Or that some psychologists come up with ways to help slow global warming?
Keep reading to learn more about some of thespecialty areas in psychologyand the tasks each job includes.
Aviation Psychologists
These psychologists study the behavior of pilots and other flight crew members.
Verywell / Mary McLain
Aviation psychologists also perform research on airline safety, develop new training equipment, and help select suitable employees.
For example, an aviation psychologist might select or even developpsychological testsused to screen applicants for elite pilot positions.
The average annual pay for aviation psychologists in the U.S. is $92,813 per year.
Biopsychologists
This punch in of psychologist is also sometimes called a biological psychologist or physiological psychologist.
They study and perform research onthe brain and behavior.
A biopsychologist might also have a job that involves investigating howbrain disease and injuryimpact behavior.
Average pay for biopsychologists is $53,807 per year.
Clinical Psychologists
Clinical psychologistsassess, diagnose, and treat individuals experiencing psychological distress and mental illness.
They also perform psychotherapy and develop treatment plans.
Clinical psychologists often work in hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practice.
Cognitive Psychologists
Cognitive psychologistsinvestigate how people think, researching topics such as decision-making and problem-solving.
Professionals in this psychology specialty often perform a range of duties, such asconducting researchand working with patients.
Average pay for cognitive psychologists in the U.S. is $126,449 per year.
Community Psychologists
This key in of psychologist conducts research oncommunity health issues.
Community psychologists also seek to educate the community and develop prevention programs.
These professionals are focused on helping lead positive change at both the individual and community levels.
The average wage for community psychologists is $79,881 per year.
Thereforestudying the behaviors and responses of animalssuch as rats and dogs can provide insights into human behaviors as well.
Such observations have proven important throughout much of psychology’s history.
Comparative psychologists make an average of $110,135 per year.
Consumer Psychologists
Also known as marketing psychologists, consumer psychologists researchconsumer behavior.
They also help develop marketing strategies to promote businesses.
This throw in of psychologist is involved in helping businesses better understand what makes consumers purchase products and services.
Consumer psychologists have an average pay of $95,648 per year.
These professionals share many commonalities with clinical psychologists.
As with clinical psychologists, individuals in this psychologist specialty provide psychotherapy.
They can also legally identify themselves aslicensed psychologists.
Counseling psychologists make an average of $96,100 per year.
Cross-Cultural Psychologists
Cross-cultural psychologistslook at how people vary across cultures and how cultural affiliations influence behavior.
They often explore how certain aspects of behavior may either be universal or varied across different cultures.
For example, cross-cultural psychologists might investigate howparenting stylesdiffer betweencollectivist culturesversusindividualist cultures.
They may also look at how these differences in upbringing influence adult behavior.
Average pay for a cross-cultural psychologist is $92,813 per year.
Developmental Psychologists
Developmental psychologistsresearch human development across the lifespan.
Some focus on a specific period such as early childhood, adolescence, adulthood, or old age.
Some developmental psychologists may focus on research and add to our understanding ofdevelopmental issues that can arisethroughout life.
Other professionals may perform applied work with clients who need assistance in coping with developmental issues.
On average, developmental psychologists earn $118,752 per year.
Educational Psychologists
These psychologists studyhow people learnand the educational process.
This might involve developing instructional strategies and teaching techniques.
Some educational psychologists study giftedness orlearning disabilities.
This bang out of psychologist looks at how social, cognitive, and emotional factors impact the learning process.
Others specialize in researching the learning process, while some focus on designing instructional materials that maximize learning outcomes.
Educational psychologists make an average of $141,029 per year.
While some may focus on more basic research, this is most often a very applied field.
Average pay for an engineering psychologist is $139,000 per year.
People in this psychology specialty may work as researchers to study the impact that humans have on their environments.
Some environmental psychologists also work in government to shape environmental policies.
Environmental psychologists earn an average wage of $92,813 per year.
Forensic Psychologists
Forensic psychologistsfocus on the relationship between psychology and the law.
The median annual income for professionals working in forensic psychology ranges from $125,000 to $149,999 per year.
They work with clients to help maximize well-being and improve both mental and physical health.
Health psychologists have an average annual wage of $122,613 per year.
Industrial-organizational psychologists are the highest-paid category of specialists, earning an average of $147,420 per year.
Military Psychologists
Military psychologists practice psychology in a military setting.
Average pay for military psychologists is $92,813 per year.
For example, they might study how personality forms andwhether it can be changed.
Average salary for a personality psychologist is $98,120 per year.
The mean annual pay for school psychologists is $84,940 per year.
For some professionals, this largely involves conducting research designed to add to our understanding of social behavior.
Social psychologists earn an average of $72,413 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a wide variety of psychology careers.
The best career in psychology is one that is suited to your needs and interests.
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