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The differences between clinical psychologists and forensic psychologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a clinical psychologist has an average salary of $97,659, which is higher than the $83,065 average annual salary of a forensic psychologist.
The top three skills for a clinical psychologist include patients, rehabilitation and clinical psychology. The most important skills for a forensic psychologist are psychological evaluations, mental illness, and risk assessments.
| Clinical Psychologist | Forensic Psychologist | |
| Yearly salary | $97,659 | $83,065 |
| Hourly rate | $46.95 | $39.94 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 69,762 | 11,802 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 42% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
A clinical psychologist is a healthcare professional who treats patients with various mental disorders through one-on-one or group settings. Clinical psychologists assist their patients in identifying their psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues so that a plan of action is created to help patients achieve personal and social development. To create a patient treatment plan, clinical psychologists must interview their patients who have different mental problems. They also collaborate with professionals such as social workers, nurses, and occupational therapists to provide the right treatment to their patients.
Forensic Psychologists are responsible for evaluating and treating criminal behavior. Their duties include conducting forensic assessments, developing rehabilitation programs, reviewing offender treatments, carrying out research projects, and carrying out forensic statistical analysis. They are responsible for undertaking expert witness testimonies, assisting in policy development, and creating forensic staff training programs. Forensic Psychologists also facilitate crisis negotiation, interpret psychological tests, and help in the supervision of psychology trainees. They use their expertise in helping improve organizational outcomes.
Clinical psychologists and forensic psychologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Psychologist | Forensic Psychologist | |
| Average salary | $97,659 | $83,065 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $132,000 | Between $56,000 And $121,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Kaiser Permanente | Wellpath |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a clinical psychologist and a forensic psychologist in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Psychologist | Forensic Psychologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 42% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Clinical Psychology | Clinical Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between clinical psychologists' and forensic psychologists' demographics:
| Clinical Psychologist | Forensic Psychologist | |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.0% Female, 63.0% | Male, 36.7% Female, 63.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 3.3% White, 76.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 4.2% White, 76.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 20% |