Forensic psychology has an interesting background that may surprise people who think that the term forensic has recent origins.
The American Board of Professional Psychology explains that the Latin word “Forensis” means “of the forum” where the Ancient Romans held law courts.
Forensic psychologists apply their psychological expertise within many areas of the legal system.
Working in this in-demand field first requires that anyone who wants to become a forensic psychologist learns how to become one.
Exploring where forensic psychologists work and the services that they provide helps people to understand that a forensic psychology career is more than what they see on popular television shows.
Job Description
Forensic psychology is the application of psychological expertise to questions and issues within the judicial system.
Forensic psychologists provide services to criminal courts, family courts, and to civil courts.
They use their knowledge and understanding of human behavior to assist in legal proceedings.
Forensic psychologists understand the psychological aspects of various legal processes.
They communicate complex psychological concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.
They show how psychology can help the courts and can help juries to make informed and educated decisions about civil litigants or criminal offenders.
Duties
- Conducting psychological assessments and providing detailed reports
- Collecting data using a multi-method approach to develop a better understanding of individuals
- Consulting with law enforcement agencies, courts, and other legal officials
- Determining whether a person is competent to stand trial
- Screening inmates to assess their risk of committing violent acts
- Serving as an expert witness
- Assisting with jury selection
- Evaluating crime scenes
- Working in crisis management
- Developing criminal profiles
- Evaluating a suspect’s behavior
- Evaluating the credibility of plaintiffs
- Evaluating the credibility of witnesses
Forensic Psychologist Salary: How Much Does It Pay?
The average salary for forensic psychologists is $121,528, as of April 1, 2025.
The lowest-paid forensic psychologists may earn an average salary of $100,130, while the highest-paid forensic psychologists may earn an average salary of up to $147,242.
The average hourly pay for forensic psychologists is $58.
The lowest paid forensic psychologists may earn as little as $48 per hour, while the highest paid forensic psychologists earn up to $71, as of April 1, 2025.
Forensic psychologists who have the most experience, the most education, and professional certifications usually earn a higher salary.
Forensic psychologists who work in specialized areas are also likely to earn a higher salary.
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 440 | $92,470 | $44.46 | $174,650 | $27,210 |
| Alaska | 120 | $109,300 | $52.55 | $141,710 | $78,270 |
| Arizona | 630 | $109,550 | $52.67 | $179,200 | $60,170 |
| Arkansas | 410 | $106,330 | $51.12 | $147,910 | $50,720 |
| California | 11,840 | $132,410 | $63.66 | $187,020 | $64,010 |
| Colorado | 1,230 | $99,690 | $47.93 | $134,890 | $50,130 |
| Connecticut | 670 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| Delaware | 190 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| District of Columbia | 280 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| Florida | 2,680 | $89,450 | $43.00 | $140,320 | $39,090 |
| Georgia | 690 | $85,800 | $41.25 | $136,680 | $41,710 |
| Hawaii | 280 | $92,780 | $44.61 | $131,100 | $55,130 |
| Idaho | 600 | $75,330 | $36.22 | $127,960 | $39,750 |
| Illinois | 4,930 | $111,300 | $53.51 | $169,300 | $42,820 |
| Indiana | 1,480 | $92,700 | $44.57 | $139,580 | $50,990 |
| Iowa | 540 | $87,360 | $42.00 | $123,640 | $50,970 |
| Kansas | 330 | $72,570 | $34.89 | $109,740 | $34,530 |
| Kentucky | 700 | $105,140 | $50.55 | $180,270 | $38,740 |
| Louisiana | 490 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| Maine | 210 | $117,710 | $56.59 | $230,050 | $79,180 |
| Maryland | 2,460 | $116,560 | $56.04 | $192,740 | $64,680 |
| Massachusetts | 3,360 | $102,630 | $49.34 | $164,740 | $46,000 |
| Michigan | 2,520 | $82,770 | $39.79 | $129,210 | $50,200 |
| Minnesota | 1,670 | $95,100 | $45.72 | $134,170 | $35,630 |
| Mississippi | 210 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| Missouri | 1,670 | $87,730 | $42.18 | $131,920 | $38,430 |
| Montana | 320 | $80,310 | $38.61 | $125,800 | $60,190 |
| Nevada | 360 | $106,830 | $51.36 | $161,270 | $57,910 |
| New Hampshire | 290 | $64,390 | $30.96 | $115,520 | $37,600 |
| New Jersey | 2,010 | $148,370 | $71.33 | $224,620 | $85,940 |
| New Mexico | 280 | $92,530 | $44.49 | $156,990 | $49,610 |
| New York | 7,290 | $113,230 | $54.44 | $164,280 | $60,720 |
| North Carolina | 2,260 | $91,390 | $43.94 | $141,720 | $48,430 |
| North Dakota | 160 | $88,500 | $42.55 | $162,430 | $21,470 |
| Ohio | 1,350 | $108,690 | $52.25 | $168,920 | $40,860 |
| Oklahoma | 270 | $89,380 | $42.97 | $129,540 | $32,140 |
| Oregon | 490 | $129,470 | $62.25 | $208,730 | $63,070 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,970 | $80,400 | $38.66 | $126,250 | $45,490 |
| Rhode Island | 400 | $120,720 | $58.04 | $215,660 | $56,150 |
| South Carolina | 700 | $64,990 | $31.25 | $129,210 | $26,970 |
| South Dakota | 150 | $86,160 | $41.42 | $117,650 | $58,820 |
| Tennessee | 640 | $109,670 | $52.73 | $143,890 | $62,970 |
| Texas | 4,240 | $82,420 | $39.62 | $135,010 | $32,490 |
| Utah | 1,190 | $110,630 | $53.19 | $166,260 | $44,270 |
| Vermont | 120 | $95,950 | $46.13 | $143,390 | $52,230 |
| Virginia | 1,920 | $108,130 | $51.99 | $222,560 | $51,260 |
| Washington | 1,010 | $108,650 | $52.24 | $142,140 | $66,990 |
| West Virginia | 680 | $75,810 | $36.45 | $118,250 | $36,320 |
| Wisconsin | 1,390 | $109,890 | $52.83 | $170,150 | $60,110 |
| Wyoming | 60 | $72,860 | $35.03 | $125,500 | $38,160 |
| Puerto Rico | 250 | $61,970 | $29.79 | $89,670 | $20,490 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
The top earning state in the field is New Jersey, where the average salary is $148,370.
These are the top 10 earning states in the field:
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
How to Become a Forensic Psychologist: Step-by-Step
Becoming a forensic psychologist requires people who want to work in this career to follow several important steps.
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma
Earning a high school diploma is the first step towards having a future as a forensic psychologist.
Although some high schools offer psychology courses, many others do not offer them.
Guidance counselors can help students choose elective courses that will help them when they go to college and take general psychology and forensic psychology courses.
Step 2: Earn an Undergraduate Degree
Enrolling at a college that offers an undergraduate degree in forensic psychology is the ideal goal.
One issue with this goal is that although most colleges and universities have psychology programs, it may be difficult to find schools that offer forensic psychology as an undergraduate program.
Search for schools that offer a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology before enrolling in a general psychology undergraduate program.
Arizona State University offers a 100 percent online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Forensic Psychology program.
The school indicates that its program is one of only a few in the nation on this topic.
The school also offers a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program.
Another school that offers an online undergraduate forensic psychology program is Louisiana State University.
Step 3: Complete a Master’s Degree Program in Forensic Psychology
Earning a Master’s degree in forensic psychology is required for anyone who wants to work in this career.
Students need to research the programs offered at several schools to make sure that the programs meet their educational goals and interests.
Nova Southeastern University – Florida offers a 100 percent online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program.
Students choose one of two specialty tracks.
The Chicago School offers a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology both online and in person.
Step 4: Complete a Doctorate Program
Some schools that offer a master’s degree in forensic science also offer a doctorate program.
One example is that The Chicago School offers a Clinical Forensic Psy.D program.
It is an in-person program that prepares graduates for the Assessment and Therapy Clinical Forensic Competency Examination.
The school urges students to make sure that the program meets the requirements for licensure in the state where they want to practice as a forensic psychologist.
Doctorate degrees usually take four years to complete, depending on the curriculum and the school.
Look for doctorate programs in clinical psychology if you do not see one that is a Psy.D in Forensic Psychology program.
Some schools offer their program with an emphasis on forensic psychology.
Spaulding University offers a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology with Forensic Psychology as an emphasis.
Make sure that this program meets the licensing requirements for your state.
Step 5: Get Licensed as a Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychologists cannot practice without licensure.
Each state has its requirements for people to obtain licensure and work as a forensic psychologist.
It is important to check the state where you want to work, not the state where you currently live, or the state where the school you attend is located, whether you complete your degree online or in person.
Providing examples of the requirements for some states helps to understand the importance of reviewing the state’s forensic psychologist licensing and education requirements.
Michigan has two classifications for forensic psychologists.
The state government’s site indicates that entry-level forensic psychologists must possess a license to practice psychology in Michigan.
They must also complete in-service training that results in certification as a Consulting Forensic Examiner within one year.
Advanced-level forensic psychologists are permitted to provide expert testimony.
They also consult with court officials regarding a person’s competency to stand trial or other forensic issues.
Many states provide the rules and regulations for obtaining a license to work as a general psychologist.
Checking the statutes before applying will help people to make sure that they have followed the required steps, whether the state provides licensure information for forensic psychologists or lists the licensure requirements for all psychologists.
Step 6: Get Certified as a Forensic Psychologist
Earning a degree is not enough to work as a forensic psychologist in the U.S.
Obtaining a license is required to work as a forensic psychologist, but it is not the last step.
People who want to start working as forensic psychologists must earn a certification.
The American Board of Professional Psychology indicates that its Forensic Psychology Specialist Board Certification is one of only two post-doctoral specialty certifications that are recognized in the American Psychological Association Directory.
Check the requirements and make sure that all steps are completed before applying for the certification.
Step 7: Gain Experience
Gaining experience is important for forensic psychologists before they start their practice.
Shadowing current forensic psychologists, getting a job at a practice where there are other forensic psychologists, and completing internships are some ways to get the experience that is often needed before getting a license or certification.
Gaining experience is likely to help new forensic psychologists become more comfortable as they start their careers.
Education
The steps to complete the educational requirements take students from the basic requirements through advanced programs, licensure and certification.
Although some high schools offer psychology courses as electives, the courses are often not available at the high school level. Students usually enroll in psychology courses when they start college.
Look for schools that offer psychology programs with forensic psychology as a specialization.
Some schools have bachelor’s degree programs in forensic psychology.
The graduate level is where many students start focusing on forensic psychology.
Schools that offer master’s degree programs in psychology often have forensic psychology programs.
Students need to make sure that the program meets their goals.
Some programs are licensure programs, while others are non-licensure programs.
Schools sometimes offer both a licensure and a non-licensure path for their forensic psychology programs.
Some students complete a post-graduate certificate program in forensic psychology.
Many students go straight to enrolling in a doctoral program in forensic psychology.
Checking the options will help students to learn if a school offers a doctorate in forensic psychology or if they need to choose it as a specialty track.
Licensing & Certification
Anyone who wants to have a career as a forensic psychologist needs to have a license.
Some states have requirements that are specific to forensic psychologists.
Most states have laws and regulations that govern licensure for all psychologists.
Checking the state where they want to work will help students meet the requirements for that state.
Students need to pay attention to the license requirements for forensic psychologists before they enroll in an education program, and before they submit their licensure application.
Failing to follow the educational or application requirements may result in a denial of the license.
Failing to follow license renewal requirements may result in non-renewal of a license.
Getting certified is an important step before people can work as forensic psychologists.
Courts, mental health facilities, or other institutions often have strict certification requirements regarding who can perform evaluations, who can offer testimony in court proceedings, or perform other duties.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and most other sources, do not give a specific job outlook for forensic psychologists.
They include all specializations in the job outlook for psychologists.
The job outlook for psychologists is great, with faster than average job growth, compared to all other occupations, expected through at least 2033.
The U.S. is expected to add about 13,000 new psychologist jobs each year, for the next several years.
Should You Become a Forensic Psychologist? (Data-Driven Review)
Overall Satisfaction: High
Some surveys that measure job satisfaction among forensic psychologists rate their overall satisfaction as moderately high to high.
One example is the results of a field survey published in Frontiers in Psychology.
When survey participants were asked about their overall job satisfaction, both clinical and non-clinical participants reported an overall relatively high level of job satisfaction.
Some things considered in the job satisfaction part of the survey included income, work-life balance, and work activities.
Average Salary: High
The site salary.com indicates that the average salary for forensic psychologists in the U.S., as of April 1, 2025, is $121,528.
The salary range averages from $110,328 to $134,987.
The state where a forensic psychologist works can affect their salary.
One example is that the average salary for forensic psychologists who work in California is $134,045, while forensic psychologists who work in Nebraska earn an average of $114,491.
Job Growth Outlook: High
The U.S. is expected to add thousands of new jobs for psychologists each year for several years.
People who are forensic psychologists are likely to fill some of those new jobs.
Some of the job growth will be because of new jobs becoming available, while other jobs will become available because of some people retiring, or because some people start working in another profession.
The increased need for forensic psychologists in the court system, to determine if someone is competent to stand trial, to provide expertise about crime scenes, and to provide expert testimony in legal proceedings are some reasons for the expected job growth for forensic psychologists.
Education Duration: 6 to 12 Years
Anyone who wants to become a forensic psychologist needs to plan on completing at least six years of education and up to 12 years of education.
Completing a Master’s degree and a doctoral program is usually required before a student can apply for licensure and certification to work as a forensic psychologist.
Personal Skills Needed
- Strong communication skills
- Observational Skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Attention to detail
- Compassion and empathy
- Emotional separation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to go to school to become a forensic psychologist?
Becoming a forensic psychologist usually takes 10 to 12 years of education and training.
Some states require that forensic psychologist candidates complete additional supervised practice hours before a forensic psychologist candidate can obtain their license.
How much money does a forensic psychologist make a year?
The salary that a forensic psychologist earns depends on their education, experience, licensure, and certification.
It can also depend on the state where they work as a forensic psychologist.
Sources vary on the average salary for forensic psychologists in the U.S. Salary.com indicates that the average salary is $121,528, while Glassdoor indicates that the average salary is $94,381 per year.
What skills do you need to have to be a forensic psychologist?
Forensic psychologists need to have strong psychological skills, strong legal skills, and strong personal skills.
They need to have expertise in clinical assessment, research skills, data analysis skills, and the ability to apply psychological concepts in their work.
Some other skills that forensic psychologists need are excellent communication skills, analytical thinking skills, conflict resolution and crisis management skills, and objectivity traits.
Are forensic psychologists in high demand?
Forensic psychologists are in high demand, partly because of the integration of psychology in legal systems and in criminal justice systems.
The American Psychological Association (APA) indicates that the skills and the expertise of forensic psychologists are in high demand.
What kind of education do you need to become a forensic psychologist?
People who want to become forensic psychologists need to complete a doctoral degree, either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D in forensic psychology or a related field.
One example is that some forensic psychologists complete a doctoral degree in clinical psychology.
Leave a Reply