How much does a industrial-organizational psychologist make?
The median industrial-organizational psychologist in the United States earns $109,840 per year, about $52.81 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all industrial-organizational psychologists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 19-3032.
Industrial-organizational psychologist salary range
Pay for industrial-organizational psychologists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $51,880 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $224,590. The average (mean) wage of $134,400 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,880 | $24.94 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $80,790 | $38.84 | |
| Median (50th) | $109,840 | $52.81 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $198,170 | $95.27 | |
| 90th percentile | $224,590 | $107.97 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for industrial-organizational psychologists (SOC 19-3032), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Industrial-organizational psychologist salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Industrial-organizational psychologists earn the most in California at $140,540 a year, and the least in Oregon at $94,180. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| California | $140,540 | 100 |
| Texas | $130,630 | N/A |
| Oregon | $94,180 | 80 |
State median wages for industrial-organizational psychologists (SOC 19-3032), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for industrial-organizational psychologists
The BLS projects employment of industrial-organizational psychologists to grow 6.5% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 4,000 jobs in 2025 moving toward 4,300 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 300 openings a year for industrial-organizational psychologists. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become an industrial-organizational psychologist
The typical entry-level education for industrial-organizational psychologists is a master's degree, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete an internship or residency to reach full competency.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much an industrial-organizational psychologist earns
Degree level, employer type, and field of research drive the numbers. Roles in private industry and government labs often pay above academic and entry-level positions.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (California, $140,540) and the lowest (Oregon, $94,180) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 1,050 people work as industrial-organizational psychologists in the United States. At $109,840 a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Industrial-organizational psychologist salary FAQ
How much does an industrial-organizational psychologist make an hour?
The median hourly wage for an industrial-organizational psychologist is $52.81. The middle half of industrial-organizational psychologists earn between $38.84 and $95.27 per hour.
What is the highest industrial-organizational psychologist salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of industrial-organizational psychologists earn more than $224,590 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does an industrial-organizational psychologist make a year?
The median annual salary for an industrial-organizational psychologist is $109,840. The average (mean) wage of $134,400 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being an industrial-organizational psychologist a well paid job?
At $109,840 a year, an industrial-organizational psychologist earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 1,050 people work as industrial-organizational psychologists in the United States.
Which state pays industrial-organizational psychologists the most?
California has the highest median salary for industrial-organizational psychologists at $140,540 a year. Texas ($130,630) and Oregon ($94,180) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being an industrial-organizational psychologist a good career?
Employment of industrial-organizational psychologists is projected to grow 6.5% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 300 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become an industrial-organizational psychologist?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for industrial-organizational psychologists as a master's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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