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Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $193,950/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$79,010$247,220

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +6.3% projected growth, 20242034 — faster than average.

About 400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Active ListeningReading ComprehensionWritingCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingSystems EvaluationMonitoringActive Learning
Top knowledge areas
Personnel and Human ResourcesPsychologyEducation and TrainingAdministration and ManagementMathematicsEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceLaw and Government
Core tasks

Provide advice on best practices and implementation for selection.

Develop and implement employee selection or placement programs.

Analyze data, using statistical methods and applications, to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of workplace programs.

Develop interview techniques, rating scales, and psychological tests used to assess skills, abilities, and interests for the purpose of employee selection, placement, or promotion.

Observe and interview workers to obtain information about the physical, mental, and educational requirements of jobs, as well as information about aspects such as job satisfaction.

Facilitate organizational development and change.

Analyze job requirements and content to establish criteria for classification, selection, training, and other related personnel functions.

Advise management concerning personnel, managerial, and marketing policies and practices and their potential effects on organizational effectiveness and efficiency.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists?

The median pay for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists is $193,950 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists?

Employment for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists is projected to change +6.3% from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average.

What education is typically required for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists?

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists?

About 400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.