To become a clinical or counseling psychologist in the US, you'll typically need a doctorate, either a Ph.D. in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), plus an internship and supervised experience, then a state license. School psychologists and industrial-organizational psychologists can often start with a master's degree.
Which degree you need depends on the kind of psychologist you want to be, so the first decision is the specialty, not the school.
Figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, read on 26 October 2026.
Psychologists in numbers
| Measure | BLS figure |
|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $99,110 a year, $47.65 an hour |
| Lowest 10 in every 100 earned less than | $59,080 |
| Highest 10 in every 100 earned more than | $163,380 |
| Jobs in 2025 | 209,400 |
| Projected growth 2025 to 2035 | 6%, faster than average |
| Openings each year | About 11,300 on average |
Those pay figures are as of October 2026.
What psychologists do
BLS says psychologists study cognitive, emotional and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments. Day to day, that can mean interviewing and surveying people, running personality, aptitude or intelligence tests, identifying issues such as anxiety and depression, discussing results with clients and families and, where needed, developing treatment plans. Clinical and counseling psychologists provide psychotherapy to individuals, families and groups.
Which degree for which psychologist
| Type | Typical degree | Jobs in 2025 | Median pay, May 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | Ph.D. or Psy.D. | 81,300 | $100,580 |
| School psychologists | At least a master's in school psychology; Ed.S., Ph.D. or Psy.D. also common | 64,000 | $95,990 |
| Industrial-organizational psychologists | Master's degree | 4,000 | $193,950 |
The industrial-organizational figure stands out. I-O psychologists, who study people and workplaces, had the highest median of any group BLS lists, as of October 2026, and they typically need a master's rather than a doctorate. They're also by far the smallest group.
Ph.D. or Psy.D.?
Both lead to clinical and counseling work, but they're built differently. BLS says Ph.D. programs usually emphasize research that culminates in a dissertation, while Psy.D. programs focus on applying psychological principles to working with clients or patients. Both typically require an internship.
So if research or university teaching might be in your future, a Ph.D. keeps that door open. If you know you want to spend your career with clients, a Psy.D. is designed around that.
How to become a psychologist, step by step
- Earn a bachelor's degree. Psychology, education or social science are typical backgrounds for graduate programs.
- Pick your specialty. Clinical, counseling, school or industrial-organizational psychology each have their own degree path.
- Complete your graduate degree. A master's for school or I-O roles, a Ph.D. or Psy.D. for clinical and counseling work.
- Finish supervised experience. Most psychologists need supervised experience to qualify for a license, which may include an internship or postdoctoral training. The required hours vary by state.
- Get licensed or credentialed. Clinical and counseling psychologists are licensed in every state. School psychologists usually need a license or certification from their state's board of education. You may also need to pass an exam.
- Keep learning. All states require continuing education to keep a license.
The title itself is protected
Here's a detail people often miss. In most states, you can't call yourself a psychologist until you're licensed. BLS says most states require licensure for anyone who provides psychology services or uses the title psychologist, and every state and the District of Columbia requires psychologists who practice independently to be licensed where they work.
That matters if you finish a degree and want to start seeing clients straight away. Until you're licensed, you'll usually work under supervision and under a different job title.
Where psychologists work
| Employer | Share of jobs | Median pay, May 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Ambulatory healthcare services | 25% | $98,590 |
| Local elementary and secondary schools | 24 in every 100 | $95,230 |
| Self-employed | 23 in every 100 | Not listed |
| Government | 8 in every 100 | $130,960 |
| Hospitals | 5 in every 100 | $96,850 |
Nearly a quarter of psychologists are self-employed, and counseling psychologists often have their own practices. Most psychologists work full time, though part-time work is common, and some work evenings or weekends to suit clients. If you're planning a practice, these tools for therapy notes and records and this guide to opening a therapy clinic cover the practical side.
Psychologist or psychiatrist?
They're often confused. A psychiatrist is a physician who has been through medical school and a residency, and may prescribe medication as part of treatment. A psychologist holds a graduate degree in psychology and works with clients through assessment and therapy, or works in schools, research or workplaces. Prescribing is the usual dividing line, but not an absolute one: BLS says some states permit clinical psychologists to prescribe medication. If you're drawn to the science of the mind but not to medical school, psychology is usually the route.
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My verdict
Becoming a psychologist starts with choosing the kind you want to be. For clinical work, plan for a doctorate, an internship and supervised hours before you're licensed, and choose between a Ph.D. and a Psy.D. depending on whether research matters to you. If you'd like a shorter path, school psychology or industrial-organizational psychology can start at master's level, and I-O pays the highest median of all.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a psychologist?
A bachelor's degree, then a graduate degree (a master's for school or I-O roles, a doctorate for clinical work), plus supervised experience before licensure. Hours vary by state.
What is the difference between a Ph.D. and a Psy.D.?
BLS says Ph.D. programs emphasize research ending in a dissertation, while Psy.D. programs focus on applying psychology to working with clients.
How much do psychologists make?
BLS reports a median of $99,110 a year in May 2025. Industrial-organizational psychologists had a median of $193,950.
Can you be a psychologist with a master's degree?
Yes, in some specialties. School psychologists and industrial-organizational psychologists can typically start with a master's degree.
Do psychologists need a license?
Clinical and counseling psychologists are licensed in every state, and most states require a license to use the title psychologist.
Is psychologist a growing job?
BLS projects 6% growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average, with about 11,300 openings a year.
Can psychologists prescribe medication?
Usually not, but BLS says some states permit clinical psychologists to prescribe medication. Psychiatrists, who are physicians, may prescribe as part of treatment.
Where do most psychologists work?
In ambulatory healthcare services, schools and self-employment, which together account for about 72 in every 100 jobs.
