Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

What you'd actually do

• Provide advice on best practices and implementation for selection.
• Develop and implement employee selection or placement programs.
• Analyze data, using statistical methods and applications, to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of workplace programs.
• Develop interview techniques, rating scales, and psychological tests used to assess skills, abilities, and interests for the purpose of employee selection, placement, or promotion.
• Observe and interview workers to obtain information about the physical, mental, and educational requirements of jobs, as well as information about aspects such as job satisfaction.
• Facilitate organizational development and change.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work is mostly indoors; it rewards working independently. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 80.5% of industrial-organizational psychologists are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are analytical, take-charge and people-focused.

Related careers

• Biochemists and Biophysicists
• Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
• Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
• Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
• Biological Scientists, All Other
• School Psychologists

Quick questions

How much does a industrial-organizational psychologist make?

The median pay is $93.24 per hour — roughly $194,000 a year, with the real range running from about $37.99/hr (10th percentile) to $118.86/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a industrial-organizational psychologist?

The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

What does a industrial-organizational psychologist actually do all day?

Provide advice on best practices and implementation for selection. Develop and implement employee selection or placement programs. Analyze data, using statistical methods and applications, to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of workplace programs.