
Associate Psychologist	$55,000
Behavioral Science Res Assistant	$28,000
Usability Engineer	$83,000
Research Psychologist	$88,000

Experimental Psychology Earning Potential

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported that the median salary for all psychologists was $72,580 per year in May 2015. Over 250 sources have also stated that the field of experimental psychology has a very high confidence ranking. Additionally, it is known that the average salary for experimental psychologists across the nation is around 10% above that of the average salaries for most other professions in the country.

Experimental Psychology Job Outlook

The BLS has also reported that the projected growth in demand for all kinds of psychologists is 19% for the years between 2014 and 2024. This is much faster than the average for most other jobs or professions. One of the reasons why demand is so high is thanks to experimental psychologists. They are working very hard at developing new understanding of the mind and its development, and to make new treatment methods available to be implemented in various cases. In so doing, they are breaking through the stigma on mental health and are ensuring that people can get the help that they need.

According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Experimental Psychology was $49,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 14% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Experimental Psychology Salary by State

The following lists Experimental 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 $62,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $31,000.

Alaska – $36,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 48th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$36,000	.

Alabama – $50,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 13th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Amerit Consulting, University of Alabama, Pinnacle Group, and The Pinnacle Group.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$50,000	.

Arkansas – $51,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 10th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$51,000	.

Arizona – $41,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 42nd

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Honeywell, Exponent, and University of Arizona.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$41,000	.

California – $53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 8th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Google, Easterseals Southern California, Facebook, and Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$53,000	.

Colorado – $44,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 32nd

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Metropolitan State University of Denver, Pearson, Google, and University of Denver.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$44,000	.

Connecticut – $57,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 4th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$57,000	.

DC – $62,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 1st

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Mitre Corporation, Resonate, Vencore, and The Advisory Board Company.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$62,000	.

Delaware – $43,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 38th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Penfield Search Partners.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$43,000	.

Florida – $46,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 27th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Florida Gulf Coast University, Creative Learning, Rollins, and Quantum Improvements Consulting.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$46,000	.

Georgia – $57,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 5th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Valdosta State University, Georgia Tech Research Institute, Spartan Resources, and ICF.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$57,000	.

Hawaii – $31,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 51st

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like McREL International.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$31,000	.

Iowa – $49,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 16th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Experimental 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 and University of Northern Iowa.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$49,000	.

Idaho – $32,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 50th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Ability Health and Rehabilitation, LLC and The Kohl Group.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$32,000	.

Illinois – $56,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 6th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Northwestern University, Allstate Insurance, National Safety Council, and The Nielsen Company.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$56,000	.

Indiana – $48,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 20th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$48,000	.

Kansas – $45,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 30th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MobileComm, Inc..

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$45,000	.

Kentucky – $43,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 39th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$43,000	.

Louisiana – $44,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 33rd

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Louisiana State Government, LSUHSC, and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$44,000	.

Massachusetts – $60,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 2nd

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Aptima, MIT, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and PureTech Health.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$60,000	.

Maryland – $51,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 11th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like George Washington University, Vencore, Johns Hopkins University, and University of Maryland, Baltimore.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$51,000	.

Maine – $44,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 34th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maine Medical Center.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$44,000	.

Michigan – $50,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 14th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lear Corporation, FAAC, Inc., Lumenance LLC, and Consumer Services Inc.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$50,000	.

Minnesota – $43,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 40th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Experimental 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, ACET, Inc., Minneapolis VA Health Care System, and Bethel University.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$43,000	.

Missouri – $49,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 17th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Washington University in St. Louis.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$49,000	.

Mississippi – $52,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 9th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$52,000	.

Montana – $41,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 43rd

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like New West Health Services.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$41,000	.

North Carolina – $47,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 24th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Fayetteville State University and CTG.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$47,000	.

North Dakota – $44,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 35th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like North Dakota State Government.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$44,000	.

Nebraska – $36,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 49th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like ConAgra Foods, CPS, Inc., and University of Nebraska Medical Center.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$36,000	.

New Hampshire – $49,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 18th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$49,000	.

New Jersey – $54,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 7th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like L'Oreal USA, Princeton University, Montclair State University, and Bancroft.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$54,000	.

New Mexico – $43,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 41st

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$43,000	.

Nevada – $38,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 46th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$38,000	.

New York – $60,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 3rd

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Columbia University School of Professional Studies, University at Buffalo, Morgan Stanley, and New York University College of Dentistry.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$60,000	.

Ohio – $47,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 25th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Battelle, CareSource, Leidos, and Ohio University.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$47,000	.

Oklahoma – $46,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 28th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Oklahoma State University, State of Oklahoma, and Saint Francis Health System.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$46,000	.

Oregon – $48,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 21st

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like AnswerLab, University of Oregon, Department of Veterans Affairs – Portland Health Care Systems, and Oregon Health & Science University.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$48,000	.

Pennsylvania – $48,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 22nd

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like IQ Inc., KA Hamilton & Associates, ZOLL LifeVest, and UPMC.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$48,000	.

Rhode Island – $45,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 31st

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Brown University, Lifespan, and PepsiCo.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$45,000	.

South Carolina – $49,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 19th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Medical University of South Carolina.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$49,000	.

South Dakota – $37,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 47th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$37,000	.

Tennessee – $46,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 29th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$46,000	.

Texas – $48,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 23rd

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Rackspace, University of Houston, and RetailMeNot, Inc..

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$48,000	.

Utah – $39,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 45th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Ellucian..

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$39,000	.

Virginia – $50,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 15th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Old Dominion University, Mitre Corporation, Resonate, and ICF International.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$50,000	.

Vermont – $44,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 36th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$44,000	.

Washington – $51,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 12th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Facebook, Oculus VR, Adecco: USA, and Google.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$51,000	.

Wisconsin – $44,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 37th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Wisconsin-Madison, S.C.Johnson & Son, SC Johnson, and University of Wisconsin System.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$44,000	.

West Virginia – $47,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 26th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Experimental Psychology	$47,000	.

Wyoming – $41,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 44th

Average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Experimental Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .