Experimental Psychology graduates earn $55,695 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 17.3%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Health Specialties Teachers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.
Experimental Psychology is a focused area of study within Psychology. Graduates typically earn around $55,695 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 311 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 22,179 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework pairs research methods with the applied study of people and institutions.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$34,452
Median Earnings · 4yr
$55,695
Colleges Offering
311
Graduates / Year
22,179
Avg Net Price / yr
$17,299
How Much Do Experimental Psychology Graduates Earn?
Experimental Psychology graduates earn $55,695 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $38,073 and $76,465. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $34,452 climbs to $55,695 by year four.
$34,452
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$55,695
4-Year National Median
Near the national median for college graduates.
$56,830
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Experimental Psychology graduates. Degree level and sector drive the gap. Graduate-level government and research roles anchor the top; entry-level social services and nonprofit roles anchor the bottom.
$38,07325th pct.
$55,695Median
$76,46575th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $55,695 and an estimated $69,196 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.7 years.
Based on outcomes from 226 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 22,179 students who complete Experimental Psychology programs each year, the majority (83%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
83%
Bachelor's83%
Master's12%
Doctorate4%
What Can You Do With an Experimental Psychology Degree?
Experimental Psychology connects to 7 occupations in the job market. Health Specialties Teachers leads at $107,310/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
MathematicsMathematicsComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingReading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities
Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.
Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
Doctoral or professional degree9,600 openings/yr172K employed nationally
WritingActive LearningScienceSpeakingJudgment and Decision Making
Day-to-day responsibilities
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.
Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.
Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.
Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.
Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as abnormal psychology, cognitive processes, and work motivation.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
Reading ComprehensionWritingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningComplex Problem Solving
Day-to-day responsibilities
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
Active ListeningSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision Making
Day-to-day responsibilities
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.
Maintain case history records and prepare reports.
Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs.
Serve as liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts to help children who face problems, such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty.
Top Colleges for Experimental Psychology
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Experimental Psychology students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Experimental Psychology program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Experimental Psychology shows 4 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Above-average earningsFour-year median of $55,695 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $34,452 at graduation to $55,695 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +17.3% over the next decade, with Health Specialties Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 88,100 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
High earnings varianceGap between 25th ($38,073) and 75th ($76,465) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.
How much do Experimental Psychology graduates earn?
Experimental Psychology graduates earn a national median of $55,695 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $38,073 and $76,465. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Experimental Psychology degree?
One year after graduation, Experimental Psychology degree holders earn a median of $34,452. That climbs to $55,695 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Experimental Psychology degree?
Experimental Psychology degree holders pursue careers including Health Specialties Teachers, which pays a median of $107,310/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Experimental Psychology program take?
A Experimental Psychology bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Experimental Psychology?
311 colleges and universities in the United States offer Experimental Psychology programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Experimental Psychology degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $55,695 and an average net price of roughly $17,299/yr, a Experimental Psychology degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Experimental Psychology and Psychology?
Experimental Psychology is a focused concentration within the broader Psychology field. The Psychology major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Experimental Psychology-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Experimental Psychology graduates?
Employers hiring Experimental Psychology graduates consistently prioritize research methodology, interpersonal communication, and policy understanding. Experience with surveys, qualitative interviews, or statistical tools is often a differentiator in government, nonprofit, and research roles.
What is the job outlook for Experimental Psychology graduates?
The job outlook for Experimental Psychology graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +8.2% job growth over the next 10 years. Health Specialties Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +17.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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