Career Pathways in Psychology, Social Work, and Behavioral Health, etc.
Still trying to figure out what career you might want to pursue? Look no further. Here you will find different career pathways in Psychology, Social Work, Medicine, and more fields.
PSYCHOLOGY CAREERS
Careers focused on understanding behavior, cognition, and emotional well-being
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Median Pay: $80k–$100k
Years of Schooling: 6–7 years
Degree Type: Master’s in Behavior Analysis, Psychology, or related field + BCBA certification
Highest Demand States:
California, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts
A BCBA designs and oversees behavior intervention plans, often working with individuals with autism or developmental disabilities. They supervise behavior technicians and use evidence-based behavioral therapy to support skill development and reduce challenging behaviors.
Child Psychologist
Median Pay: $85k–$110k
Years of Schooling: 8–12 years
Degree Type: PhD or PsyD
Highest Demand States:
California, Illinois, Texas, Washington
Focuses on emotional and developmental needs of children and adolescents.
Psychology Professor
Median Pay: $70k–$120k
Years of Schooling: 8–10 years
Degree Type: PhD
Highest Demand States:
California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts
Teaches psychology courses, mentors students, and conducts research.
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) / Behavioral Technician
Median Pay: $40k–$55k
Years of Schooling: 40-hour certification training
Degree Type: knowledge in psychology or related field + RBT certification
Highest Demand States:
California, Texas, Florida, Washington
RBTs work directly with clients to implement behavior intervention plans designed by a BCBA. They provide one-on-one behavioral therapy, collect data on progress, and help clients develop communication, social, and daily living skills.
Mental Health Technician
Median Pay: $32k–$42k
Years of Schooling: 0–2 years
Degree Type: Certificate or training
Highest Demand States:
Texas, Florida, California
Supports patients in behavioral health facilities and assists clinical staff.
Peer Mentor / Peer Support Specialist
Median Pay: $30k–$45k
Years of Schooling: varies
Degree Type: certification or lived experience training
Highest Demand States:
Washington, Oregon, California
Provides support and encouragement to individuals navigating mental health challenges.
SOCIAL WORK CAREERS
Careers focused on connecting individuals and families to support systems, advocacy, and community resources.
Case Manager
Median Pay: $45k–$60k
Years of Schooling: 4–6 years
Degree Type: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Social Work
Highest Demand States:
California, Texas, Florida, Washington
Coordinates services for clients by connecting them with housing, healthcare, mental health care, and other resources
Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker
Median Pay: $55k–$75k
Years of Schooling: 4–6 years
Degree Type: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Social Work
Highest Demand States:
Texas, California, Florida, Arizona
Investigates reports of child abuse or neglect and works with families to ensure children's safety and well-being.
DSHS Worker (Department of Social and Health Services)
Median Pay: $55k–$75k
Years of Schooling: 4–6 years
Degree Type: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Social Work or related field
Highest Demand States:
Washington, California, Oregon
Helps families access state assistance programs including housing, food, disability services, and healthcare.
Travel Social Worker
Median Pay: $70k–$95k
Years of Schooling: 6–7 years
Degree Type: Master of Social Work + licensure
Highest Demand States:
California, Texas, New York, Florida
Works short-term contracts in hospitals and agencies across the country where social workers are urgently needed.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Median Pay: $70k–$100k
Years of Schooling: 6–8 years
Degree Type: Master of Social Work + clinical licensure
Highest Demand States:
California, Texas, Florida, Washington
Provides therapy, mental health assessment, and treatment planning in clinics, hospitals, or private practice.
Social Services Unit Coordinator
Median Pay: $45k–$60k
Years of Schooling: 4 years
Degree Type: Bachelor’s degree
Highest Demand States:
California, Texas, Florida
Coordinates care teams and ensures individuals receive appropriate social services and follow-up care.
MEDICAL & PSYCHIATRIC CAREERS
Careers in medical psychiatry focus on diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health conditions through medical care and medication management.
Psychiatrist
Median Pay: $220k–$280k
Years of Schooling: 12–14 years
Degree Type: Medical Doctor (MD or DO)
Highest Demand States:
Texas, California, Florida, Arizona
A physician who diagnoses mental illness, prescribes medication, and manages psychiatric treatment plans.
Psychiatric Nurse
Median Pay: $75k–$95k
Years of Schooling: 4 years
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Highest Demand States:
California, Texas, Florida, Washington
Provides nursing care to patients in psychiatric units and behavioral health facilities.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Median Pay: $120k–$150k
Years of Schooling: 6–8 years
Degree Type: Master’s or Doctor of Nursing Practice (PMHNP)
Highest Demand States:
Texas, California, Arizona, Florida
Diagnoses mental health conditions, prescribes medication, and provides psychiatric treatment.
Physician Assistant (Psychiatry)
Median Pay: $110k–$135k
Years of Schooling: 6–7 years
Degree Type: Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies
Highest Demand States:
Texas, California, Florida, New York
Works alongside psychiatrists to diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and manage treatment
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Median Pay: $30k–$40k
Years of Schooling: 3–6 months training
Degree Type: CNA Certification
Highest Demand States:
California, Texas, Florida
Provides basic patient care and assists nurses in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Social Services Unit Coordinator
Median Pay: $45k–$60k
Years of Schooling: 4 years
Degree Type: Bachelor’s degree
Highest Demand States:
California, Texas, Florida
Coordinates care teams and ensures individuals receive appropriate social services and follow-up care.
Careers You Can Pursue with a Psychology Degree
A psychology degree opens doors to many careers beyond therapy and clinical practice. These roles apply psychology to business, research, community services, and public policy.
Human Resources Specialist
Median Pay: $60k–$75k
Years of Schooling: 4 years
Degree Type: Bachelor’s in Psychology or related field
Highest Demand States:
California, Texas, Florida, New York
Uses knowledge of human behavior to support hiring, workplace culture, employee relations, and organizational development.
Market Research Analyst
Median Pay: $65k–$85k
Years of Schooling: 4 years
Degree Type: Bachelor’s in Psychology, Marketing, or Data Analytics
Highest Demand States:
California, New York, Texas, Washington
Studies consumer behavior and decision-making to help companies understand how people think, buy, and interact with products.
Research Assistant
Median Pay: $40k–$55k
Years of Schooling: 4 years
Degree Type: Bachelor’s in Psychology
Highest Demand States:
California, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington
Supports research studies by collecting data, organizing literature reviews, and assisting with psychological experiments.
User Experience (UX) Researcher
Median Pay: $95k–$130k
Years of Schooling: 4–6 years
Degree Type: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction, or UX Research
Highest Demand States:
California, Washington, Texas, New York
Studies how people interact with technology and products to improve design, usability, and user satisfaction.
Forensic Psychology Specialist
Median Pay: $70k–$100k
Years of Schooling: 6–10 years
Degree Type: Master’s or PhD in Forensic Psychology
Highest Demand States:
California, Texas, Florida, New York
Applies psychology within the legal system by assisting courts, law enforcement, and correctional programs.
Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology Specialist
Median Pay: $90k–$120k
Years of Schooling: 6–8 years
Degree Type: Master’s or PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Highest Demand States:
California, Texas, Illinois, Virginia
Applies psychology to workplace environments by improving employee performance, leadership, hiring practices, and organizational culture.