Statistics for Careers & Jobs in Psychology

Psychology Statistics

Get more information on the profession and see how different degrees affect your ultimate career choice in psychology.

Opportunities in the field of psychology are limited for those who only hold a bachelor's degree in psychology.
Over 25% of psychologists are self-employed, This is four times the average for professional workers.
The psychology industry provided about 139,000 jobs in 2002.
The largest psychology specialty is clinical psychology.
Most psychology specialties require a doctorate level degree. These specialties include clinical and counseling psychologists. Other specialties, like organizational and school psychologists require only a master level degree.
Schools and other educational institutions employed nearly 3 out of 10 salaried psychologists in positions other than teaching (i.e. counseling, testing, research, and administration).
Another 3 out of 10 salaried psychologists were employed in the health care industry - mostly with mental health practitioners and in outpatient care, nursing/residential care, individual/family service and private hospitals.
A doctorate level degree typically requires 5 to 7 years of study beyond the bachelor's level.
Roughly 10% of psychologists work for government agencies at the State and local levels (i.e. public hospitals, clinics, correctional facilities).
More than 25% of psychologists work for themselves. Private practices are usually set up by psychology professionals after they have had a number of years of experience in the field.

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