How much do psychologists earn? £ £ £ £ £

As much as I'd love to persue a career in psychology the earnings in this field concern me.
:confused:

I don't want to spend my life living in debt

How much do psychologists earn in comparison to say...
the average teacher?
doctor?
research scientist?
geologist?
etc.

thanks :frown:

Reply 1

Ebenia

Well, I don't know yet too much of Britains earning possibilities, but in general, psychologist does not earn a fortune - but enough to do well/okey. I think that's fine for me, cause this is my true passion and I could not think to do anything else.

I understand that people are concearned of money, but can you ever be sure with any subject, really? The most important thing after all is that do you get work? No-one is able to tell you how much YOU will eventually earn - maybe nothing, or maybe a fortune. Thing is, earnings vary a lot depending on what you are doing.

It is also true that psychology is a very competitive field and you have to really want it to do well and have the spirit to fight for it sometimes.

For me it is interesting that you say that you don't want to spend your whole life in debt is hmm, interesting, cause most people do. If you want the house/car/university, you will probably have to be in debt for most of your life any way...So why don't you just work in the field you love? :smile:

Reply 2

GodspeedGehenna

Depends what field of Psychology you're talking about.

Clinical Psychologists get a £22k salary each year of their 3 year doctorate.
Upon qualifying they earn ~£25k
Then payscales after that range from £35k up to £100k depending on position.

If one chooses to go private, their salary would be substantially more.

For comparison, the average salary of:
Teacher - £19k - £30k
Junior Doctor - ~£22k for a stupid amount of working hours
Consultant Doctor within NHS - ~£80k - £100k
Postdoc Researcher - £19k - £30k
Geologist - No idea. Probably research position at uni, so not very much.

Reply 3

k0932741

look on the bps website, it tells you everything you need to know really...

Reply 4

ibtisam02

Once qualified as a clinical psychologist, you can earn between £31,072 and £40,964 on Band 7. Consultant clinical psychologists can earn up to £81,618 on Band 8 (c-d). As a head of a psychology service, you can earn up to £98,453 on Band 9. Salary levels outside the NHS will vary depending on your employer.
Of course this is the UK version. The American version:
As of 2011, the median yearly wage of clinical psychologists was $73,090, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics. Many factors can influence salary, however, including who's hiring, the setting in which the psychologist works and the geographical area of employment.
Hope this was of some help to you.

Reply 5

AvonKleissPsyD

Greetings, I am currently visiting London, on as the locals say- Holiday. My name is Dr. Alan von Kleiss, ABPP and I am from Richmond, VA. I was researching what would be the earning potential if I relocated, mostly curious. I came across this post and thought I may contribute- possibly, to the discussion. I must admit, I was disheartened by what I saw on the internet regarding income for Psych's over here. I am not sure if the academic requirements for the UK are the same as the USA, so I do not know how comparable cost and investment and eventual return are between our two systems. As a clinical psychologist, Nationally Board Certified (highest possible mark of competency in USA), licensed in Virginia, North Carolina and Wash. DC, (I only have time to work in VA though), the career is quite rewarding financially once you become established and known. Some of us do quite well, but you also need to have a bit of a head for business. Since most of us, and those of you looking to join our ranks, love people- just in general have a compassion for others, we are not exactly strong in this arena, but it is possible. So, the financial rewards come if you can start your own practice, Forensic Psych- working with sex offenders, child custody evaluations and the sort of complex work with the legal system, particularly evaluations of sexually violent predators (probably not a thing in the UK), can be rewarding intellectually and financially. A good forensic Psych. can earn upwards of $150K a year, if you own a clinic and have good staff, the income goes up much higher. I own a clinic and I am well known in Forensic practice in my corner of the world. I will not disclose my earnings though I will say that I am confortable, my family is as well and I have risen higher than I ever dreamed possible, all because in my heart, I love people, but also I know that the world does not run just on ideals and hope for others. So, those of you, ask yourself how much is it that you want to undertsand how people work, how you work, and you have compassion and a desire to be a healer, then being a Clinical Psychologist may be quite the path for you. If such is the case then the rewards of seeing people change and heal is worth quite a penny and you will never really work a day in your life, and if you work to development a business sense and look for opportunities then the financial rewards can be equivalent to what a good Doctor should really earn. Well, I should get back to enjoying the opportunity to futher my connection to some of my ancestral roots and explore this very large city. If you have questions, back channel me and I will do my best to be a mentor to my sisters and brothers (in arms against human suffering) across the great sea! Respectfully, Dr. von Kleiss, ABPP (Clinical Psych.)

Reply 6

chazwomaq

Original post by nicnicnic

doctor?
research scientist?
geologist?
etc.

thanks :frown:

The average teacher - more.
Doctor - less
Research scientist - depends what you mean. Similar to a postdoc while training, and then similar to an academic once qualified. Less than a scientist in industry typically.
Geologist - if you mean academic then seem above. But many work for oil companies where they earn $$$.

Clinical psychologists are the highest paid usually. But the real issue you should think about is your chances of being a professional psychologist. Hardly any psych undergrads will become psychologists, even though most of them go on thinking it's a straight route to clinical psychology. It's probably easier to become a doctor.