Seek out high-paying industries
Child psychologists who work in industries such as healthcare, education, or government may have higher earning potential than those who work in private practice. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, child psychologists who work in educational support services earned an average annual salary of $93,200, while those working in hospitals earned an average of $85,310. Child psychologists working for the federal executive branch earned an average of $116,400 per year, while those working for state government agencies earned an average of $73,670. In comparison, child psychologists in individual and family services, which includes private practices, earned an average of $72,540 per year.
Consider specialization
Child psychologists who specialize in areas such as neuropsychology, trauma, or behavioral disorders may be in higher demand and able to command higher salaries.
Child psychologists who specialize in neuropsychology earn an average annual salary of $91,000, while those specializing in trauma earn an average of $83,000. Child psychologists who specialize in behavioral disorders earn an average of $77,000 per year.
