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Operational Psychologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Psychological/Mental Health Technician

Arlington, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

S. Special Operations Command. This position will play a critical role in advancing the ... Under the supervision of a licensed psychiatrist, social worker, psychiatric nurse or psychologist ...

Plans, manages, and coordinates daily operations of school psychology services; exercises leadership to design, implement, assess, and revise program; oversees recruiting, interviewing, hiring and ...

Showing results 41-60

Operational Psychologist information

See Virginia salary details

$10.9K

$92K

$395.1K

How much do operational psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational psychologist in Virginia is $92,017.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,900.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Operational Psychologist, you need an advanced degree in psychology, licensure to practice, and a strong understanding of psychological assessment and intervention techniques in high-stress environments. Familiarity with assessment tools, data analysis software, and adherence to ethical standards specific to operational or military psychology is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to communicate effectively under pressure make candidates stand out. These qualifications enable Operational Psychologists to support mission readiness and mental resilience within demanding organizational settings.

How do you become an operational psychologist?

To become an operational psychologist, you typically need a doctoral degree in psychology, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D., along with specialized training in applied psychology and experience in military, law enforcement, or emergency response environments. Certification from relevant professional organizations and security clearances are often required for working in operational settings.

What does an operational psychologist do?

An Operational Psychologist applies psychological principles to support military, law enforcement, and intelligence operations. They assist with personnel selection, training, performance optimization, and stress management in high-risk environments. They may also provide expertise in areas such as resilience training, interrogation support, and threat assessment. Their work helps enhance decision-making, mission effectiveness, and overall psychological well-being of personnel in operational settings.

What types of teams or professionals does an operational psychologist typically work with?

Operational Psychologists often collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including military personnel, law enforcement officers, medical staff, and leadership. They provide psychological consultation, support resilience training, and assist with selection processes or critical incident responses. These professionals frequently work in both field and office environments, adapting to diverse operational needs. Effective teamwork and communication are essential, as the role requires integrating psychological expertise within fast-paced, mission-focused organizations.

How much do operational psychologists make?

Operational psychologists typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific agency or organization. They often work in high-stress environments requiring specialized training and security clearances.

What are popular job titles related to Operational Psychologist jobs in Virginia?

For Operational Psychologist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operational Psychologist jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Operational Psychologist jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Operational Psychologist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Operational Psychologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Operational Psychologist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,017 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Cleared Industrial/Organizational Psychologist

Human Resources Research Organization

Arlington, VA • On-site

$110K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

The Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO) is a non-profit leader in applied research, evaluation, and analytics in the arenas of employment, student, and military testing, and professional credentialing and licensing. We work with federal and state government agencies, private sector organizations, and professional associations.
About the Organization
As a non-profit, HumRRO is dedicated to work that contributes to science and society. Our employees enjoy a highly collaborative and supportive environment that fosters innovation, ethical practice, and outstanding customer service. Our core operational staff includes Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychologists/Behavioral Science Consultants.
About the Job
This job is for a candidate with a TS/SCI clearance who has completed a Masters or PhD degree in a relevant field and has several years of post-degree relevant work experience. Work will include:
  • Communicating, coordinating, and scheduling pre-work activities, interviews, focus groups, and workshops with subject matter experts (SMEs)
  • Collecting and reviewing background information (e.g., vacancy announcements, position descriptions, competency models, existing job analysis data) and preparing focus group/workshop content
  • Developing communications for SME sessions and job analysis validation questionnaires
  • Preparing draft workshop/focus group content (e.g., briefings)
  • Facilitating and documenting the results of virtual SME sessions with participants across to develop work roles, tasks, competencies, and associated work role requirements
  • Developing job analysis validation questionnaires
  • Analyzing job analysis data using R or other statistical analysis software
  • Developing and delivering technical reports
  • Work role coding system development and implementation in Excel or Access database format
  • Working collaboratively with colleagues, managers, and clients
  • Candidates should be willing to work on a variety of types of tasks and projects and possess a desire to learn and develop inventive methods that respond to client needs.

The position is on-site at a client location in the Arlington, VA vicinity.
Requirements and Qualifications
  • Masters or PhD in I-O Psychology or related discipline
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Seven-plus years of post-Masters experience or four-plus years of post-PhD experience conducting job analyses and developing competency models to support talent management activities and personnel decisions
  • Proficiency in R
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing
  • Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and manage own work and the work of others
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently as a member or leader of a team
  • Demonstrated commitment to meeting high standards for product and service quality
  • Desire to learn and develop inventive methods that respond to client needs
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills to establish and maintain effective relationships with team members and clients

The anticipated salary for this role is $110,000 to $170,000. Specific salary offers are based on candidate qualifications and experience.
At HumRRO, our generous benefits and highly competitive workplace policies reflect how much we value our employees - now and in the future.
We offer:
  • Health, dental and vision insurance
  • Life insurance equal to 2x annual salary
  • Retirement plan with company matching
  • Paid professional development and training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave
  • Generous paid time off and 10 paid holidays

All qualified applications will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, medical condition, or disability. All employment decisions will be merit based and made solely on the individual qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position for which the applicant is being considered. EEO/Vet/Disabled.
Proud to be a Washingtonian magazine Great Place to Work, a Washington Post Top Workplace, and a CareFirst Gold Healthy Business.