As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Psychologist - Ph.D. in the United States is $130,311 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, a Psychologist - Ph.D.'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Psychologist - Ph.D.'s salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Psychologist - Ph.D.'s salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC) | 0-0 years | $64,441 |
| Psychologist - M.A. | 7+ years | $95,248 |
| Psychologist - Ph.D. | 7-10 years | $130,311 |
| Psychological Services Director | 10+ years | $126,334 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Psychologist - Ph.D.s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.96% |
| CPA | 4.3% |
| Geriatrics | 2.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Healthcare Services
|
$145,948 |
12%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$143,342 |
10%
|
|
Interpersonal Communication
|
$142,039 |
9%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$140,736 |
8%
|
|
Planning
|
$139,433 |
7%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$138,130 |
6%
|
Understanding how a Psychologist - Ph.D.'s annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026For a Psychologist - Ph.D., the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Psychological Services Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $126,334 - a projected growth of -3% over your current level.
Salaries for a Psychologist - Ph.D. can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $116,960 in 2023 to around $110,195 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Psychologist - Ph.D. salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $116,960 |
| 2024 | $113,402 |
| 2025 | $110,195 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Psychologist - Ph.D. job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Psychologist - Ph.D.'s earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Psychologist - Ph.D. earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Psychologist - Ph.D. is $164,361.
The highest pay for Psychologist - Ph.D. is $144,588.
The lowest pay for Psychologist - Ph.D. is $106,803.
Evaluates patients for mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. Diagnoses disorders, including nature and extent, and determines the appropriate course of treatment for the patient. Uses talk therapy to treat patient illness or distress, cannot prescribe medication. Requires a PhD in clinical psychology. Requires a valid state license to practice. Typically reports to a medical director. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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