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Developmental Psychologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of human development, psychological treatment, and intervention modalities with children, adolescents and adults. Knowledge of psychosocial factors relevant to mental health, such as ...

Psychologist II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$131K - $197K/yr

Knowledge of human development, psychological treatment, and intervention modalities with children, adolescents and adults. Knowledge of psychosocial factors relevant to mental health, such as ...

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Developmental Psychologist information

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$18.5K

$81.4K

$189K

How much do developmental psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental psychologist in the United States is $81,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,500.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you do with a developmental psychology degree?

A developmental psychologist can work in clinical settings, schools, research institutions, or government agencies, focusing on child development, mental health, or educational programs. Common roles include clinical psychologist, school psychologist, research scientist, or program evaluator, often requiring relevant certifications or licenses. The degree provides skills in assessment, research, and intervention, which are applicable across various child and adolescent development fields.

What is the difference between Developmental Psychologist vs Child Psychologist?

AspectDevelopmental PsychologistChild Psychologist
CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), licensureMaster's or Doctoral degree, licensure often required
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, clinics, schools, hospitalsPrivate practice, clinics, hospitals, schools
Industry UsageResearch on development stages, assessment, interventionDiagnosis and treatment of childhood mental health issues
Common Search IntentDevelopmental milestones, research, assessmentsChild behavior, therapy, mental health treatment

Developmental Psychologists focus on research and assessment of developmental stages across the lifespan, including childhood. Child Psychologists primarily diagnose and treat mental health issues in children. While both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, their primary focus and job functions differ.

How much does a developmental psychologist earn?

Developmental psychologists typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $120,000 depending on experience, education, location, and work setting. Those with advanced degrees and specialized skills in research or clinical practice tend to earn higher salaries.

What are developmental psychologists?

Developmental psychologists are professionals who study how people grow, develop, and change throughout their lives. They focus on physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development from infancy through old age. Developmental psychologists conduct research, assess developmental issues, and may work in academic, healthcare, or educational settings to support healthy development. Their work helps improve understanding of learning, behavior, and mental health across the lifespan.

What would a developmental psychologist do?

A developmental psychologist studies how people grow and change throughout their lifespan, focusing on physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. They often conduct research, assess developmental progress, and may work in clinical, educational, or research settings to support healthy development and address developmental challenges.

What Is a Developmental Psychologist?

A developmental psychologist studies human development and its relation to cognitive abilities and health. Because this field is so broad, many developmental psychologists focus on a specific stage of life. For example, some may assess young children with motor and speech skills delays and create treatment plans for their families to help the child overcome or manage these issues. Other developmental psychologists move into academia to conduct research and teach at the university level.

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

To thrive as a Developmental Psychologist, you need a doctoral degree in psychology, strong research methodology, and expertise in human development across the lifespan. Proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, data analysis tools, and familiarity with diagnostic assessments are typically required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and empathy are vital soft skills for working with clients and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. These skills ensure accurate research, effective interventions, and meaningful support for individuals at various developmental stages.

What are some common challenges faced by developmental psychologists when conducting research with children?

Developmental psychologists often encounter challenges such as obtaining informed consent from both parents and children, ensuring ethical standards are met, and designing age-appropriate assessments. Building trust and rapport with young participants is crucial for collecting reliable data, and maintaining their attention during studies can be difficult. Additionally, psychologists must be mindful of developmental differences and tailor their methods to suit various age groups, which adds complexity to both planning and data analysis.

What jobs can a developmental psychologist do?

A developmental psychologist can work in clinical, research, educational, or applied settings, studying human growth and development across the lifespan. Common roles include clinical psychologist, research scientist, school psychologist, or program evaluator, often requiring advanced degrees and strong analytical skills. They may work in hospitals, schools, government agencies, or private practice, utilizing assessments and interventions to support developmental health.
What cities are hiring for Developmental Psychologist jobs? Cities with the most Developmental Psychologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Developmental Psychologist jobs? The most popular types of Developmental Psychologist jobs are:
What states have the most Developmental Psychologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Developmental Psychologist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Developmental Psychologist jobs? For Developmental Psychologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Developmental Psychologist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,360 per year, or $39.1 per hour.
Psychologist II

$131K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Sutter Health rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 316 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!

Organization:

CPMC-California Pacific Med Center

Position Overview:

Provides mental health services to child, adolescent and adult inpatient and outpatient clients and their families. These services require autonomous decision making, assessment, treatment planning, interventions, discharge planning and internal and external community resource coordination. Performs other duties as assigned, including consultation with other clinical staff and supervision with psychology interns/post doctorates.

Job Description:

EDUCATION:
Doctorate: PHd or PsyD in Psychology from an accredited institution.

TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:


2 years recent relevant experience.


CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE:


PSY - Psychologist licensed in the state of practice
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:


Knowledge of human development, psychological treatment, and intervention modalities with children, adolescents and adults.
Knowledge of psychosocial factors relevant to mental health, such as personality, human growth and development; interpersonal relationships; group process; family dynamics; community integration and socioeconomic resource provisions, including the relevance of these factors for personal change in treatment.
Knowledge of and adherence to American Psychological Association ethical standards.
Knowledge of the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, and psychotherapeutic modalities and interventions, including psychotropic medications.
Ability to effectively work with a wide range of psychiatric treatment problems of children, adolescents, adults and their families.
Ability to cooperatively work as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
Ability to make sound clinical decisions regarding assessing patient's acuity and appropriate dispositions.

Job Shift:

Day/Evening

Schedule:

Full Time

Days of the Week:

Variable

Weekend Requirements:

As Needed, Saturday

Benefits:

Yes

Unions:

No

Position Status:

Exempt

Weekly Hours:

40

Employee Status:

Regular

Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Pay Range is $131,996.80 to $197,995.20 / annual salary

The compensation range may vary based on the geographic location where the position is filled. Total compensation considers multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate's experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health's comprehensive total rewards program. Eligible positions also include a comprehensive benefits package.


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