phd in experimental psychology salary

Experimental Psychologist Career (Salary + Duties + Interviews)

Every theory and application in psychology can be traced back to the work of a psychologist. However, the roles and focuses of psychologists can vary widely. While some primarily apply established theories and work directly with patients, others are more involved in the genesis and testing of new theories, relying on intuition and empirical research to validate their insights. That said, many psychologists often blend both roles, applying theories in practical settings while simultaneously questioning and refining them based on their observations and experiences.

For those with a keen interest in the investigative aspects of the discipline, a career in experimental psychology may be the ideal path. Though it may not resemble the "typical" psychology career, experimental psychology is pivotal in ensuring the field remains dynamic, ever-evolving, and rooted in the latest insights and perspectives. Dive deeper to understand what it entails to become an experimental psychologist, the prerequisites for entering this niche, and how you can embark on this intriguing journey.

What does an Experimental Psychologist Do?

Experimental psychologists use the scientific method to test out different theories or questions they or others have developed in psychology. An experimental psychologist may spend their entire career attempting to answer one question, as one set of data or one study may not be enough to answer psychology’s larger questions.

Experimental psychologists may use data, surveys, focus groups, or other various experiments to seek out the answers that shape their careers. Many factors must be considered when these experiments are taken, especially regarding psychology. Motives, background, perception, and the diversity of subjects all come into play and shape the results of a study, survey, or experiment.

Job Requirements

You must know what you’re talking about to earn grant money for research. Experimental psychologists start by earning their doctorate in experimental psychology or another approach to psychology that might shape their experiments. Through this work, an experimental psychologist will build up their resume by working under other experimental psychologists and contributing to research that may be published. With enough credentials and by answering the questions that spark interest, an experimental psychologist may find work at a college or university and conduct their experiments using grant money or on the school’s dime.

Salary (How Much Do Experimental Psychologists Make?)

A well-respected experimental psychologist can live a comfortable life while answering the world’s biggest questions, but this salary is not guaranteed to all. Remember, your doctorate is usually the minimum requirement to conduct research at a university or in an esteemed research center. These salaries reflect experimental psychologists who have completed these degrees and are currently working to answer the questions they or others in their field have.

Schools for Experimental Psychology Degrees

Choosing the right educational institution becomes paramount when diving into experimental psychology. The reputation and quality of the program you attend can influence recognition from leaders in the field and potential research funding opportunities. Here are some top universities renowned for their experimental psychology programs, accompanied by a brief description of what makes them stand out:

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI): Renowned for its extensive research facilities and faculty of leading researchers in the field.
Harvard University (Cambridge, MA): Harvard's storied history in psychology research and its vast resources offer students unparalleled research opportunities.
Yale University (New Haven, CT): Boasts a collaborative environment where students frequently work across disciplines to push the boundaries of psychological research.
Stanford University (Stanford, CA): Known for fostering innovation and emphasizing combining theoretical and applied research in psychology.
The University of South Carolina - Columbia (Columbia, SC): Recognized for its commitment to exploring diverse psychological phenomena and its strong community of researchers.
Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN): Offers state-of-the-art labs and facilities and a curriculum rooted in traditional and emerging psychological research areas.
University of Rochester (Rochester, NY): Celebrated for its research-intensive approach and a close-knit academic community that promotes collaborative studies.
University of Chicago (Chicago, IL): Holds a legacy of groundbreaking research in psychology and offers a rich environment for interdisciplinary studies.
University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI): Prides itself on its hands-on research opportunities and a curriculum that emphasizes real-world application of experimental findings.
Texas State University (San Marcos, TX): Offers a comprehensive program that blends rigorous academic training with practical research experiences, preparing students for diverse careers in psychology.

When choosing a school, always consider factors such as faculty expertise, research facilities, and the specific areas of experimental psychology the program emphasizes.

Companies That Hire Experimental Psychologists

Where do experimental psychologists work? There are a lot of options! Many organizations have questions that experimental psychologists can attempt to answer through data collection and research. Any of the following organizations could put out a job listing for an experimental psychologist to work in-house or with various clients:

Research centers
Colleges and universities
Government agencies
Private businesses

Research Opportunities in Experimental Psychology: From Assistant to Director

Experimental psychology isn't just limited to conducting experiments; it's also deeply intertwined with the broader world of research in psychology. Whether just starting in the field or aiming for leadership positions, there are many opportunities to delve into research. Here's a closer look at the potential roles within this realm:

Research Psychologist: At the heart of experimental psychology is the Research Psychologist. They are responsible for designing, executing, and interpreting experiments that answer vital questions within the field of psychology. Their work often involves:

Formulating research questions or hypotheses.
Designing experimental studies or surveys.
Collecting and analyzing data using statistical tools.
Publishing their findings in reputable journals.
Collaborating with other psychologists and professionals from various disciplines.

Research Assistant: This role is often an entry-level position, ideal for those new to the field or currently undergoing their graduate studies. Research Assistants play a crucial role in supporting the execution of experiments. Their tasks often include:

Assisting in data collection may involve conducting interviews, administering tests, or managing focus groups.
Data entry and preliminary analysis.
Literature reviews to support the groundwork for experiments.
Assisting in the preparation of research papers or presentations.

Research Director: This senior role is often found within larger research institutions, universities, or corporations. A Research Director oversees multiple research projects and ensures that they align with the organization's broader objectives. Their responsibilities often encompass:

Setting the direction and priorities for research initiatives.
Securing funding and grants for research projects.
Collaborating with stakeholders, including policymakers, corporate leaders, or academic heads, to ensure the research meets necessary standards and serves broader goals.
Mentoring and guiding younger researchers, helping them shape their career paths.
Ensuring ethical guidelines are adhered to in all research activities.

The field of experimental psychology is vast, and its research opportunities are diverse. Whether starting as a research assistant and learning the ropes or leading groundbreaking research initiatives as a director, there's a pathway for every aspiring experimental psychologist. As the field continues to evolve, the demand for dedicated researchers who can provide insights into human behavior and cognition will only grow, making this a rewarding career choice for many.

Interviews with an Experimental Psychologist

Want to learn more about specific graduate programs in experimental psychology? Watch this video from Seton Hall University. You may also take a path to a Ph.D. in experimental psychology by studying other fields of psychology, like YouTuber You Can Do STEM did!

Learn how experimental psychology differs from applied psychology with this video from Psy vs. Psy.

Famous Experimental Psychologists

The most famous experiments in psychology are often the most controversial, but they have also influenced how we think about the human mind, personality, and behavior.

For example, Stanley Milgram ’s obedience experiments showed the world what people would do if they felt they had to obey a researcher or authority figure.

Phillip Zimbardo ’s Stanford Prison Experiment took a terrifying look into what people could do if given a certain role in society.

Albert Bandura’s Bobo Doll Experiment showed how children pick up certain behaviors and traits through observation, including violent ones.

Martin Seligman’s Learned Helplessness Experiments showed how run-down we can feel and how helpless we can become if we do not believe that we are in control of what happens to us.

Finally, Jane Elliot’s Blue Eyes Brown Eyes experiment showed how easily children (and adults) can develop prejudiced behavior just because they are told they are in one group or another.

Experimental Psychology Examples

Experimental psychologists focus on one task within psychology: conducting experiments to answer the field’s largest questions. The average day of an experimental psychologist may include:

Sorting through participants in a study to ensure they are working with a diverse group
Administering tests to participants
Collecting and organizing survey data
Looking at trends in data to come to conclusions
Writing about their experiences and how it influenced their conclusions
Sharing their work in a journal
Applying for grants or funding to continue conducting their experiments

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Over time, observations and studies have provided a fairly clear picture of the brain and psyche. It is the latter, the psyche, the psychological structure unique to each person, which interests experimental psychologists. These scientists build new theories based upon the data they receive from specific questions. With enough information, psychologists can begin to explain and even predict human motivations and behavior, which deepens our understanding of humanity as a whole.

What Is Experimental Psychology?

Using the scientific method to collect data and to perform basic and applied research, experimental psychologists conduct a series of rigorous experiments. The researchers ask a specific question, design an experiment to help answer that question, carry out the experiment on subjects, collect data, and draw conclusions from the acquired data. Upon completion of their research, experimental psychologists publish their conclusions and submit them to the scientific community for peer review. Doing so gives other experimental psychologists the opportunity to help determine the results of the experiment and learn more about human behavior.

What Does an Experimental Psychologist Do?

The vast majority of experimental psychologists design and conduct experiments with the intent of increasing the current body of knowledge related to the human brain and psyche. Some, however, perform psychological experiments on animals. In both cases, the ultimate objective is to understand some aspect of cognition, memory, learning, emotion, attention, sensation, or another facet of mental function.

The mind is a complex entity, which means that experimental psychologists must use a comprehensive method of approaches and tools to learn its inner workings. At a fundamental level, though, all experiments share certain premises upon which the scientists base their data. First, psychologists must conduct experiments on a large enough sample size to enable them to be able to draw meaningful conclusions. Secondly, they try to ensure random sampling among the group of test subjects to produce results that are applicable to the general population. However, some procedures intentionally allow the subjects to self-select, such as those performed at colleges that request student participation in studies.

At the conclusion of their investigation, experimental psychologists use a variety of methods to interpret the resulting data. Some adopt a numbers-based approach, while others closely examine the qualitative results. The psychologists examine the relationship between the independent variable – what each person brings to the experiment itself – and the dependent variable, which changes based on a subject’s background, experiences, and character traits.

Some psychologists attempt to answer their hypotheses based upon a review of previously published studies, while others observe their subjects in their natural environments, even though the ability to observe without changing subjects is questioned by many experts in the field. While the job may require an array of different skills, most experimental psychologists have certain duties in common. On a daily basis, experimental psychologists typically perform the following activities:

Design and conduct scientific experiments
Collect and analyze information
Follow rigorous scientific procedures to ensure experimental data is not corrupted by bias
Look for patterns that will help illuminate an understanding of human behavior
Research the correlation between thoughts and behaviors
Solve problems and explore theoretical questions
Publish data and studies to share findings with others
Work with clients to further understand mental and emotional disorders
Identify common traits or trends applicable to the populace as a whole

With this considerable variety in responsibilities, an experimental psychologist can work in diverse environments, and their areas of specialization can vary widely.

Typical Work Environment & Areas of Specialization

Experimental psychologists are distinct from clinical psychologists in that their primary purpose is not to work with those who need psychological assistance, except when they are conducting research to help broaden their understanding of specific behavioral, emotional, social, or mental patterns and disorders.

However, the experimental psychologist still works in many of the same settings as clinical psychologists. If their chosen population for study, for instance, includes those in mental health institutions, the experimental psychologist may work in these organizations alongside clinical psychologists. You can also find them at clinics, in hospitals, and at other health institutions, such as nursing homes, assisted living centers, or public health centers. Additionally, those studying the correlation between pharmaceuticals and human behaviors may work in pharmacies or drug treatment centers.

Some experimental psychologists focus on specific cohorts, such as children, teens, young adults, or the elderly. Others may focus on patterns that arise from specific relationships, such as the relationship between parents and children, between spouses, or between caregivers and the elderly. Thus, you may find an experimental psychologist in a school, retirement facility, or another age-specific institution. Others frequent the workplace to learn more about how people function at work and react to different environments.

Experimental psychologists who are interested in the legal system or in criminal justice can find career opportunities at police departments, crime labs, or government institutions. These psychologists may work to identify patterns among criminals and draw conclusions that can help lead to their capture and arrest.

A number of experimental psychologists confine their pursuits to academia, where they teach on a part-time basis and carry out scientific research during the remainder of their time. That experimental psychologists can find employment on college campuses means a variety of opportunities exist for those still training in the discipline, since some sort of apprenticeship or clinical training is usually required to embark on a psychology career.

Experimental Psychologist: Salary & Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), experimental psychologists (categorized by the BLS as psychologists, all other) earn an average salary of $99,560 as of May 2022.

Because experimental psychologists are largely focused on research, some of the top employers (and their average salaries) include the federal government ($104,870), colleges, universities, and professional schools ($71,830), and scientific research and development services ($115,750).

Experimental Psychologist: Jobs & Job Description

On an everyday basis, most experimental psychologists allocate a large portion of their day to working with the subjects of their analysis, explaining the parameters of the study, carrying out experiments, and debriefing subjects afterward.

In addition to conducting the tests, experimental psychologists also have to design them, collect the materials, garner support from students or colleagues, analyze the results, and compose scholarly papers for publication in peer review journals. Many also spend time writing grants to secure funding for future experimentation. Note that those who make a valid argument for research in the interests of public safety or positive mental health outcomes are more likely to receive funding.

With such a diverse range of duties, experimental psychologists need a wide variety of skills, personality traits, and knowledge types, including:

Thorough grasp of the scientific process
Comprehension of psychological theories and practices
Excellent observational, problem-solving, and communication skills
Ability to perform complex analysis
Patience and compassion for subjects
Ability to generate funding and support
Excellent sense of ethics
Passion for exploring theoretical questions

Experimental Psychology Degrees & Education

To become an experimental psychologist, candidates typically need, at minimum, a master’s degree. Those with a bachelor’s degree may assist other researchers in designing and carrying out studies, but they rarely have the opportunity to publish or to helm the experiments themselves. Earning a master’s degree provides more ownership over the process, while a Ph.D. — doctor of philosophy, the highest degree currently awarded in the field — positions candidates to assume a leadership role.

Before enrolling in a master’s program, students, of course, must first earn a bachelor’s degree. If the earned degree was not in psychology or a related field, additional requirements must be completed at a post-baccalaureate level before the student can apply to a master’s program. Typically, a master’s degree is required to apply to a Ph.D. program, although in some cases, joint master’s/doctoral programs allow the student to merge the degrees in a seamless manner, so bachelor’s degree candidates can apply.

Experimental psychologists are usually required to undergo a one-year internship with a practicing experimental psychologist before beginning their career. They may intern at the university where they currently study, or, if the candidate is earning a fellowship, upon graduation. While receiving certifications in specialized fields — for instance, certain diseases or populations — can increase the likelihood of career opportunities, certification usually isn’t required.

However, a license is always required to practice experimental psychology. To learn more about getting your license, contact your state’s psychology board, which will oversee your licensing exam. If you don’t know how to find the board, contact a university psychology program, who can direct you to the appropriate governing body.

Read more about an online psychology degree .

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures for psychologists (all other) are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed July 2023.

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