Industrial-Organizational Psychologists Salary 2025: Median $193,950
Industrial-organizational psychologists earned a median salary of $193,950 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% of earners made over $247,220, while the bottom 10% earned $79,010 or less. Mean hourly wage is about $93. With only 790 jobs nationwide, this is a small but lucrative field.
How much Industrial-Organizational Psychologists earn
The BLS reports a median annual wage of $193,950 for industrial-organizational psychologists. The mean annual wage is $170,230, which works out to roughly $81.85 per hour. The typical salary range spans from $79,010 at the 10th percentile to $247,220 at the 90th percentile.
Pay varies by experience and sector. Those in consulting or private industry often earn at the higher end, while entry-level roles in government or academia may start closer to $79,000. The top 10% earners exceed $247,000, driven by specialized expertise and large corporate clients.
Pay by state
Oregon tops the list with an average salary of $174,980, followed by Texas at $139,520. These are the only two states with published BLS estimates. The high pay in Oregon reflects demand from tech and manufacturing firms. Texas offers strong compensation in Houston and Dallas, where energy and healthcare sectors hire I-O psychologists.
How to become an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Most positions require a master's or doctoral degree in industrial-organizational psychology or a closely related field. A bachelor's degree is not enough for direct entry. Graduate programs cover statistics, organizational behavior, and research methods. Many states require licensure as a psychologist for independent practice, which involves supervised hours and a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Job outlook
Employment of industrial-organizational psychologists is projected to grow 6.3% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 400 openings per year are expected, mostly from workers retiring or changing jobs. With only 790 current jobs, the competition is modest but the field remains niche.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for an industrial-organizational psychologist?
The median annual salary is $193,950 according to the BLS (2024 data). Mean wage is $170,230.
How many industrial-organizational psychologists work in the US?
The BLS reports 790 employed industrial-organizational psychologists as of 2024.
What states pay industrial-organizational psychologists the most?
Oregon ($174,980) and Texas ($139,520) are the highest-paying states with published data.
What education is needed to become an industrial-organizational psychologist?
A master's or doctoral degree in industrial-organizational psychology is required. A bachelor's is insufficient for entry-level roles.
Is the job market growing for industrial-organizational psychologists?
Yes, 6.3% growth is projected from 2024 to 2034, faster than average. About 400 openings per year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Industrial-Organizational Psychologists data.