2026 Forensic Psychologist Salary by State

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can you do with a forensic psychology degree? 

A forensic psychology degree opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities that bridge the fields of psychology, law, and criminal justice. Graduates can apply their understanding of human behavior to various professional settings where psychological expertise is essential for decision-making, evaluation, and rehabilitation. Here are some common career paths:

• Forensic Psychologist: Work directly with courts, correctional facilities, or law enforcement to assess offenders, provide expert testimony, and assist in criminal investigations.
• Criminal Investigator or Profiler: Use psychological insights to analyze crime patterns, understand offender motivations, and aid in solving cases.
• Victim Advocate: Support victims of crime by providing emotional assistance, helping them navigate the legal system, and connecting them with community resources.
• Correctional Counselor: Work within prisons or rehabilitation centers to guide inmates toward positive behavioral change and reintegration into society.
• Researcher or Academic: Conduct studies on criminal behavior, mental health in the justice system, or rehabilitation programs while teaching future psychologists and criminal justice professionals.

Whether pursuing hands-on forensic work or research-oriented roles, a forensic psychology degree provides the foundation for a meaningful and multifaceted career.

Where can you work with a forensic psychology degree?

A forensic psychology degree prepares graduates for diverse roles across both public and private sectors. Because the field blends psychology with criminal justice, professionals can find meaningful work in settings that address crime, rehabilitation, and legal processes. Here are some of the most common workplaces for those with a forensic psychology background:

• Correctional Facilities: Work with inmates to assess mental health, provide therapy, and support rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
• Courts and Legal Systems: Serve as expert witnesses, competency evaluators, or consultants who help judges and attorneys understand psychological evidence.
• Law Enforcement Agencies: Assist in criminal investigations, offender profiling, and the development of strategies for interviewing or crisis negotiation.
• Hospitals and Mental Health Centers: Provide treatment for individuals involved in the justice system or those with criminal behavior linked to mental health issues.
• Academic and Research Institutions: Teach psychology or criminology courses, conduct research on forensic topics, and contribute to policy development and reform.

These settings allow forensic psychology professionals to apply their expertise in ways that promote justice, improve rehabilitation, and enhance understanding of human behavior in legal contexts.

How much can you earn with a forensic psychology degree?

Earning potential in forensic psychology depends on several factors, including education level, experience, location, and type of employer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2025), psychologists earn a median annual salary of around $94,310, though forensic psychologists often fall on the higher end of this range due to the specialized nature of their work. In fact, the BLS estimates that psychologists -- other than school psychologists, clinical and counseling psychologists, and industrial-organizational psychologists -- can earn an average median annual wage of $117,580.

Entry-level professionals with a bachelor’s or master’s degree may start in support or research roles, earning between $50,000 and $75,000 per year. Those with a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and licensure can earn $95,000 to $120,000 or more, especially when serving as expert witnesses or consultants.

Geographic location also plays a major role. States like California and Nevada tend to offer higher salaries due to strong demand and higher living costs. Additionally, forensic psychologists working in federal agencies, private practice, or consulting often command higher pay compared to those in academic or nonprofit settings.

In short, a forensic psychology degree offers strong earning potential, particularly for those who pursue advanced education and establish expertise in the legal or criminal justice system.

What is a forensic psychologist and what do they do?

A forensic psychologist is a professional who applies psychological principles within the legal and criminal justice systems. They bridge the gap between mental health and law, using their expertise to help courts, attorneys, law enforcement, and correctional facilities make informed decisions involving human behavior.

The wide range of forensic psychologist duties include:

• Conducting Psychological Evaluations: They assess individuals involved in legal cases, such as defendants, victims, or witnesses, to evaluate mental competence, risk of reoffending, or psychological stability.
• Providing Expert Testimony: They present their findings in court, helping judges and juries understand complex psychological issues related to criminal responsibility, insanity defenses, or witness credibility.
• Consulting with Law Enforcement: Forensic psychologists assist in criminal profiling, interview strategies, and understanding the motivations behind criminal behavior.
• Working in Corrections: They provide therapy and rehabilitation programs for inmates, aiming to reduce recidivism and support reintegration into society.
• Engaging in Research and Policy Development: Many also conduct studies on crime prevention, offender behavior, and justice reform to improve how psychological science is applied in legal contexts.

In essence, forensic psychologists play a crucial role in ensuring that mental health considerations are properly addressed within the justice system, combining scientific expertise with compassion and ethical responsibility.

In the U.S., there are currently more than 7,300 forensic psychologists. This number is expected to rise for this specialized role with courts and legal systems increasingly recognizing the importance of psychological factors in carrying out justice. For students exploring this path, many wonder, is forensic science a good major to prepare for this career? The answer is yes—it provides a strong foundation in both science and investigation, which complements advanced studies in forensic psychology.

Median Annual Salary of Forensic Psychologists by State for 2026

The field of forensic psychology is poised for continued growth as the legal system increasingly recognizes the valuable ways it can be applied. Similar to other professions requiring advanced degrees, forensic psychologists tend to earn salaries that are well above the national median for all occupations.

Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide salary data specific to forensic psychologists, the earnings reported for “psychologists, all other” can serve as a useful benchmark for estimating potential income in this specialized field.

Here are the salary figures for psychologists by state in 2026:

In what states do forensic psychologists earn the most money?

Forensic psychologist salary varies significantly across states, often driven by cost of living, demand for services, and how competitive the legal and mental health sectors are in each region. Due to these factors, psychologists generally tend to have the greatest earning potential on the west and east coasts in populous metropolitan areas. 

Because populous areas tend to have more crimes, it can be said that they also have a greater need for forensic psychologists. According to the BLS, states employing the largest numbers of psychologists are California, Illinois, and Texas, followed by Florida and Minnesota.

Based on the state median annual salary figures, the five highest-paying states for forensic psychologists are California, Oklahoma, Nevada, Nebraska, and North Carolina. Interestingly, professionals in other analytical careers—such as those comparing cyber intelligence vs cyber security salary—also experience regional variations in pay, driven by demand, cost of living, and specialization levels.

What factors affect forensic psychologist salary?

Several key factors influence how much a forensic psychologist earns, from education level to where they practice. Understanding these variables can help aspiring professionals plan their career paths strategically and maximize their earning potential. Here are the main factors that impact forensic psychology salaries:

• Education and Credentials: Those with advanced degrees—particularly a Ph.D. or Psy.D.—and professional licensure typically earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s or master’s degree. You can check out doctor of psychology salary in a separate article.
• Experience Level: Entry-level professionals may start with modest pay, but salaries rise significantly with years of experience, especially for those who take on leadership or expert witness roles.
• Location: Wages vary greatly by state and city. Areas with a high cost of living or strong demand for forensic psychology services, such as California or New York, often offer higher pay.
• Work Setting: Forensic psychologists employed in private practice, federal agencies, or consulting generally earn more than those in academic or nonprofit organizations.
• Specialization and Role: Experts who focus on niche areas—like criminal profiling, risk assessment, or courtroom testimony—can command premium rates due to their specialized expertise.

In short, while the field offers solid earning potential across the board, strategic choices about education, specialization, and location can significantly boost a forensic psychologist’s income.

The image below shows that gender may also affect salary for forensic psychologists, with men earning more than women.

How much do forensic psychologists earn based on experience level?

According to Payscale, an entry-level forensic psychologist with less than one year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation – which includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay – of $63,578. An early career forensic psychologist with one to four years of experience earns an average total compensation of $76,940. Meanwhile, a mid-career forensic psychologist with five to nine years of experience earns an average total compensation of $87,674. An experienced forensic psychologist with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $109,994. In their late career, which means 20 years or more of experience, employees earn an average total compensation of $122,084.

In terms of long-term earnings, pursuing advanced education can boost one’s salary even further. For example, professionals often weigh the benefits of obtaining a doctorate by comparing PhD vs. MBA salary trends across industries—showing that advanced credentials often lead to significantly higher lifetime earnings.

Here's a chart illustrating how the number of years of experience influence the increase in earning potential:

How does forensic psychologist salary compare with similar occupations?

Forensic psychologists enjoy competitive salaries, especially considering the advanced education and expertise required in the field. While earnings can vary by state and setting, their pay generally aligns with or exceeds that of many other psychology and criminal justice professions.

According to the BLS, psychologists, overall, earn a median annual salary of about $94,310. If broken down, the BLS reports these salary figures for the following occupations:

• Industrial-organizational psychologists: $109,840
• Clinical and counseling psychologists: $95,830
• School psychologists: $86,930
• Psychologists, all other (including forensic psychologists): $117,580

Forensic psychologists, which belongs to the other psychologists category in the BLS reports, can earn anywhere from $51,410 (bottom 10%) to $163,570 (top 10%).

When compared to other law and crime occupations, here's what other similar occupations earn:

• Detectives and criminal investigators: $93,580
• Forensic science technicians: $67,440

Overall, their combination of psychological training and legal expertise places forensic psychologists among the higher earners in both the mental health and criminal justice fields. 

If you are interested in industrial-organizational psychology, you can look into organizational psychologist jobs.

What is the job outlook for forensic psychologists?

The job outlook for forensic psychologist is generally positive, though much of the data comes from broader psychology fields rather than forensic psychology alone. Here are some key points:

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of psychologists overall will grow about 6% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
• There are expected to be about 12,900 job openings per year for psychologists over that same period in the U.S. These openings are due both to new demand and to replacement needs (because of retirements, people leaving the field, etc.).
• Forensic psychology, specifically, is benefitting from several societal and legal trends: increasing awareness of mental health in legal contexts, expanded use of psychological evaluations in court, and growth in demand for services in criminal justice, corrections, and rehabilitation settings.

Factors That Could Boost Demand

• Courts and legal systems are increasingly recognizing psychological factors — e.g. competency, risk assessments, trauma, etc. — thus broadening where forensic psychologists are needed.
• Criminal justice reform movements and changes in state policies often include better attention to mental health, which can create more roles for forensic psychologists.
• Expansion of mental health services generally pushes for more psychological practitioners; forensic specialists may benefit from spillover as legal and correctional systems integrate more mental health resources.

Challenges and Uncertainties

Are there certifications for forensic psychologists that help boost salary?

Earning certifications and credentials in forensic psychology can significantly enhance both professional credibility and salary potential. These certifications demonstrate specialized expertise, which can make a candidate more competitive for higher-paying positions in courts, correctional institutions, or private consulting.

Here are some of the most recognized certifications and credentials that can help boost a forensic psychologist’s earning potential:

• Board Certification in Forensic Psychology: Offered by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), this is one of the most prestigious credentials in the field. It demonstrates advanced competency in forensic practice and often leads to higher-paying consulting or expert witness roles.
• Licensure as a Clinical or Counseling Psychologist: While not exclusive to forensic psychology, state licensure is mandatory for independent practice and typically results in higher earnings and expanded career opportunities.
• Continuing Education in Forensic Assessment: Specialized training or postdoctoral certificates in areas such as criminal profiling, risk assessment, or competency evaluations can increase marketability and pay.
• Membership in Professional Organizations: Joining groups like the American Psychology–Law Society (AP-LS) or the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP) provides access to networking, advanced training, and professional recognition that can lead to better-paying roles.
• Expert Witness Training and Certification: Forensic psychologists who serve as expert witnesses in court cases can command premium rates, especially with documented credentials in testimony preparation or courtroom communication.

In short, the highest paying jobs with a psychology degree are the ones that are supplemented with additional credentials. Pursuing certifications not only enhances professional standing but also opens doors to higher-income opportunities, specialized consulting work, and leadership roles in forensic and legal psychology.

What skills are essential for forensic psychologists?

Forensic psychologists need a diverse set of skills that blend psychological expertise with legal understanding and strong interpersonal abilities. Their work often involves interpreting human behavior within complex legal situations, requiring both analytical precision and ethical judgment. Here are some of the most essential skills for success in this field:

• Analytical and Critical Thinking: The ability to evaluate evidence, interpret psychological data, and draw accurate conclusions is key when working on legal cases or conducting behavioral assessments.
• Strong Communication Skills: Forensic psychologists must clearly explain psychological findings to non-experts—such as judges, juries, and attorneys—through written reports and courtroom testimony.
• Objectivity and Ethical Judgment: Maintaining impartiality and adhering to ethical standards is crucial, especially when their evaluations can influence legal outcomes.
• Knowledge of Legal Systems: Understanding courtroom procedures, criminal law, and legal terminology helps forensic psychologists provide accurate and relevant insights in justice settings.
• Empathy and Emotional Resilience: Working with victims, offenders, and emotionally charged cases requires compassion, patience, and the ability to manage stress effectively.
• Research and Assessment Skills: Proficiency in administering psychological tests, interpreting results, and conducting scientific research supports credible, evidence-based evaluations.

Mastering these skills enables forensic psychologists to navigate the intersection of psychology and law effectively—ensuring that their contributions are both scientifically sound and legally meaningful. Similar to pursuing other graduate-level paths like EdS vs. EdD, developing these competencies helps professionals stand out and advance in specialized, high-impact careers.

How does continuing education and mentorship shape career success?

Forensic psychology benefits significantly from ongoing professional development and targeted mentorship. Engaging in specialized workshops, seminars, and online courses can help practitioners integrate the latest research and best practices into their daily work. Structured mentorship programs also offer guidance on refining investigative methods and adhering to evolving ethical standards. Additionally, exploring cost-effective educational options—such as the cheapest BCBA programs online—can further solidify a professional’s expertise without the burden of excessive costs.

What are the career advancement opportunities for forensic psychologists?

Forensic psychology offers numerous opportunities for career growth and specialization. As professionals gain experience, advanced education, and certifications, they can move into higher-paying roles, leadership positions, or specialized niches within the field. Here are some of the most common paths for advancement:

• Private Practice or Consulting: Experienced forensic psychologists often establish their own practice or work as consultants for courts, law firms, or law enforcement agencies—positions that typically offer greater flexibility and higher income potential.
• Expert Witness Roles: With strong credentials and courtroom experience, psychologists can become expert witnesses, providing specialized testimony in high-profile or complex legal cases.
• Supervisory and Administrative Positions: Senior professionals may move into leadership roles in correctional facilities, hospitals, or government agencies, overseeing staff, programs, and policy development.
• Academic and Research Careers: Those with doctoral degrees may advance into teaching, research, or academic administration, shaping the next generation of forensic psychologists while contributing to scientific knowledge.
• Specialization in Niche Areas: Forensic psychologists can focus on areas such as criminal profiling, juvenile forensics, trauma assessment, or risk management—fields that often offer higher pay and recognition.

Overall, the field provides a clear path for advancement through continued education, professional networking, and specialization. With dedication and experience, forensic psychologists can progress from entry-level positions to influential roles that impact both psychology and the justice system.

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