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$11K

$92.8K

$398.5K

How much do prison psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for prison 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.

Is there a high demand for criminal psychologists?

Prison psychologists, a type of criminal psychologist, are in moderate to high demand due to the need for mental health services within correctional facilities. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as the criminal justice system emphasizes mental health assessment and treatment, requiring specialized training and licensure. Job prospects can vary based on location and facility size.

How do you become a correctional psychologist?

To become a correctional psychologist, you typically need a doctoral degree in psychology, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D., along with supervised clinical experience. Licensure is required to practice independently, and additional training in forensic or correctional settings can be beneficial for working in correctional facilities.

What is the difference between Prison Psychologist vs Correctional Counselor?

AspectPrison PsychologistCorrectional Counselor
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree in psychology, state licensureBachelor's or master's degree in counseling or social work, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentPrisons, detention centers, forensic settingsPrisons, community correction facilities, rehabilitation centers
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, forensic institutionsCorrectional facilities, community organizations
Common Search & ComparisonFocus on mental health diagnosis and treatment in prisonsFocus on counseling, rehabilitation, and behavioral management in correctional settings

Prison Psychologists and Correctional Counselors both work within correctional environments, but Prison Psychologists typically hold doctoral degrees and provide mental health assessments and therapy, while Correctional Counselors usually have a bachelor's or master's degree and focus on counseling and behavioral support. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by prison psychologists in their daily work?

Prison psychologists often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, working with individuals who may be resistant to treatment, and addressing a wide range of mental health issues within a confined environment. They must balance the therapeutic needs of inmates with safety protocols and security measures unique to correctional settings. Additionally, prison psychologists frequently collaborate with correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative personnel to ensure comprehensive care, making strong communication and adaptability essential for success in this role.

What does a prison psychologist do?

A prison psychologist is a mental health professional who works within correctional facilities to assess, diagnose, and treat inmates with psychological issues. They provide counseling, therapy, crisis intervention, and mental health evaluations to help inmates manage mental illnesses, stress, and behavioral problems. Prison psychologists also work with correctional staff to create rehabilitation programs, assess inmates’ risk of reoffending, and support overall prison safety and inmate well-being.

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

To thrive as a Prison Psychologist, you need an advanced degree in psychology (typically a PhD or PsyD), state licensure, and expertise in clinical assessment and forensic psychology. Familiarity with risk assessment tools, psychological testing instruments, and correctional records systems is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and the ability to build rapport with diverse and sometimes challenging populations set outstanding professionals apart. These skills are critical for providing effective mental health care, supporting rehabilitation, and maintaining safety within correctional environments.

Can you work in a prison with a psychology degree?

Prison psychologists typically need a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, along with state licensure or certification. They work in correctional facilities providing mental health assessments, therapy, and crisis intervention, often requiring knowledge of forensic psychology and security protocols.

What kind of psychologist works in prisons?

A prison psychologist is a mental health professional who works within correctional facilities to assess, diagnose, and treat inmates. They often use psychological testing, counseling, and crisis intervention, and typically require licensure and specialized training in forensic psychology or correctional mental health. Their work environment demands strong boundaries, confidentiality, and knowledge of criminal justice procedures.
More about Prison Psychologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Prison Psychologist jobs? Cities with the most Prison Psychologist job openings:
What states have the most Prison Psychologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Prison Psychologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Prison Psychologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prison Psychologist jobs are:
Prison Psychologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Psychologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,813 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Clinical Psychologist (Regional Psychology Services Administrator)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System

Philadelphia, PA • On-site, Remote

$138K - $180K/yr

Full-time

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

Job description

Summary
Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Serves as a Regional Psychology Services Administrator (PSA) for a region within the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
Serves as the technical advisor to the Regional Director, Deputy Regional Director, other Regional Administrators, and institution Wardens and their staff on matters related to Psychology Services departments and their role in BOP institutions.
Disseminates and implements agency standards developed by the Psychology Services Branch (PSB) of the Reentry Services Division, Central Office, pertinent to suicide risk management, the care of mentally ill inmates, the oversight of correctional treatment programs, and other critical areas relevant to institution Psychology Services operations.
Provides staff assistance to all institutions within the region through the promotion of effective, evidence-based mental health and re-entry programming practices.
Maintains records of psychology staffing at institutions within the region, and advises the Regional Director of critical psychology staffing shortages that may impact the quality of clinical services or program integrity.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship is Required.
  • See Special Conditions of Employment Section.

Career Transition Programs (CTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:
  • 1. Meet CTAP eligibility criteria;
  • 2. Be rated well-qualified for the position, scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies; and
  • 3. Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility:

    • A copy of the agency notice (i.e., separation notice or agency RIF letter),
    • Most recent performance appraisal, and
    • Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location.
    • See USAJOBS' Career Transition Programs for more information.

NOTE: Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must complete all assessment questions to be rated under the established ranking criteria.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
Qualifications
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following:
Basic Requirements:
Degree: Satisfactory completion of all the requirements for a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology is required.
NOTE: Applicants may have received this degree in either clinical or counseling psychology.
AND
In addition to the basic requirements, you must have:
Education:
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position.
Experience:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically be in or related to the position to be filled.
Some examples of qualifying experience are:
  • Experience providing clinical services to inmates as a mental health provider in a correctional treatment setting.
  • Experience supervising clinical staff who are providing mental health or rehabilitation treatment programs in a correctional setting.
  • Experience managing a prison psychology department or a correctional treatment program for inmates with mental illness (e.g., residential program for mentally ill offenders).

AND
Selective Placement Factor:
    • Applicants applying for this position,

MUST
    • also possess the following Selective Factor. In the event you do not possess the Selective Factor, you will be found ineligible for the position.

      • Applicants must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, Commonwealth of the United States (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia.

NOTE:
    • All applicants must electronically upload a copy of their license at the time they apply to the vacancy announcement. The documentation provided

MUST
    • show the expiration date of the license. Failure to provide this documentation will result in loss of consideration for this position.

    • If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.

    • **Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**

Education
See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.
ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.
Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.
Additional information
The representative rate for this position is $152,456 per annum ($73.05 per hour).
Special Conditions of Employment Section:
The incumbent is subject to geographic relocation to meet the needs of the agency.
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a urinalysis, physical, and background investigation. All applicants are subject to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit checks.
The addresses listed on the USAJOBS account/resume must be the primary residence at the time of application. You may be required to provide proof of residence.
Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate.
Although competitive and non-competitive applications are being accepted, the selecting official may elect to have only one group reviewed.
NOTE: Applicant may be subject to an interview.
NOTE: Reimbursement is authorized for travel and transportation for this position.
Current Federal Law Enforcement Employees:
A prerequisite of the secondary law enforcement position is the completion of the mandatory courses in "Introduction to Correctional Techniques Phase I and Phase II". If you have not completed the mandatory courses in "Introduction to Correctional Techniques Phase I and Phase II", you are ineligible for secondary law enforcement position(s) and coverage but may still be considered for a non-law enforcement position.
If you are not a current Bureau of Prisons employee, you must submit training records demonstrating you have completed the mandatory courses in "Introduction to Correctional Techniques Phase I and Phase II" to your hiring Human Resource office prior to appointment.
This is a secondary law enforcement coverage position. Individuals that DO NOT have three years of law enforcement coverage gained in a primary law enforcement position by the closing date of the vacancy announcement, will not be eligible for this position.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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