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$40K

$99.6K

$133K

How much do research psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for research psychologist in the United States is $99,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are research jobs in psychology?

Research jobs in psychology involve designing, conducting, and analyzing studies to understand human behavior and mental processes. These roles are common in academic, government, and private sector settings and often require skills in data analysis, statistical software, and experimental design. Positions may include research assistant, research psychologist, or data analyst, and typically require a relevant degree such as a master's or doctorate in psychology or a related field.

What is the difference between Research Psychologist vs Clinical Psychologist?

AspectResearch PsychologistClinical Psychologist
CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, research trainingDoctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, clinical training, licensure
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutes, labsHospitals, clinics, private practice
Employer & IndustryAcademic institutions, government agencies, research organizationsHealthcare facilities, mental health clinics, private practices
Primary FocusConducting experiments, data analysis, advancing psychological theoriesDiagnosing and treating mental health disorders, providing therapy

Research Psychologists primarily focus on studying psychological phenomena through experiments and data analysis, often working in academic or research settings. Clinical Psychologists, on the other hand, diagnose and treat mental health issues in clinical environments. While both roles require advanced degrees in psychology, their work environments and primary responsibilities differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Research Psychologist, you need a strong background in psychological theory, research methods, and statistical analysis, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D. Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), data collection systems, and research ethics certifications is essential. Critical thinking, curiosity, and excellent written and verbal communication skills help set top performers apart. These competencies are vital for designing rigorous studies, interpreting complex data, and effectively sharing findings to advance knowledge in the field.

How much can you make as a research psychologist?

Research 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, and work setting. Advanced degrees, such as a Ph.D., and specialized skills can lead to higher compensation, especially in academic, government, or private research roles.

What do you do as a research psychologist?

A research psychologist studies human behavior and mental processes through scientific methods, designing experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results. They often work in academic, healthcare, or organizational settings, using statistical tools and research protocols to advance understanding in psychology. Their work may involve publishing findings and collaborating with other professionals to apply insights to real-world issues.

What is a research psychologist?

A research psychologist is a professional who studies human behavior and mental processes through scientific methods. They design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish findings to advance our understanding of how people think, feel, and act. Research psychologists may specialize in areas such as cognitive, social, developmental, or clinical psychology. Their work often contributes to the development of new theories, therapies, and policies that impact education, healthcare, and society. They typically work in academic, government, or private research settings.

What Is a Research Psychologist?

A research psychologist performs studies and research at an academic institution, business, or on a freelance basis. The duties of a research psychologist include coming up with hypotheses to test, developing research plans, creating experiments to test their ideas, analyzing the data derived from their experiments, and writing reports and papers explaining the results. They may travel to conferences to present findings. A research psychologist must also be able to write grants or seek funding from outside sources, such as foundations, research institutions, or government agencies.

What are some common challenges Research Psychologists face when conducting studies, and how can they be addressed?

Research Psychologists often encounter challenges such as recruiting a representative sample, ensuring ethical compliance, and controlling for confounding variables. Addressing these issues typically involves collaborating closely with institutional review boards, employing diverse recruitment strategies, and using rigorous research methodologies. Additionally, effective teamwork and clear communication with colleagues in data analysis, statistics, and subject matter expertise are crucial for overcoming obstacles and producing reliable, impactful research.

What pays more, PhD or PsyD?

Research psychologists with a PhD generally have higher earning potential than those with a PsyD, as PhDs are often required for academic, research, and higher-level positions. PsyD programs focus more on clinical practice, which may lead to slightly lower salaries but more direct patient work. Salary differences can also depend on experience, specialization, and work setting.
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Research Psychologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Psychologist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,577 per year, or $47.9 per hour.
Psychologist - Officer Careers (NJ, PA, DE, MD)

Psychologist - Officer Careers (NJ, PA, DE, MD)

U.S. Navy

Wayne, PA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

The rewards of serving your country as a Sailor are great, but so can be the stresses of being away from family, managing challenging work and dealing with the pressures unique to military service. That’s why the Navy needs caring and capable Psychologists like you who can provide Sailors with the support and guidance they need to maintain positive mental health and be their best selves.

PSYCHOLOGIST CAREERS IN THE NAVY

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Whether you’re counseling Sailors’ families on Naval bases or providing therapy to SEAL Team members who face impossible situations on a regular basis, your carefully honed skills are a critical asset to keep the Navy performing at its best.

RESEARCH PSYCHOLOGIST

Sailors face countless physical and mental challenges every day that test their limits. Research Psychologists like you are essential to studying the numerous variables that impact Sailors’ health and well-being.

AEROSPACE EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGIST

AEPs are tasked with the important role of studying and counteracting the psychological and neurological effects of supersonic flight and aerospace travel on Aviators. This role requires keen understanding of physics and biology, and provides flight training and the adventure of monthly flight time. If you’ve ever wished your medical knowledge would take you to the skies, this is your chance.

PAY AND BENEFITS

Attend the graduate school of your choice and graduate debt-free through our scholarship and loan repayment programs, up to 100% tuition coverage.

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Beyond professional credentials and certifications, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs, including:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • Navy Tuition Assistance Program
  • Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
  • Navy College Program
  • VOLED Assistance Center
  • VOLED Region Advisors
  • Navy War College (NWC)
  • USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College

Through the Navy Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) and Navy Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP) you may be eligible to receive financial assistance to pay down the cost of your graduate education. Offers have many variables.

To qualify for employment consideration as an Aerospace Experimental Psychologist in the Navy Medical Service Corps, you must meet these basic requirements:

  • U.S. Citizen or equivalent
  • Between the ages of 18 and 41
  • Doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Psychologists may serve at any one of more than 250 Navy and medical facilities around the globe, from Hawaii to Japan, Germany to Guam, and Washington, D.C., to Washington state. You could work at one of the highly acclaimed National Naval Medical Centers in Bethesda, MD; Portsmouth, VA; and San Diego, CA. Or you could provide support to pilots and air crews aboard one of two dedicated hospital ships: the USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy.

Still more health-care opportunities are available stateside and abroad in a variety of settings: Conducting research at any one of dozens of Navy hospitals located around the world, on board a surface ship, working closely with a nearby aircraft squadron or even with the Fleet Marine Force.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

There are part-time opportunities for Psychologists in the Navy. Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Officer, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Psychologists in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes. This gives you the flexibility to expand your profession in the Navy without compromising your civilian practice at home.

Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Navy Reserve Sailors.

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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