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The differences between forensic psychologists and forensic psychiatrists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a forensic psychiatrist has an average salary of $216,927, which is higher than the $83,065 average annual salary of a forensic psychologist.
| Forensic Psychologist | Forensic Psychiatrist | |
| Yearly salary | $83,065 | $216,927 |
| Hourly rate | $39.94 | $104.29 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 11,802 | 12,127 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Average age | 47 | 48 |
| Years of experience | - | 6 |
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.
Forensic psychiatrists are medical doctors who are trained in mental health and law. The psychiatrists assess facts and defendants' mental state and report their findings to lawyers. They specifically evaluate the areas of depression, anxiety, hysteria, and psychotic conditions like schizophrenia. Primarily, they provide expert testimony to the jury during trial. Their duties and responsibilities include the assessment of their clients, provision of diagnosis, and the prescription of medication. And to become a successful forensic psychiatrist, one should have strong communication skills and a pleasing manner.
Forensic psychologists and forensic psychiatrists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Forensic Psychologist | Forensic Psychiatrist | |
| Average salary | $83,065 | $216,927 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $121,000 | Between $118,000 And $398,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | Wellpath | - |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | - |
There are a few differences between a forensic psychologist and a forensic psychiatrist in terms of educational background:
| Forensic Psychologist | Forensic Psychiatrist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Most common major | Clinical Psychology | Biology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between forensic psychologists' and forensic psychiatrists' demographics:
| Forensic Psychologist | Forensic Psychiatrist | |
| Average age | 47 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 36.7% Female, 63.3% | Male, 58.3% Female, 41.7% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Asian, 19.4% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 20% | 10% |