I am a psych major and would like to know what kind of income can be made with a masters degree?

Question

Is anyone practicing in the field because I am 20 credits away from a BA in psych. and want to go onto a masters? I want to be a counselor and work with troubled teens and young adults..is it good money because school is very costly and will it be worth it in the long run...seriously I am directing this to those who actually already are finished and have their degree if you would please share your yearly income with me? Thanks!

Answer 1

Since a master's degree in Psychology is usually the entry level degree for counseling jobs, you might be well advised to go ahead and complete your master's degree. I suggest that you also consult the faculty in your university's Psychology Department.

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Median annual earnings of educational, vocational, and school counselors in May 2004 were $45,570. The middle 50 percent earned between $34,530 and $58,400. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,260, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,390. School counselors can earn additional income working summers in the school system or in other jobs. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of educational, vocational, and school counselors in 2004 were as follows:

Elementary and secondary schools $51,160
Junior colleges 45,730
Colleges, universities, and professional schools 39,110
Individual and family services 30,240
Vocational rehabilitation services 27,800

Median annual earnings of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors in May 2004 were $32,130. The middle 50 percent earned between $25,840 and $40,130. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,060, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,600.

Median annual earnings of mental health counselors in May 2004 were $32,960. The middle 50 percent earned between $25,660 and $43,370. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,880, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $55,810.

Median annual earnings of rehabilitation counselors in May 2004 were $27,870. The middle 50 percent earned between $22,110 and $36,120. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $18,560, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,130.

For substance abuse, mental health, and rehabilitation counselors, government employers generally pay the highest wages, followed by hospitals and social service agencies. Residential care facilities often pay the lowest wages.

Median annual earnings of marriage and family therapists in May 2004 were $38,980. The middle 50 percent earned between $30,260 and $49,990. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,460, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $65,080. Median annual earnings in May 2004 were $33,620 in individual and family social services, the industry employing the largest number of marriage and family therapists.

Self-employed counselors who have well-established practices, as well as counselors employed in group practices, usually have the highest earnings.

Answer 2

People do have this "idea" about male psychology majors because the whole fielf of psychology goes against what society says a male should be/do. Forget the stereotypes and bowing down to society's standards. The people who make fun of you are small minded creatures. If this is the field for you, enjoy it. Oh and I had a daughter who majored in psychology (she then changed her mind but that is another story) and no one ever made smart alecky comments to her about it. It is a real double standard.

Answer 3

I'm not a Psych major but income levels vary throughout the country due to cost of living differences so you may need to add where you're from.

Answer 4

It is not good money, its like $30,000-$40,000 a year with a masters, a doctorate would bring you maybe $70,000 if you're in a good area. I'm getting my Ph.D. in Clinical Psych which is rediculously hard to get into, Yale accepted 5 out of about 400 applicants last year, I happen to be one of them, so if you're into counseling try going for a Ph.D. in counselling Psych. I think its worth it. A masters in psych won't get you very far.

Answer 5

It depends on where you live, what jobs are available and how well you can sell your skills.

A social worker can make $15.00 per hour in some small communities and in large cities, where there is more demand and money, they make more.

I suggest you contact a career center at your school and ask for information regarding job opportunities in your area and what they make.