General
Clinical Psychology
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Clinical Psychology.
Entry Level Salary
$34,007
Median Salary
$78,946
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
21.2%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,157,840
Entry (Early)
$34,007
Median (Prime)
$78,946
High (Prime)
$78,946
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-150k
+237k
+237k
$25k / yr
-240k
+147k
+147k
$50k / yr
-330k
+57k
+57k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
27
27
$25k / yr
Never
34
34
$50k / yr
Never
46
46
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-221%
135%
135%
$50k / yr
-152%
26%
26%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate66.2%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Social scientists and related workers
11.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$61,763
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$75,029|$97,900
openings
20,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.1%
Therapists, All Other
5.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$41,175
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$78,946|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists
5.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$50,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$56,616|$58,300
openings
249,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.3%
Clinical and counseling psychologists
4.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$25,734
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$132,000|$100,580
openings
4,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +11.7%
Management occupations
3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$45,017
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$91,107|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Counselors, all other
2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$38,500
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$53,592|$50,860
openings
4,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Postsecondary teachers
2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$18,529
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$77,203|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Top executives
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$105,429
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$162,199|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$59,704
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$59,704|$64,330
openings
27,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.9%
School psychologists
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$57,928
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$84,409|$95,990
openings
3,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.8%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
Undergraduate Pathway Guidance
Clinical psychology requires graduate study. Undergraduate students prepare by earning a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.