According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median wage for an early-career professional with a bachelor's in psychology is $35,000. This is at the low end of graduate salaries among other majors, but one of the reasons online psychology degrees are so popular is because they are flexible. A generalist degree in psychology allows students to follow a multitude of career paths, many of which offer more desirable salaries. The BLS lists the top-employing occupations for workers with a bachelor's degree in psychology as follows: registered nurse, social worker, elementary school teacher, and personal service manager. Please note that some of these roles require additional certifications. The most common occupational groups were in the fields of management, community and social services, educational instruction and library, healthcare, and administrative support. The current median salaries and job outlooks for these occupations vary widely. For example, those in administrative support roles earn salaries between $31,110 and $47,560, while those in managerial roles may earn salaries ranging from $69,600 to $141,490. An advanced degree is required for those who want to work as practicing psychologists, a career with a salary that pays well. In May 2020, a licensed, practicing psychologist earned an annual salary between $79,820 and $105,780. Similarly, clinical and research psychologists must have a doctoral degree, while school psychologists, industrial-organizational psychologists, and psychological assistants must have master's degrees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) data from 2018, 49% of psychology graduates went on to earn advanced degrees. Below, we explore a few careers that psychology students might go into in further detail. Career Options for Psychology Graduates The Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists many career opportunities for psychology graduates, though graduate studies may be required. School and Career Counselor
Median Annual Salary: $58,120 Job Growth Rate: 11% Career counselors can work at public and private high schools, community colleges, and universities. They help students identify their aptitudes and interests while assisting them in researching educational expectations for specific careers. Career counselors are required to have a master's degree, and in some states, they must also obtain licensure. Social Worker
Median Annual Salary: $51,760 Job Growth Rate: 12% Graduates interested in social work may consider becoming case managers, helping individuals address problems in their everyday lives. For example, after evaluating a client's needs, they may provide counseling, identify useful resources, and support clients by enrolling them in services or programs. Teacher
Median Annual Salary: $60,660 (elementary), $62,870 (high school) Job Growth Rate: 7% (elementary), 8% (high school) Graduates who've earned bachelor's degrees can qualify to become elementary or high school teachers by earning a teaching credential. Elementary teachers typically teach all subjects, while high school teachers specialize in specific subjects, earning slightly more. For further guidance, the APA has employment resources to help psychology graduates find a career.