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The differences between clinical psychologists and research psychologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a clinical psychologist and a research psychologist. Additionally, a clinical psychologist has an average salary of $97,659, which is higher than the $90,440 average annual salary of a research psychologist.
The top three skills for a clinical psychologist include patients, rehabilitation and clinical psychology. The most important skills for a research psychologist are research projects, research studies, and technical reports.
| Clinical Psychologist | Research Psychologist | |
| Yearly salary | $97,659 | $90,440 |
| Hourly rate | $46.95 | $43.48 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 14% |
| Number of jobs | 69,762 | 58,163 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 42% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 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.
Research psychologists are psychology professionals who examine questions and test hypotheses by using scientific methods to understand human thought and behavior. These psychologists must conduct experiments in controlled lab settings as well as out in the field to examine the social behavior of people living in a rural town. They must analyze data and prepare reports to be presented professionally to program managers and administrators. Research psychologists must also supervise staff and interns who are involved in treating and diagnosing mental health.
Clinical psychologists and research psychologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Psychologist | Research Psychologist | |
| Average salary | $97,659 | $90,440 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $132,000 | Between $63,000 And $128,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Kaiser Permanente | Parexel International |
| Best paying industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a clinical psychologist and a research psychologist in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Psychologist | Research Psychologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 42% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Clinical Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between clinical psychologists' and research psychologists' demographics:
| Clinical Psychologist | Research Psychologist | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.0% Female, 63.0% | Male, 50.7% Female, 49.3% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 3.3% White, 76.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |