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Forensic Psychology Degree and Career Guide

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Forensic Psychologist Salary (State-by-State Pay 2024)

Forensic psychology could be lucrative once you’ve earned your degree. Here are some salary ranges.

Median Annual Forensic Psychology Salary

Forensic psychologists are part of the larger field of psychologists as far as salaries are reported, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics. Take a look at median annual salaries by state here.

National data

Median Salary: $117,750

Projected job growth: 5%

10th Percentile: $47,450

25th Percentile: $76,550

75th Percentile: $138,280

90th Percentile: $157,420

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2033. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.

What’s my earning potential?

Salaries for forensic psychologists can be excellent, with the BLS reporting that the top 10% of psychologists earned more than $157,420 . As with most psychology careers, experience and chosen field of specialty play an enormous factor in salary.

How do forensic psychology salaries compare to other psychology careers?

What is the job growth for the field?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of psychologists is expected to grow 6.8% through 2033, which is on par with all other careers. This growth will add 11,300 psychologists to the workforce. Why? Due to an aging population and health care costs associated with unhealthy lifestyles, personal and family problems and crime and punishment, there will be increased demand for forensic psychology professionals in schools, law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, consulting firms, and mental health centers.

With the growing interest in this popular field, jobs will most likely go to those with doctoral degrees, while master’s degree-holders will find the road to entry into the forensic psychology workplace highly competitive. National long-term projections of employment growth may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

How much job competition do forensic psychologists face?

Job prospects will be best for forensic psychologists with doctoral degrees. Graduates with a master’s degree will find stiff competition for jobs because of the limited number of forensic psychology positions that require only a master’s degree. Bachelor’s degree holders will also be limited in the forensic psychology careers they may pursue, although some might find work as an assistant in rehabilitation centers.

What kinds of companies hire forensic psychologists?

Often, people in forensics will work as independent contractors and consultants. According to the BLS, forensic psychologists are most frequently employed by the following types of industries or offices:

• Federal executive branches
• Health practitioners offices
• Prosecutors’ offices
• Insurance companies

How do I advance in my forensic psychology career?

Education is key to forensic psychologists, and those who provide expert analysis or testimony often have a master’s degree or doctorate. In addition, those who provide expert testimony need many years of work experience in their profession, as well as a sterling reputation in the field. If you decide you want to take the educational route to become a forensic pathologist, you’ll need to earn a medical degree and complete a residency program, as well as get board certified in forensic pathology.

Experience in law enforcement, legal procedures, and computer science may also help advance your career within the field of forensic psychology.

Like any profession, forensic psychology has its exciting days and its routine ones. In the end, however, the research, analysis and informed opinions that forensic psychologists produce have a powerful impact on the criminal justice system and the public at large.

How to Become a Forensic Psychologist

James M. Tobin

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated September 6, 2024

Victoria Hudgeons

Reviewed by

Megan Pietrucha

Contributing Reviewer

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Forensic psychology blends science and clinical practice with the principles of justice and public safety. With a high profile in popular culture and the media, this fascinating field applies psychological science to crime and criminality.

The everyday reality of being a forensic psychologist doesn't usually align with TV and movie portrayals of the profession. Even so, this specialized discipline offers an engaging career path that can have a powerful impact.

Popular Online Psychology Bachelor's Programs

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What Is a Forensic Psychologist?

Forensic psychology is a relatively new psychology specialization. Broadly, these professionals evaluate and explore human behavior in the context of crime, criminality, and the justice system.

The American Psychological Association (APA) identifies the common duties of forensic psychologists as:

• Studying crime and criminality to identify patterns and characteristics shared by specific types of criminals
• Evaluating the mental states of justice-involved people to determine whether an accused individual is fit to stand trial
• Working with victims to develop testimony that may help convict perpetrators
• Advising authorities on matters of child custody, dispute resolution, and jury selection

Forensic psychologists sometimes serve as expert witnesses in criminal trials. Some professionals also examine crime scene evidence alongside police, looking for clues and psychological signatures that may help investigators identify a suspect.

In addition to working with police, forensic psychologists operate in settings like rehabilitation facilities, prisons, public agencies, and educational institutions. Some run their own private practices.

"Anywhere the legal system touches, there is room for a forensic psychologist," says Melissa Harlow, PhD , a licensed clinical psychologist and forensic psychology specialist. "Forensic psychologists conduct assessments in and out of court, provide clinical and post-incarceration treatment to offenders, and work for law enforcement agencies."

Becoming a licensed forensic psychologist could take up to a decade or more. While the APA notes there's no single path to entering the profession, professionals almost always hold advanced forensic psychology degrees .

The following subsections describe the steps involved in greater detail.

Assess Your Suitability for the Forensic Psychology Field

"Forensic psychology is an incredibly unique field. To enter it, you have to be comfortable in a different world than some of your psychology peers," says Harlow. "For example, I have worked with perpetrators of major violent crimes, including sexual assault and homicide. If you cannot sit in a room with a person who has committed these crimes and still treat them as human, then this career is not for you."

Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Begin by earning a four-year degree. Most aspiring forensic psychologists major in psychology, but you can also consider a criminal justice program with a psychology minor.

Some schools offer undergraduate and graduate forensic psychology programs . Others include it as a general psychology or criminal justice concentration in a psychology program.

"If you are trying to decide if this path is for you, I recommend getting a job at a residential treatment center first," Harlow says. "You typically need a college degree for this kind of position. In this setting, you will quickly learn your tolerance for chaos and how well you can connect with people of different backgrounds and past traumas."

Earn a Master's Degree

Specialized forensic psychology degrees are readily available at the master's level for those wanting to pursue a career. Some schools also offer intensive graduate programs that lead to combined master's and doctoral degrees.

Earn a Doctoral Degree

A forensic psychology doctorate can be a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). Ph.D. programs emphasize research, while Psy.D. programs focus more on professional practice.

APA-accredited programs give you an advantage if and when you seek licensure. Be sure to check for proper accreditation when applying for doctoral programs.

"From balancing classes, research, clinical experiences, and your dissertation, the doctoral process is incredibly challenging," Harlow emphasizes. "I encourage you to take it one hill at a time. Know that it is hard for everyone and know that it gets better. I encourage all students to have a close group of peers to lean on for support. This, more than anything, is what will get you through."

Consider Postdoctoral Training

Postdoctoral academic programs, fellowships, and residencies allow you to pursue advanced, highly specialized professional development. They typically consist of practice or research-focused opportunities to deepen your applied experience in the field.

In some cases, you may need a provisional state license to pursue postdoctoral training .

"I do encourage a formal post-doc as it will make licensing easier," she says. "You can always take an associate-level position and fill out the extra paperwork when applying for licensure."

Pursue State Licensure

In the U.S., you need a state-issued license to practice professionally under the "psychologist" title. This rule also applies to forensic psychologists.

Melissa emphasizes the value of communicating with licensing officials in person. "If you’re able, I recommend a trip to the physical location of the state licensing department," she says. "Ask to speak to someone face-to-face. I did that when applying for licensure in Wisconsin, and I ended up getting much more information than I did on the website or over the phone."

As an adjunct to licensure, you can also pursue board certification. The American Board of Professional Psychology issues this voluntary credential, which may enhance your career growth prospects.

Forensic Psychologist Licensure

Specific licensure requirements vary by state but always include an advanced degree. To qualify for a license, you must hold an APA-accredited doctoral degree in some jurisdictions. Research the standards in the state where you plan to work to ensure you choose a doctoral program that satisfies applicable guidelines.

You must also accrue the specified number of supervised clinical experience hours mandated by your state to obtain a license. Then, you must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Some states also include a jurisprudence exam among their licensing requirements.

Melissa has helpful advice for licensure candidates preparing for the EPPP. "Take it early after graduating while your brain is still in student mode," she suggests. "Put your study skills to work while they are still sharp. Commit yourself to about two months of hard study time, take the test, and move on. Don’t push it off."

States typically require psychologists to renew their licenses every two years. In addition to maintaining good professional standing, you will likely need to complete continuing education courses or professional development training as part of the renewal process.

Twelve states have reciprocity agreements that allow licensed psychologists to move between jurisdictions without getting a new credential. However, if you move to a state where your current license is not recognized, you must apply for a new one. This may involve meeting additional requirements, such as completing further supervised experience hours.

Forensic Psychology Career Outlook and Salaries

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups forensic psychologists in its “Psychologists, All Other” category. The average salary for these psychologists is $110,300 , but their salaries range from about $47,500 to $139,000. The BLS projects jobs for all psychologists will increase by 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Forensic Psychology

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What exactly does a forensic psychologist do?

Forensic psychology professionals apply the principles of psychological science to crime and criminal investigations. Among other duties, they study psychological influences on criminal behavior, assist police investigations, serve as expert witnesses in criminal trials, and aid crime victims.

How many years does it take to be a forensic psychologist?

Becoming a forensic psychologist takes 10-15 years of education and training. You must earn a doctorate in the field. You must also work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist before earning your license. The specific state regulations vary.

Is it hard to get a forensic psychology degree?

You should expect forensic psychology programs to challenge your abilities. Forensic psychology is a complex specialization requiring deep knowledge of the criminal justice system and multiple psychology subfields. Excelling in the profession requires commitment, perseverance, and genuine passion for the subject matter.

Is it worth becoming a forensic psychologist?

The APA describes forensic psychology as one of psychology's most popular growth areas, suggesting valuable appeal in related career paths. Many forensic psychologists find their jobs rewarding and fulfilling.

"I have found the career to be very rewarding," Harlow says. "A lot goes into choosing this path, and I find most people who make it to the other side are happy with it. And for anyone who is concerned, know that you are never locked into one choice."

However, forensic psychology is not the highest-paid psychology specialization. It might not be the right field for you if you're purely seeking financial rewards.

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Forensic Psychologist Salary Guide 2024

By psychologyjobs.com Staff Writer

A forensic psychologist is a mental health professional who applies psychological principles and techniques to legal and criminal justice settings.  Learn more about becoming a forensic psychologist .

The average annual salary for a forensic psychologist in the US is $101,000

Here is the average forensic psychologist salary based upon number of years experience:

• Less than 5 years of experience: $82,180
• 5-10 years of experience: $98,230
• More than 10 years of experience: $100,850

Find Forensic Psychologist Jobs

Which states have the highest forensic psychologist salaries.

• California – $120,010
• Oregon – $117,180
• Rhode Island – $116,810
• Hawaii – $115,220
• New York – $113,940

Which cities have the highest forensic psychologist salaries?

• New York, NY – $92,000
• San Diego, CA – $89,000
• Los Angeles, CA – $86,000
• Boston, MA – $85,000
• Chicago, IL – $83,000

How can forensic psychologists increase their salary?

Pursuing higher levels of education

Psychologists with  doctoral degrees  earned a median salary of $100,770 in May 2020, compared to $79,010 for those with a  master’s degree . Pursuing a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in forensic psychology or a related field may increase job opportunities and earning potential for forensic psychologists.

Developing specialized expertise

Forensic psychologists who develop specialized expertise in a specific area of forensic psychology e.g. forensic science, forensic mental health or criminal psychology may be able to command higher salaries.

Working in high-paying industries or organizations

Forensic psychologists who work for the federal government may be able to command higher salaries, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that the mean annual wage for psychologists in the federal executive branch is $112,690.

Negotiating salary and benefits

Forensic psychologists can negotiate their salary and benefits packages when accepting job offers or when asking for a raise. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association in 2020, 61% of psychologists negotiated their starting salary, with those who negotiated earning a median increase of $5,000. Additionally, the same survey found that psychologists who negotiated for other benefits, such as flexible work schedules, retirement plans, or professional development opportunities, reported higher levels of job satisfaction.

How do forensic psychologist salaries compare to other psychologists?

In terms of educational and training requirements, the roles most similar to a forensic psychologist would be a school psychologist,  educational psychologist ,  developmental psychologist  and an  industrial-organizational psychologist . Each of these roles requires a master’s degree with a doctoral degree being an optional (but often preferred) qualification. It therefore makes sense to compare the salaries of these roles to see how lucrative forensic psychology as a field is.

• Industrial-Organizational Psychologist  – $112,690
• School Psychologist  – $78,200
• Educational Psychologist  – $82,180
• Developmental Psychologist  – $78,000