Physiological Psychology Careers + Salary Basics

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

What We Do

The field of physiological psychology is biological in nature. It is a field of research and diagnostics, connecting what people say and do to how their brain cells, chemistry, and structures actually work. Psychologists in this particular field also study the five senses, developing theories on the relationships between brain and behavior. Although heavily based in research, physiological psychology is also practical in nature. They aim to understand what certain behaviors are caused by, including reproductive behavior, ingestion, communication, memory, learning, and the senses, applying this knowledge to improve neurological disorders. As such, they also study psychopharmacology, determining the impact of drugs on the brain.

Work Environment

Many physiological psychologists work in hospitals, as they are able to have access tools, such as PET scanners and MRI technology, to monitor reactions in the brain. They also work closely with patients who have brain surgery or brain illnesses, such as cancer or epilepsy, performing research withing laboratories and medical facilities. Controversially, many work in animal research. Animal rights groups strongly oppose this work, but physiological psychologists believe they follow the necessary ethical guidelines when it comes to the treatment of animals, and that the results of their research can help improve the lives of many people.

How to Become a Physiological Psychology

To become a physiological psychologist, you must first complete a four year bachelor’s degree. While this does not have to be in psychology, it is often recommended to build up a solid foundation in the subject area. After the bachelor’s degree, you must enroll in a two year master’s degree, where you can choose the medical psychology specialization. In order to call yourself a psychologist, you must also complete a doctoral degree, with is either the research based Ph.D., or the clinically based Psy.D. The Ph.D. is the more relevant degree for a physiological psychologist.

Training & Certification Requirements

Each state has its own requirements in terms of licenses and certification for physiological psychologists. The American Psychological Association and the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards both list what the requirements within each state are. Certification is usually valid for a certain period of time only, and must be maintained either through proof of continuous education credits, or by retaking the examination.

Physiological Psychology Related Job Titles

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

Physiological Psychology Earning Potential

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, all psychologists, regardless of their field of specialization, earned a median salary of $72,580 per year as of May 2015.

Physiological Psychology Job Outlook

Growth in demand for professionals is expected to be strong in the field of psychology, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 19% growth from 2014 to 2024, which is much faster than the national average for most other professions.

According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Physiological Psychology was $50,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 13% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Physiological Psychology Salary by State

The following lists Physiological 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 $63,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $31,000.

Alaska – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 48th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th 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 Physiological Psychology $37,000 .
Alabama – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 11th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Samford University and WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $51,000 .
Arkansas – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 12th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $51,000 .
Arizona – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 43rd
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot, Arizona State University, Arizona State University / School of Life Sciences, and Unlisted Company.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $41,000 .
California – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 7th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot, Quantum Applied Science and Research (QUASAR), Inc., California State University, and Argosy University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $54,000 .
Colorado – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 33rd
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like STG International, University of Northern Colorado, Kaiser Permanente, and WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $44,000 .
Connecticut – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 4th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $58,000 .
DC – $63,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 1st
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Fairfax County Government, ICF, WeightNot, and SPARK Experience.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $63,000 .
Delaware – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 34th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th 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 Physiological Psychology $44,000 .
Florida – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 26th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot, Quantum Improvements Consulting, and Argosy University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $47,000 .
Georgia – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 5th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like OFS FITEL LLC, WeightNot, Entourage Consulting LLC., and Loyal Source Government Services.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $57,000 .
Hawaii – $31,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 51st
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like College of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology UH Manoa.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $31,000 .
Iowa – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 16th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $49,000 .
Idaho – $33,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 50th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Physiological 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 Physiological Psychology $33,000 .
Illinois – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 6th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like DePaul University, WeightNot, and University of Illinois at Chicago.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $57,000 .
Indiana – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 20th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $48,000 .
Kansas – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 28th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $46,000 .
Kentucky – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 41st
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $43,000 .
Louisiana – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 32nd
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $45,000 .
Massachusetts – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 2nd
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH), WeightNot, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Alkermes, Inc..
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $60,000 .
Maryland – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 13th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot, ICF, Sodexo, and SPARK Experience.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $51,000 .
Maine – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 35th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Husson University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $44,000 .
Michigan – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 14th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $50,000 .
Minnesota – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 36th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Minnesota Department of Human Services, St. Olaf College, WeightNot, and Bethel University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $44,000 .
Missouri – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 17th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot and Southeast Missouri State University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $49,000 .
Mississippi – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 9th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Physiological 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 Physiological Psychology $52,000 .
Montana – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 42nd
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd 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 Physiological Psychology $42,000 .
North Carolina – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 21st
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot, Apex Tool Group, Pinehurst Surgical, and Wake Forest University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $48,000 .
North Dakota – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 37th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Physiological 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 Physiological Psychology $44,000 .
Nebraska – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 49th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $36,000 .
New Hampshire – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 18th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th 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 Physiological Psychology $49,000 .
New Jersey – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 8th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Therapeutic Outreach, Inc..
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $54,000 .
New Mexico – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 38th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Northrop Grumman and WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $44,000 .
Nevada – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 46th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $38,000 .
New York – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 3rd
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot, Vassar College, and University of Rochester.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $60,000 .
Ohio – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 22nd
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $48,000 .
Oklahoma – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 29th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $46,000 .
Oregon – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 23rd
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot and University of Oregon.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $48,000 .
Pennsylvania – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 24th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The University of Pittsburgh, WeightNot, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $48,000 .
Rhode Island – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 30th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Brown University and WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $46,000 .
South Carolina – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 19th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $49,000 .
South Dakota – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 47th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Physiological 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 Physiological Psychology $38,000 .
Tennessee – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 31st
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $46,000 .
Texas – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 25th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Dept of State Health Services, WeightNot, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, and North Texas State Hospital.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $48,000 .
Utah – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 45th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $39,000 .
Virginia – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 15th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Fairfax County Government, WeightNot, University of Virginia, and Old Dominion University.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $50,000 .
Vermont – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 39th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Middlebury College.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $44,000 .
Washington – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 10th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot, Bastyr University, and Multicare Health System.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $52,000 .
Wisconsin – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 40th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Medical College of Wisconsin and WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $44,000 .
West Virginia – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 27th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WeightNot.
In USD as of October 24, 2016 60k 120k 180k Physiological Psychology $47,000 .
Wyoming – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 44th
Average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Physiological Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th 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 Physiological Psychology $41,000 .

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