Is the cost of this degree worth the salary it leads to?
After graduation, psychology graduates typically earn high salaries compared to the national average. Top earners make $71,206, while the bottom 20% make closer to $29,253. The median grad salary is $45,640.
Psychology graduate salaries over time
The typical early career salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in psychology is $31,635, and within five years of graduation, this average salary goes up to $38,957.
This chart maps the average workforce wage by years of experience:
Wage ($USD)
Years of work experience
Highest paying jobs for psychology graduates
The highest paying careers for psychology graduates are clinical research coordinator, industrial organizational psychologist, occupational therapist and clinical psychologist, with top salaries averaging around $104,061.
Highest Paying Careers
Avg Pay (USD)
As per most recent US census
Pro tip
Still unsure if a degree in psychology is your calling? Read our comprehensive guide on choosing a career