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The differences between licensed 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 licensed psychologist and a research psychologist. Additionally, a licensed psychologist has an average salary of $97,852, which is higher than the $90,440 average annual salary of a research psychologist.
The top three skills for a licensed psychologist include patients, crisis intervention and psychological services. The most important skills for a research psychologist are research projects, research studies, and technical reports.
| Licensed Psychologist | Research Psychologist | |
| Yearly salary | $97,852 | $90,440 |
| Hourly rate | $47.04 | $43.48 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 14% |
| Number of jobs | 24,645 | 58,163 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A licensed psychologist specializes in diagnosing and treating psychological and behavioral issues. They may work in medical facilities with in-patient or out-patient services, collaborating with other medical experts as needed. Their responsibilities include studying a patient's medical history, conducting initial assessments and examinations, facilitating interviews and therapy sessions, developing care and intervention procedures, and monitoring patients' progress. Furthermore, as a licensed psychologist, it is essential to coordinate with families and guardians, helping them understand and deal with the effects of mental illness in a family.
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.
Licensed psychologists and research psychologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Licensed Psychologist | Research Psychologist | |
| Average salary | $97,852 | $90,440 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $137,000 | Between $63,000 And $128,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Acadia Healthcare | Parexel International |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Technology |
There are a few differences between a licensed psychologist and a research psychologist in terms of educational background:
| Licensed Psychologist | Research Psychologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between licensed psychologists' and research psychologists' demographics:
| Licensed 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% |