--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 18,820
  annual_median    : $110,840
  annual_pct10     : $54,990
  annual_pct25     : $68,850
  annual_pct75     : $147,240
  annual_pct90     : $168,520
  annual_mean      : $111,210
  hourly_median    : $53.29

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : California ($157,540)
  lowest_state     : West Virginia ($46,350)
  dispersion_ratio : 3.399x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (42 total) ---
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    8,970  median: $ 140,050
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:    8,160  median: $  78,200
  Educational Services                     emp:      950  median: $  80,890
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:      440  median: $ 107,760
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:       80  median: $ 117,370
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:       30  median: $ 133,030

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (6 total) ---
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    8,970  median: $ 140,050
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:    8,160  median: $  78,200
  Educational Services                     emp:      950  median: $  80,890
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:      440  median: $ 107,760
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:       80  median: $ 117,370
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:       30  median: $ 133,030

exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Psychologist
match_score        : 0.6667
wikidata_qid       : Q212980
word_count         : 4,390
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychologist
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T20:51:07.215719Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
A psychologist is a professional who practices psychology and studies mental states, perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior. Their work often involves the experimentation, observation, and interpretation of how individuals relate to each other and to their environments.
Psychologists usually acquire a bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a master's degree or doctorate in psychology. Unlike psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse-practitioners, psychologists usually cannot prescribe medication, but depending on the jurisdiction, some psychologists with additional training can be licensed to prescribe medications; qualification requirements may be different from a bachelor's degree and master's degree.
Psychologists receive extensive training in psychological testing, communication techniques, scoring, interpretation, and reporting, while psychiatrists are not usually trained in psychological testing. Psychologists are also trained in, and often specialize in, one or more psychotherapies to improve symptoms of many mental disorders, including but not limited to treatment for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders and eating disorders. Treatment from psychologists can be individual or in groups. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a commonly used, well studied and high efficacy psychotherapy practiced by psychologists. Psychologists can work with a range of institutions and people, such as schools, prisons, in a private clinic, in a workplace, or with a sports team.
Applied psychology applies theory to solve problems in human and animal behavior. Applied fields include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, sport psychology, forensic psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, community psychology, health psychology and school psychology. Licensing and regulations can vary by state and profession.


== Australia ==
In Australia, the psychology profession, and the use of the title "psychologist", is regulated by an Act of Parliament, the Health Practitioner Regulation (Administrative Arrangements) National Law Act 2008, following an agreement between state and territorial governments. Under this national law, registration of psychologists is administered by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). Before July 2010, the professional registration of psychologists was governed by various state and territorial Psychology Registration Boards. The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) oversees education standards for the profession.
The minimum requirements for general registration in psychology, including the right to use the title "psychologist", are an APAC approved four-year degree in psychology followed by either a two-year master's program or two years of practice supervised by a registered psychologist. However, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is currently in the process of phasing out the 4 + 2 internship pathway. Once the 4 + 2 pathway is phased out, a master's degree or PhD will be required to become a psychologist in Australia. This is because of concerns about public safety, and to reduce the burden of training on employers. There is also a '5 + 1' registration pathway, including a four-year APAC approved degree followed by one year of postgraduate study and one year of supervised practice. Endorsement within a specific area of practice requires additional qualifications. These notations are not "specialist" titles (Western Australian psychologists could use "specialist" in their titles during a three-year transitional period from 17 October 2010 to 17 October 2013).
Membership with the Australian Psychological Society (APS) differs from registration as a psychologist. The standard route to full membership (MAPS) of the APS usually requires four years of APAC-accredited undergraduate study, plus a master's or doctorate in psychology from an accredited institution. An alternate route is available for academics and practitioners who have gained appropriate experience and made a substantial contribution to the field of psychology.
Restrictions apply to all individuals using the title "psychologist" in all states and territories of Australia. However, the terms "psychotherapist", "social worker", and "counselor" are currently self-regulated, with several organizations campaigning for government regulation.


== Belgium ==
Since 1933, the title "psychologist" has been protected by law in Belgium. It can only be used by people who are on the National Government Commission list. The minimum requirement is the completion of five years of university training in psychology (master's degree or equivalent). The title of "psychotherapist" is not legally protected. As of 2016, Belgian law recognizes the clinical psychologist as an autonomous health profession. It reserves the practice of psychotherapy to medical doctors, clinical psychologists and clinical orthopedagogists.


== Canada ==
A professional in the U.S. or Canada must hold a graduate degree in psychology (MA, Psy.D., Ed.D., or Ph.D.), or have a provincial license to use the title "psychologist".
Provincial regulators include:

Alberta: College of Alberta Psychologists
British Columbia: College of Psychologists of British Columbia
Manitoba: Psychological Association of Manitoba
Newfoundland and Labrador: Newfoundland and Labrador Psychology Board
New Brunswick: College of Psychologists of New Brunswick
Northwest Territories: Office of the Registrar, Northwest Territories (NWT) Professional Licensing
Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology
Nunavut: Registrar, Professional Licensing Kugluktuk
Ontario: College of Psychologists of Ontario
Prince Edward Island: Prince Edward Island Psychologists Registration Board
Quebec: Order of Psychologists of Quebec
Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan College of Psychologists


== Dominican Republic ==
A professional psychologist in the Dominican Republic must have a suitable qualification and be a member of the Dominican College of Psychologists.


== Finland ==
In Finland, the title "psychologist" is protected by law. The restriction for psychologists (licensed professionals) is governed by National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Finland) (Valvira). It takes 330 ECTS-credits (about six years) to complete the university studies (master's degree). There are about 6,200 licensed psychologists in Finland.


== Germany ==
In Germany, the use of the title Diplom-Psychologe (Dipl.-Psych.) is restricted by law, and a practitioner is legally required to hold the corresponding academic title, which is comparable to a M.Sc. degree and requires at least five years of training at a university. Originally, a diploma degree in psychology awarded in Germany included the subject of clinical psychology. With the Bologna-reform, this degree was replaced by a master's degree. The academic degree of Diplom-Psychologe or M.Sc. (Psychologie) does not include a psychotherapeutic qualification, which requires three to five years of additional training. The psychotherapeutic training combines in-depth theoretical knowledge with supervised patient care and self-reflection units. After having completed the training requirements, psychologists take a state-run exam, which, upon successful completion (Approbation), confers the official title of "psychological psychotherapist" (Psychologischer Psychotherapeut). After many years of inter-professional political controversy, non-physician psychotherapy was given an adequate legal foundation through the creation of two new academic healthcare professions.


== Greece ==
Since 1979, the title "psychologist" has been protected by law in Greece. It can only be used by people who hold a relevant license or certificate, which is issued by the Greek authorities, to practice as a psychologist. The minimum requirement is the completion of university training in psychology at a G

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Psychology (similarity: 0.5294)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychology
  QID: Q9418
  Extract: Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Its subject matter includes the behavior of humans and nonhumans, both conscious and unconscious phenomena, and mental processes such as thoughts, feelings, and motives. Psychology is an academic discipline of broad scope, crossing the bou

  Title: Clinical psychology (similarity: 0.4186)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_psychology
  QID: Q199906
  Extract: Clinical psychology is an integration of human science, behavioral science, theory, and clinical knowledge aimed at understanding, preventing, and relieving psychological distress or dysfunction as well as promoting well-being and personal growth. Central to its practice are psychological assessment

  Title: APA Ethics Code (similarity: 0.2564)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APA_Ethics_Code
  QID: Q20715387
  Extract: The American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct includes an introduction, preamble, a list of five aspirational principles and a list of ten enforceable standards that psychologists use to guide ethical decisions in practice, research, and educati

  Title: American Psychological Association (similarity: 0.4828)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Psychological_Association
  QID: Q466587
  Extract: The American Psychological Association (APA) is the main professional organization of psychologists in the United States, and the largest psychological association in the world. It has over 190,000 members, including scientists, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students. It has 54 divisions, 

  Title: List of For All Mankind characters (similarity: 0.4138)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_For_All_Mankind_characters
  QID: Q123294326
  Extract: For All Mankind is an American science fiction drama television series created and written by Ronald D. Moore, Matt Wolpert and Ben Nedivi and produced for Apple TV+. The series dramatizes an alternate history depicting "what would have happened if the global space race had never ended" after the So

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : medium
confidence_notes     : Limited detailed skill and activity data available for this catch-all occupational category, but strong foundation from job titles, wage data, and Wikipedia context allows for reasonable inference about role characteristics and requirements.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T15:53:17.722682+00:00
tokens_input         : 2,318
tokens_output        : 3,127
cost_usd             : $0.033593
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Psychologist
wikipedia_note       : The Wikipedia definition of psychologist aligns with this broad occupational category, emphasizing the professional practice of psychology through experimentation, observation, and interpretation of human behavior and mental processes.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Psychologists, All Other encompasses specialized psychology professionals not covered by other standard occupational classifications, including behavioral analysts, forensic psychologists, health psychologists, and experimental researchers. These professionals practice psychology through experimentation, observation, and interpretation of human behavior, mental states, and social processes. They work across diverse settings including government agencies, healthcare systems, and educational institutions.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
These psychologists conduct specialized research and analysis depending on their subspecialty, such as analyzing criminal behavior patterns for forensic cases, developing behavioral intervention programs, or studying human factors in technology design. They observe and document behavioral patterns, administer psychological assessments, and interpret data to understand cognitive and emotional processes. Many spend time writing reports, consulting with multidisciplinary teams, and presenting findings to stakeholders. Research-oriented specialists design experiments, collect data, and publish findings in academic or professional publications.

WHO THRIVES:
Successful professionals in this field possess strong analytical thinking skills and genuine curiosity about human behavior and mental processes. They excel at pattern recognition and can synthesize complex information from multiple sources to draw meaningful conclusions. These individuals typically demonstrate high emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work with diverse populations. Strong communication skills are essential for translating psychological concepts to non-expert audiences, while methodological rigor and attention to detail support their research and assessment work.

CAREER ENTRY:
Entry typically requires a master's degree in psychology or a specialized area such as behavioral analysis, with many positions preferring doctoral preparation. Relevant coursework includes research methods, statistics, abnormal psychology, and specialized training in their area of focus. Many professionals gain experience through practicum placements, internships, or research assistantships during graduate training. State licensure requirements vary by specialty area and work setting.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Career advancement often leads to senior researcher positions, program director roles, or independent consulting practices. Many transition into leadership positions within government agencies, healthcare organizations, or research institutions. Some pursue academic careers combining research with teaching responsibilities. Advanced specialization can lead to expert witness opportunities, policy advisory roles, or entrepreneurial ventures developing psychological assessment tools or intervention programs.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The field employs 18,820 professionals nationally with a median annual wage of $110,840 according to BLS OEWS May 2025, ranging from $54,990 to $168,520. California offers the highest compensation at $157,540 annually, while West Virginia shows the lowest at $46,350, creating a 3.40x geographic wage variation. Government agencies represent the largest employment sector with 8,970 positions, followed closely by healthcare and social assistance at 8,160 positions. The specialty nature of these roles often correlates with higher wages compared to general psychology positions. Geographic concentration aligns with major metropolitan areas and government centers.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
The specialized nature of psychological analysis, interpretation, and human interaction makes these roles relatively resistant to automation. While data collection and basic statistical analysis may become more automated, the complex reasoning, cultural sensitivity, and ethical judgment required for psychological practice remain distinctly human capabilities.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [skill_overlap] Clinical Psychologists (19-3031.02) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles require core psychological assessment and analysis skills, with overlapping knowledge of mental health principles.
    data: shared psychology foundation
    data: assessment capabilities
  [riasec_cluster] Industrial-Organizational Psychologists (19-3032.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both positions involve investigative and social work orientations, applying psychological principles to understand human behavior.
    data: behavioral analysis focus
    data: research methodology
  [task_similarity] Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists (19-1042.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Similar research methodology and scientific analysis requirements, particularly for experimental psychologists.
    data: research design
    data: data analysis
    data: scientific methodology
  [knowledge_overlap] Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors (21-1011.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Behavioral analysts and health psychologists share knowledge of behavioral intervention strategies and mental health treatment approaches.
    data: behavioral intervention knowledge
    data: health psychology applications
  [career_pathway] Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary (25-1066.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Many specialized psychologists transition to academic careers, teaching their area of expertise at the university level.
    data: doctoral preparation overlap
    data: research experience
    data: specialized knowledge transfer

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['behavioral analyst', 'forensic psychologist', 'experimental psychologist', 'health psychologist', 'biopsychologist', 'developmental psychologist', 'human factors scientist', 'behavioral scientist']
  exclude_keywords : ['clinical psychologist', 'counseling psychologist', 'school psychologist', 'therapist', 'social worker']
  title_patterns   : ['*psychologist', '*analyst', '*scientist', 'behavioral *', 'forensic *']
  common_variations: ['behavior analyst', 'behavioural analyst', 'forensic psychology specialist', 'experimental psychology researcher', 'health psychology consultant', 'human factors psychologist', 'developmental psychology specialist', 'measurement specialist']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['psychology', 'psychologists', 'clinical', 'psychologist', 'psychological', 'health', 'practice', 'research', 'title', 'mental', 'master', 'states', 'years', 'licensed', 'programs', 'behavior', 'usually', 'program', 'many', 'law']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
psychology                 91  0.03234  wikipedia            wikipedia:93%  inference:7%
psychologists              80  0.02843  wikipedia            wikipedia:95%  inference:5%
clinical                   65  0.02310  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
psychologist               52  0.01848  wikipedia            wikipedia:98%  inference:2%
psychological              41  0.01457  wikipedia            wikipedia:88%  inference:12%
health                     33  0.01173  wikipedia            wikipedia:97%  inference:3%
practice                   32  0.01137  wikipedia            wikipedia:91%  inference:9%
research                   28  0.00995  wikipedia            wikipedia:75%  inference:25%
title                      26  0.00924  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
mental                     24  0.00853  wikipedia            wikipedia:88%  inference:12%
master                     24  0.00853  wikipedia            wikipedia:96%  inference:4%
states                     23  0.00817  wikipedia            wikipedia:96%  inference:4%
years                      23  0.00817  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
licensed                   22  0.00782  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
programs                   22  0.00782  wikipedia            wikipedia:91%  inference:9%
behavior                   20  0.00711  wikipedia            wikipedia:80%  inference:20%
usually                    15  0.00533  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
program                    15  0.00533  wikipedia            wikipedia:93%  inference:7%
many                       14  0.00498  wikipedia            wikipedia:71%  inference:29%
law                        13  0.00462  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
phd                        13  0.00462  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
requires                   13  0.00462  wikipedia            wikipedia:92%  inference:8%
counselor                  13  0.00462  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
psychotherapy              12  0.00426  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
counseling                 12  0.00426  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
practitioner               12  0.00426  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
protected                  12  0.00426  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
apa                        12  0.00426  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
board                      11  0.00391  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
psyd                       11  0.00391  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
doctoral                   11  0.00391  wikipedia            wikipedia:91%  inference:9%
analysis                   11  0.00391  wikipedia            wikipedia:64%  inference:36%
trained                    10  0.00355  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
behavioral                 10  0.00355  wikipedia            wikipedia:60%  inference:40%
school                     10  0.00355  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
five                       10  0.00355  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
association                10  0.00355  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
professionals              10  0.00355  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  inference:50%
academic                   10  0.00355  wikipedia            wikipedia:80%  inference:20%
family                     10  0.00355  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%