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Cognitive Psychologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Cognitive Performance Specialist provides evidencebased cognitive, psychological, and behavioral skills training to enhance mental performance and readiness. The CPS develops, implements, and ...

The Cognitive Performance Specialist provides evidencebased cognitive, psychological, and behavioral skills training to enhance mental performance and readiness. The CPS develops, implements, and ...

The Cognitive Performance Specialist provides evidencebased cognitive, psychological, and behavioral skills training to enhance mental performance and readiness. The CPS develops, implements, and ...

Neuro Psychologist

Tower, MN · On-site +1

$57.33 - $88.47/hr

The neuropsychologist provides patient assessments and diagnostic services related to cognitive, psychological, and other behavioral challenges. The neuropsychologist performs neuropsychological ...

... psychology. - Identify, track, and monitor unit-specific metrics to assess program effectiveness. - Train and educate active-duty personnel in cognitive and behavioral skills to enhance cognitive and ...

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Cognitive Psychologist information

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$11K

$92.8K

$398.5K

How much do cognitive psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for cognitive psychologist in the United States is $92,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cognitive psychologist?

Cognitive psychologists are professionals who study mental processes such as perception, memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and language. They conduct research to understand how people acquire, process, and store information. Their work helps inform treatments for memory disorders, learning disabilities, and other cognitive issues, and is applied in areas like education, therapy, and artificial intelligence. Cognitive psychologists may work in academic settings, healthcare, or industry, often using experiments and data analysis to explore how the mind works.

What does a cognitive psychologist do?

The duties of a cognitive psychologist vary with the work environment. In some positions, you focus primarily on the study and research of human behavior. You conduct studies that center on gaining a better understanding of perception, cognition, memory, or other brain processes for the development of algorithms to explain and predict them. You then publish your findings in a scientific journal and share them with your colleagues at conferences. Other cognitive psychologists work to diagnose and treat mental health issues in a clinical setting. You can find employment with schools where you provide counseling to students or in private practice. In some positions, you have management responsibilities that require you to supervise team members.

What types of projects or research does a cognitive psychologist typically work on within academic or organizational settings?

Cognitive psychologists often engage in research projects that investigate mental processes such as memory, perception, language, and problem-solving. In academic settings, they may design experiments, analyze data, and publish findings, often collaborating with other psychologists or interdisciplinary teams. In organizational environments, cognitive psychologists might work on user experience research, training programs, or product development, applying cognitive principles to improve outcomes. These roles often involve both independent tasks and regular collaboration with colleagues or stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cognitive psychologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cognitive Psychologist, you need a solid grounding in psychological theory, research methodology, and data analysis, typically supported by an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in psychology. Familiarity with statistical software (like SPSS or R), experimental design tools, and sometimes neuroimaging systems is essential. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and curiosity help individuals excel in interpreting findings and collaborating with peers. These skills and qualities are vital for advancing scientific understanding and applying research to real-world cognitive challenges.

What is the difference between Cognitive Psychologist vs Clinical Psychologist?

AspectCognitive PsychologistClinical Psychologist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), specialized training in cognitionDoctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), training in mental health diagnosis and therapy
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, universities, labs, sometimes healthcareHospitals, clinics, private practices, mental health facilities
Employer & IndustryAcademic institutions, research organizations, tech companiesHealthcare providers, mental health clinics, hospitals

While both roles require advanced degrees, Cognitive Psychologists focus on understanding mental processes through research and experiments, often working in academic or research settings. Clinical Psychologists diagnose and treat mental health disorders, working directly with patients in clinical environments. The choice depends on whether you prefer research and cognitive studies or clinical practice and therapy.

Are cognitive psychologists in demand?

Cognitive psychologists are in steady demand in academic, healthcare, and research settings, especially as interest in mental health, human-computer interaction, and neuropsychology grows. Employment opportunities often require advanced degrees and research experience, with roles available in universities, hospitals, and private organizations.

What jobs are there in cognitive psychology?

Jobs in cognitive psychology include research scientist, cognitive psychologist, neuropsychologist, and applied psychologist, often working in academic, healthcare, or corporate settings. These roles typically involve conducting experiments, analyzing data, and applying psychological principles to improve understanding of mental processes, with many requiring advanced degrees and familiarity with statistical tools and research methods.

What cities are hiring for Cognitive Psychologist jobs?

Cities with the most Cognitive Psychologist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cognitive Psychologist jobs?

The most popular types of Cognitive Psychologist jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Cognitive Psychologist jobs?

The top employers for Cognitive Psychologist jobs are:

What states have the most Cognitive Psychologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cognitive Psychologist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Cognitive Psychologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,813 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Assistant Professor, Cognitive Psychology

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$6.9K - $7.9K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


University Of San Diego rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

461st of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Assistant Professor, Cognitive Psychology
Posting #: 5666
Position Status: Faculty, Full-time regular
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences
Position Title & Department:
Assistant Professor, Cognitive Psychology
Posting #
5666
Department Description:
The Department of Psychological Sciences is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of San Diego. Our faculty are dedicated teacher-scholars with a commitment to offering the highest quality teaching and learning environment for students as well as mentoring undergraduates in meaningful research experiences. We embrace our responsibility to create a welcoming and inclusive campus culture and seek candidates who are motivated to contribute to the life of the department, College, and University. The department offers robust mentoring of new faculty to support their success. The Department of Psychological Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.
The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, diversity and inclusion, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.
University Description:
The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.
Detailed Description:
The Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of San Diego invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Cognitive Psychology to start in Fall 2027. Our faculty are dedicated teacher-scholars with a commitment to offering the highest quality teaching and learning environment for students as well as mentoring undergraduates in meaningful research experiences. We embrace our responsibility to create a welcoming and inclusive campus culture and seek candidates who are motivated to contribute to the life of the department, College, and University. The department offers robust mentoring of new faculty to support their success. The Department of Psychological Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with the opportunity for students to select an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health, Child/Human Development, Health and Wellness, or Social and Cultural Processes (please visit https://www.sandiego.edu/cas/psychological-sciences/ for more information).
Job Requirements:
The successful candidates will
  • Hold an advanced degree, preferably a doctorate (Ph.D.) in cognitive psychology or a related field. ABD candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Have demonstrated a commitment to teaching and research, mentoring undergraduates, and fostering a climate of inclusion and diversity.

The successful candidate will have expertise in cognitive psychology. The teaching load for faculty is three courses per semester and may include introductory psychology, research methods, statistics, an advanced research methods capstone or seminar seminar in cognitive psychology, and upper-division courses in their area of expertise (e.g., attention, perception, decision-making, language, memory, misinformation, problem-solving, cognitive performance, technology). The successful candidate will have demonstrated potential for an independent research program with human subjects and involving undergraduate research students. We welcome candidates who are interested in teaching courses involving community engagement within diverse communities. Faculty participate in department and University service and will serve as academic advisor for undergraduate students. Candidates with postdoctoral research experience are especially encouraged to apply.
Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.
Posting Salary:
$6,931.25-$7,917 monthly: Excellent Benefits
The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits
The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.
Special Application Instructions:
For full consideration, applications should be completed and submitted by September 15, 2026.
Applicants are asked to submit the following materials.
  1. Letter of application or cover letter (limit 1 page)
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. Teaching Statement including evidence of inclusive pedagogy (limit 2 pages) and a sample syllabus
  4. Research Statement highlighting past research and articulating a plan for future research (limit 2 pages) and a sample of scholarly work
  5. Contact information for three references who will be sent a link to upload letters.

For questions, please contact the department chair, Dr. Jennifer Zwolinski (jzwolinski@sandiego.edu).
If you have any technical difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.
Additional Details:
The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.
Advertised: July 31, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
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