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Psychology Majors’ Salary Over the Career
This figure shows median earnings by age for those who majored in Psychology but have a bachelor’s degree only: “This Major (BA only)”, and those who majored in Psychology but obtained a masters degree or higher: “This Major (Grad Degree)”. For reference, “All Majors (BA only)” contains the median income for all college graduates who have a bachelor’s degree only, and “All Majors (Grad Degree)” contains the median income for all college graduates who have a Master’s degree or higher.
This table highlights key outcomes for Psychology majors, compared to averages for all college graduates.
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Top 10 Early-Career Occupations (Bachelor’s only)
These are the top occupations for Psychology majors aged 25-35 who have a BA only (no graduate degree) and the median income they received in the occupation. The share indicates the percentage of Psychology majors aged 25-35 with a BA only who worked in that occupation.
| Share | Occupation | Income |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Social Workers | 45,400 |
| 4 | Unemployed | 0 |
| 3 | Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Specialists | 65,900 |
| 3 | Counselors | 41,000 |
| 3 | Managers, nec (including Postmasters) | 64,300 |
| 3 | First-Line Supervisors of Sales Workers | 50,200 |
| 3 | Elementary and Middle School Teachers | 47,100 |
| 3 | Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 40,300 |
| 3 | Customer Service Representatives | 41,600 |
| 2 | Registered Nurses | 64,800 |
Top 10 Mid-Career Occupations (Bachelor’s only)
These are the top occupations for Psychology majors aged 45-55 who have a BA only (no graduate degree) and the median income they received in the occupation. The share indicates the percentage of Psychology majors aged 45-55 with a BA only who worked in that occupation.
| Share | Occupation | Income |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Unemployed | 0 |
| 5 | Social Workers | 56,200 |
| 4 | Managers, nec (including Postmasters) | 100,000 |
| 3 | Elementary and Middle School Teachers | 46,100 |
| 3 | Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 45,300 |
| 3 | First-Line Supervisors of Sales Workers | 78,100 |
| 2 | Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Specialists | 81,900 |
| 2 | Registered Nurses | 78,100 |
| 2 | Counselors | 48,700 |
| 2 | Retail Salespersons | 27,400 |
Top 10 Mid-Career Occupations (Master’s Degree or higher)
These are the top occupations for Psychology majors aged 45-55 who have completed graduate work (Masters, PhD, Professional Degree) and the median income they received in the occupation. The share indicates the percentage of Psychology majors aged 45-55 with graduate degrees who worked in that occupation.
| Share | Occupation | Income |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Psychologists | 103,000 |
| 9 | Counselors | 67,000 |
| 6 | Social Workers | 74,700 |
| 6 | Elementary and Middle School Teachers | 79,000 |
| 6 | Unemployed | 0 |
| 5 | Postsecondary Teachers | 99,400 |
| 4 | Lawyers, and judges, magistrates, and other judicial workers | 149,000 |
| 3 | Education Administrators | 111,000 |
| 3 | Managers, nec (including Postmasters) | 119,000 |
| 3 | Physicians and Surgeons | 291,000 |
Top 10 Early-Career Industries
These are the top industries for Psychology majors aged 25-35 and the median income they received in the industry. The share indicates the percentage of Psychology majors aged 25-35 who worked in that industry.
| Share | Industry | Income |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Elementary and secondary schools | 58,000 |
| 10 | Health services, n.e.c. | 51,000 |
| 7 | Hospitals | 64,500 |
| 7 | Social services, n.e.c. | 47,500 |
| 5 | Colleges and universities | 56,200 |
| 3 | N/A (not applicable) | 0 |
| 3 | Eating and drinking places | 28,100 |
| 3 | Insurance | 60,000 |
| 2 | Justice, public order, and safety | 66,300 |
| 2 | Legal services | 70,900 |
Top 10 Mid-Career Industries
These are the top industries for Psychology majors aged 45-55 and the median income they received in the industry. The share indicates the percentage of Psychology majors aged 45-55 who worked in that industry.
| Share | Industry | Income |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Elementary and secondary schools | 71,600 |
| 9 | N/A (not applicable) | 0 |
| 8 | Health services, n.e.c. | 70,900 |
| 6 | Colleges and universities | 86,800 |
| 5 | Hospitals | 89,700 |
| 5 | Social services, n.e.c. | 59,400 |
| 3 | Justice, public order, and safety | 90,700 |
| 3 | Insurance | 97,200 |
| 2 | Administration of human resources programs | 79,200 |
| 2 | Management and public relations services | 93,100 |
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