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$41K

$87.9K

$137K

How much do forensic psychology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic psychology in the United States is $87,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Psychologist, you need a strong background in psychological assessment, criminal behavior analysis, and a relevant graduate degree (usually a Ph.D. or Psy.D.) along with appropriate licensure. Familiarity with assessment tools, psychological testing instruments, and legal documentation systems is essential. Exceptional critical thinking, objectivity, and advanced communication skills help you work effectively in courtrooms, correctional facilities, and with diverse stakeholders. These competencies ensure ethical, accurate evaluations and clear testimony, which are crucial for influencing legal outcomes and safeguarding justice.

What is the difference between Forensic Psychology vs Clinical Psychology?

AspectForensic PsychologyClinical Psychology
CredentialsDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), licensure, often specialized training in forensic settingsDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), licensure, specialized training in mental health treatment
Work EnvironmentCourts, correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, forensic settingsHospitals, clinics, private practices, mental health facilities
Employer & IndustryLegal system, government agencies, forensic institutionsHealthcare industry, private practices, hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping mental health expertise and legal applications

Forensic Psychology and Clinical Psychology share foundational psychological training and licensure requirements. However, forensic psychologists focus on applying mental health expertise within legal and criminal justice settings, while clinical psychologists primarily provide mental health treatment in healthcare environments. Understanding these differences helps professionals and job seekers identify the right career path based on their interests and credentials.

Do forensic psychologists work for the FBI?

Forensic psychologists can work for the FBI, often as special agents or in specialized roles involving criminal investigations, assessments, and interviews. They typically need a background in psychology, relevant certifications, and security clearances to work in federal agencies like the FBI.

What is forensic psychology?

Forensic psychology is a specialized field that applies principles of psychology to the legal and criminal justice systems. Forensic psychologists often assess individuals involved in legal cases, provide expert testimony in court, and consult on matters such as jury selection, competency evaluations, and criminal profiling. Their work helps bridge the gap between psychology and law, ensuring that psychological insights are used to inform legal decisions. Professionals in this field may work in prisons, courts, law enforcement agencies, or private practices.

What jobs can forensic psychology get you?

Forensic psychology can lead to roles such as forensic psychologist, criminal profiler, correctional psychologist, or expert witness in court cases. These positions often require a doctoral degree in psychology, specialized training, and knowledge of the legal system, with work environments including courts, prisons, and law enforcement agencies.

How much does the FBI pay forensic psychologists?

FBI forensic psychologists are typically classified as federal government employees and can earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. They often hold advanced degrees and require security clearances, with salaries increasing with experience and seniority within federal pay scales.

What would you do as a forensic psychologist?

A forensic psychologist evaluates individuals involved in legal cases, providing assessments of mental state, competency, and risk. They may conduct interviews, administer psychological tests, and prepare reports for courts, often working with law enforcement, attorneys, and correctional facilities. Certification and knowledge of legal procedures are important in this role.

What are some common challenges forensic psychologists face when working within the legal system?

Forensic psychologists often navigate complex ethical dilemmas, such as maintaining objectivity while being hired as expert witnesses. They must communicate psychological findings in clear, non-technical terms for judges, juries, and attorneys. Additionally, the adversarial nature of legal proceedings can create pressure and scrutiny, requiring strong resilience and professionalism. Balancing clinical responsibilities with court deadlines and managing sensitive or traumatic case material are also frequent challenges in this role.
More about Forensic Psychology jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Psychology jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Psychology job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Psychology jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Psychology jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Psychology jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Psychology jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Psychology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Psychology jobs are:
Forensic Psychology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Psychology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $87,877 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Director of Forensic Psychology

Director of Forensic Psychology

State of Oklahoma

Vinita, OK • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Posting Title
Director of Forensic Psychology
Agency
452 MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERV.
Supervisory Organization
Oklahoma Forensic Center
Job Posting End Date
Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.
Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)
Full/Part-Time
Full time
Job Type
Regular
Compensation
Commensurate based on education and experience
Job Description
Director of Forensic Psychology
📍 Oklahoma Forensic Center - Vinita, OK
💼 Full-Time | Exempt | Commensurate based on education and experience
Join a Team that CARES
At the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), our guiding values-I.C.A.R.E. (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence)-aren't just words; they shape everything we do. Our mission is to promote healthy communities and provide the highest quality care to enhance the well-being of all Oklahomans.
If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to grow with us.
Make Your Work Matter
Step into a leadership role where psychology meets the justice system in one of the most impactful ways possible. At the Oklahoma Forensic Center (OFC), your expertise won't just inform decisions-it will shape lives, influence legal outcomes, and strengthen communities.
We're looking for a Director of Forensic Psychology who's ready to lead, innovate, and elevate forensic mental health services across the state.
About the Facility
The Oklahoma Forensic Center is the largest inpatient behavioral health facility within ODMHSAS and the state's only inpatient forensic hospital, serving all 77 counties.
  • Location: Vinita, Oklahoma (approximately 60 miles northeast of Tulsa)
  • Capacity: 268 beds
  • Population Served: Individuals found incompetent for adjudication or adjudicated Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
  • Mission: Deliver quality forensic evaluations and effective psychiatric treatment in a therapeutic environment that preserves public safety

What You'll Do
This is more than a clinical role-it's a statewide leadership position.
As Director, you will:
  • Lead and oversee forensic psychology programs across Oklahoma
  • Conduct and supervise complex forensic evaluations
  • Provide expert witness testimony in legal proceedings
  • Train and mentor forensic examiners and psychology staff
  • Collaborate with legal, medical, and administrative teams
  • Develop policies, ensure compliance, and guide program strategy
  • Manage budgeting, planning, and interagency coordination

What You Bring
Required Qualifications:
  • Doctorate in Clinical or Counseling Psychology (APA-accredited)
  • Completion of a 1-year pre-doctoral internship, including direct supervision from a licensed psychologist specializing in clinical or counseling psychology
  • Minimum of 4 years of post-doctoral specialized training in the evaluation and/or treatment of forensic clients
  • At least 2 years of licensure as a psychologist
  • Demonstrated experience in forensic evaluations and expert testimony

Special Requirements:
  • Successful completion of OSBI background check
  • Pre-employment drug screen required
  • We are a J1 waiver sponsor

Benefits That Support You
ODMHSAS offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package:
  • Generous state-paid benefit allowance
  • Multiple health insurance options (no pre-existing condition exclusions)
  • Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent care)
  • Employee assistance and wellness programs
  • 11 paid holidays annually
  • 15 vacation days and 15 sick days in your first year
  • Retirement plan with strong employer match
  • Longevity bonuses
  • Student loan repayment opportunities
  • Continuing Medical Education (CME) support

Life in the Grand Lake Area
Living near Grand Lake offers an exceptional balance of work and lifestyle:
  • Minutes from Grand Lake o' the Cherokees- one of Oklahoma's premier destinations for boating, fishing, 4x4 rock crawling and waterfront living
  • Relaxed pace with low cost of living and short commutes
  • Access to golf courses, marinas, and scenic outdoor spaces
  • Unique local shops, dining, and cultural attractions
  • Close-knit community with easy access to Tulsa

Ready to Lead?
If you're looking for a role that combines clinical depth, leadership influence, and meaningful impact, this is it.
Bring your expertise where it counts most.
Apply today and help shape the future of forensic mental health in Oklahoma.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations available upon request.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.
If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:
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