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Entry Level Psychologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Staff Psychologist

Normal, IL · On-site

$5K - $6K/mo

Staff Psychologist Job no: 521531 Work type: On Campus Location: Normal, Illinois Title: Staff ... We welcome applications from both entry-level professionals and those with several years of ...

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Entry Level Psychologist information

See salary details

$44.5K

$154.1K

$311K

How much do entry level psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level psychologist in the United States is $154,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,500.00 and $223,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level psychologist do?

An entry level psychologist typically assists with psychological assessments, conducts research, and provides support to licensed psychologists or senior staff. Their work may involve administering standardized tests, collecting and analyzing data, and helping to develop treatment plans under supervision. Entry level psychologists often work in settings such as clinics, hospitals, schools, or research institutions, and their responsibilities help them gain valuable experience for further licensure and independent practice.

What Does an Entry-Level Psychologist Do?

An entry-level psychologist is a fully licensed therapist or mental health expert that may still be getting mentorship and professional guidance from more experienced psychologists or counseling experts. In this career, you still have the same duties and responsibilities as any other psychologist. You make a diagnosis for a patient based on counseling sessions and then work with your patient to develop a treatment plant that fits their needs and goals. Only in certain limited cases, however, are psychologists allowed to prescribe medication to patients, and the requirements for that depend on the state in which you practice and whether or not you have taken coursework in pharmacology.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level psychologists when transitioning from academic training to clinical practice?

Entry level psychologists often find the transition from academic settings to clinical practice challenging due to differences in pace, client diversity, and the need for practical application of theoretical knowledge. Adapting to real-world cases, managing caseloads, and dealing with administrative duties like documentation can be initially overwhelming. However, most organizations provide supervision and mentorship to help new psychologists develop confidence and refine their therapeutic skills. Open communication with supervisors and proactive participation in team meetings are vital for ongoing professional growth and support.

What is the difference between Entry Level Psychologist vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectEntry Level PsychologistMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctoral degree in Psychology, licensure often requiredHigh school diploma or associate degree; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, private practices, research settingsHospitals, mental health facilities, residential programs
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health services, research institutionsBehavioral health facilities, hospitals, community programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in psychologyExploring support roles in mental health settings

Entry Level Psychologists typically hold advanced degrees and licensure, working directly with clients in clinical or research settings. Mental Health Technicians usually have less formal education, providing support and assisting licensed professionals in mental health environments. Both roles are essential in mental health services but differ in qualifications and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Psychologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Psychologist, you need a foundational knowledge of psychological theories, research methods, and assessment techniques, usually supported by at least a master's degree in psychology or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software, psychological testing tools, and patient record systems is common in this role. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and active listening abilities help in building trust and rapport with clients. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing effective support, conducting accurate assessments, and fostering client well-being.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Psychologist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Psychologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Psychologist jobs? The most popular types of Psychologist jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Psychologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Psychologist jobs include:
Staff Psychologist

$5K - $6K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Illinois State University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Staff Psychologist
Job no: 521531
Work type: On Campus
Location: Normal, Illinois
Title: Staff Psychologist
Division Name: Student Affairs
Department: Student Counseling Services
Campus Location: Normal, IL
Job Summary
The Student Counseling Services (SCS) invites applications for multiple Staff Psychologist positions. Start dates are negotiable with the hope that the selected candidate would begin as soon as possible. We seek strong generalists who brings a passion for working with underrepresented students. We seek dynamic professionals with the skills and creativity to share our commitment to excellence, that can flourish in a fast-paced environment, and who enhances the diversity of our staff. We seek professionals with well-developed therapy skills, strong interest in carrying a diverse and large clinical caseload, as well as a strong belief in the mission of comprehensive counseling centers.
Position responsibilities include triage, brief individual, couples and group counseling, daytime and after-hours crisis intervention and management, involvement in our APA-accredited training program as a seminar leader and/or clinical supervisor, consultation and liaison work, and outreach programming. We welcome applications from both entry-level professionals and those with several years of experience. Finally, we seek a colleague who will strive to work collaboratively with their peers, both within the unit and across the campus - those who have strong interpersonal skills and who enjoy building positive working relationships with others.
Additional Information
Student Counseling Services (SCS) is an integral unit within the Division of Student Affairs at Illinois State University and enjoys strong administrative support from division administration and from the university at large. SCS is the primary designated mental health service on campus and functions as a comprehensive counseling center for a campus population of just over 20,000 students. The center prides itself on proactive efforts to enhance the mental health of individuals, groups, and the campus community as a whole, and has a longstanding reputation for innovation and excellence in the full range of counseling center functions. Many former staff and trainees of the center have become counseling center directors, training directors, researchers, and leading experts in the field of college student mental health.
Notable features of this IACS accredited center include a vibrant and growing group therapy program, an active program evaluation team, highly creative outreach and consultation efforts, and one of the oldest APA accredited internship training programs in a counseling center setting.
For more information about our center, please visit our website:
http://www.counseling.illinoisstate.edu/.
Illinois State University, founded in 1857, is located in the growing twin-city community of Bloomington-Normal, with a population of approximately 130,000, and is centrally located 137 miles southwest of Chicago and 164 miles northeast of St. Louis. The community offers a wide range of cultural, family and recreational opportunities, four local colleges/universities, a high quality of life, and excellent employment opportunities for family members, and easy access to the urban amenities of nearby cities. Uptown redevelopment in Normal with many unique restaurants, shops, and a transportation center is enhancing the community near campus and the strong "town-gown" relationship between the university and the local community. ISU also provides a variety of employee affinity groups to enhance the professional development and personal work/life balance for African American, Latinx, Asian and Asian American and LGBTQ faculty and staff.
Salary Rate / Pay Rate
$5,834/mo to $6,667/mo
Required Qualifications
1. Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Counseling or Clinical psychology from an APA-accredited academic program
2. Successful completion of a doctoral internship
3. Licensed as a Psychologist in the state of Illinois -OR- ability to become independently licensed as a Psychologist in the state of Illinois within one (1) year of employment
Preferred Qualifications
1. Licensed Psychologist
2. College/university counseling center experience
3. Strong clinical and outreach skills in the following areas: triage and crisis assessment, trauma, body image and eating concerns, case management and suicide prevention
4. Clinical supervision experience
Work Hours
Varies
Functional Expectations
Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods.
2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.
Proposed Starting Date
ASAP
Required Applicant Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Reference List
Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
University Benefit Highlights:
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time
Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/
Contact Information for Applicants
Carrie Haubner, cahaubn@ilstu.edu
Important Information for Applicants
This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.
If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.
Application Opened: 03/17/2026 09:00 AM CST
Application Closes:
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