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What is an industrial/organizational psychologist and how to become one
Industrial/organizational psychologists work in various types of organizations to provide psychological support to employees. The main purpose of their job is to improve the overall mental state in the workplace, which, in turn, helps increase employees' productivity, motivation, and general satisfaction with their job.
Industrial/organizational psychologists study their assigned workplace to determine levels of productivity and the psychological needs of the general population. Afterward, they use various principles of psychology to improve the mental state of employees and create a healthier environment in the workplace. They may also provide individual support for employees who have specific needs and would like to address them in private.
When hiring for this role, most employers prefer psychologists with a master's degree or doctorate in psychology. To increase your chances of acquiring this role, having substantial experience in a related job and/or a certification from the American Board of Organizational and Business Consulting Psychology (ABOBCP) is great advantage.
The role of an industrial/organizational psychologist is vital to any organization. Hence, the average pay for this job is quite high at $40 per hour or $82,000 a year, on average.
What general advice would you give to an industrial/organizational psychologist?
Dr. Jim Sliwinski Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology, Defiance College
Avg. Salary $92,751
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.24%
Asian 3.47%
Black or African American 3.95%
Hispanic or Latino 7.71%
Unknown 3.42%
White 81.20%
Genderfemale 48.00%
male 52.00%
Age - 45American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 45Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Key steps to become an industrial/organizational psychologist
Explore industrial/organizational psychologist education requirements
Start to develop specific industrial/organizational psychologist skills
Skills Percentages Statistical Methods 42.62% Action Plan 19.15% Employee Selection 15.70% Training Programs 8.16% APA 7.78% Complete relevant industrial/organizational psychologist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New industrial/organizational psychologists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an industrial/organizational psychologist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real industrial/organizational psychologist resumes.Research industrial/organizational psychologist duties and responsibilities
- Develop computer programs using SAS and various PC programs to support research, analysis and administration of ongoing activities.
- Develop cognitive behaviorally-base educational module for post-surgery patients.
- Develop cognitive behaviorally-base educational module for post-surgery patients.
Prepare your industrial/organizational psychologist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your industrial/organizational psychologist resume.
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Apply for industrial/organizational psychologist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an industrial/organizational psychologist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average industrial/organizational psychologist salary
The average industrial/organizational psychologist salary in the United States is $92,751 per year or $45 per hour. Industrial/organizational psychologist salaries range between $62,000 and $137,000 per year.
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Updated January 8, 2025
