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.

On the job, you would:

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.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Psychologists must examine the information they collect and draw logical conclusions.

Communication skills. Psychologists must have strong communication skills because they spend much of their time listening to and speaking with patients or describing their research.

Integrity. Psychologists must keep patients’ problems in confidence, and patients must be able to trust psychologists’ expertise in treating sensitive problems.

Interpersonal skills. Psychologists study and help individuals, so they must be able to work well with clients, patients, and other professionals.

Observational skills. Psychologists study attitude and behavior. They must understand the possible meanings of facial expressions, body positions, actions, and interactions.

Patience. Psychologists must demonstrate patience, because conducting research or treating patients may take a long time.

Problem-solving skills. Psychologists need problem-solving skills to collect information, design research, evaluate programs, and find treatments or solutions to mental and behavioral problems.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		92%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		91%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		89%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		86%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		85%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		85%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		84%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		83%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		79%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		77%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		76%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		76%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		73%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		69%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
		66%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
		57%	Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		89%	Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
		72%	Enterprising - Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		86%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
		83%	Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
		78%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
		78%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
		67%	Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
		61%	Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		85%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		85%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		81%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		81%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		78%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		78%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		75%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		75%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		75%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		75%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		72%	Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
		72%	Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
		72%	Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
		69%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		69%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
		53%	Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
		53%	Number Facility - The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		70%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
		68%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		66%	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
		66%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		64%	Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
		64%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
		61%	Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
		61%	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
		59%	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
		59%	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
		59%	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
		57%	Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
		57%	Management of Personnel Resources - Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
		57%	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
		57%	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
		55%	Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
		55%	Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
		55%	Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
		55%	Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
		54%	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.

Administer standardized physical or psychological tests.

Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

Confer with clients to exchange information.

Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.

Counsel clients on mental health or personal achievement.

Advise others on business or operational matters.

Develop methods of social or economic research.

Conduct scientific research of organizational behavior or processes.

Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.

Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

Advise others on business or operational matters.

Conduct scientific research of organizational behavior or processes.

Develop educational programs.

Develop methods of social or economic research.

Conduct scientific research of organizational behavior or processes.

Counsel clients on mental health or personal achievement.

Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.

Mediate disputes.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		99%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		94%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		90%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		89%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		88%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		86%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		86%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		85%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		81%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		81%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		81%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		78%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
		68%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		66%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
		65%	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results - How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
		57%	Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
		56%	Deal With External Customers - How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
		52%	Public Speaking - How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?
		52%	Letters and Memos - How often does the job require written letters and memos?
		83%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		94%	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
		93%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		92%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		91%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		91%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		90%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		89%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		89%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		87%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		84%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		84%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		83%	Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
		79%	Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
		78%	Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		76%	Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		74%	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
		73%	Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
		72%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		71%	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
		68%	Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
		66%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		66%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		65%	Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
		65%	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
		60%	Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
		60%	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
		56%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

What Psychologists Do

Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychological research and methods to workplace issues.

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors.

Duties

Psychologists typically do the following:

Conduct scientific studies of behavior and brain function
Observe, interview, and survey individuals
Identify psychological, emotional, behavioral, or organizational issues and diagnose disorders
Research and identify behavioral or emotional patterns
Test for patterns that will help them better understand and predict behavior
Discuss the treatment of problems with clients
Write articles, research papers, and reports to share findings and educate others
Supervise interns, clinicians, and counseling professionals

Psychologists seek to understand and explain thoughts, emotions, feelings, and behavior. They use techniques such as observation, assessment, and experimentation to develop theories about the beliefs and feelings that influence individuals.

Psychologists often gather information and evaluate behavior through controlled laboratory experiments, psychoanalysis, or psychotherapy. They also may administer personality, performance, aptitude, or intelligence tests. They look for patterns of behavior or relationships between events, and they use this information when testing theories in their research or when treating patients.

The following are examples of types of psychologists:

Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Clinical psychologists help people deal with problems ranging from short-term personal issues to severe, chronic conditions.

Clinical psychologists are trained to use a variety of approaches to help individuals. Although strategies generally differ by specialty, clinical psychologists often interview patients, give diagnostic tests, and provide individual, family, or group psychotherapy. They also design behavior modification programs and help patients implement their particular program. Some clinical psychologists focus on specific populations, such as children or the elderly, or on certain specialties, such as neuropsychology.

Clinical psychologists often consult with other health professionals regarding the best treatment for patients, especially treatment that includes medication. Currently, only Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Mexico allow clinical psychologists to prescribe medication to patients.

Counseling psychologists help patients deal with and understand problems, including issues at home, at the workplace, or in their community. Through counseling, these psychologists work with patients to identify their strengths or resources they can use to manage problems. For information on other counseling occupations, see the profiles on marriage and family therapists, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, and social workers.

Developmental psychologists study the psychological progress and development that take place throughout life. Many developmental psychologists focus on children and adolescents, but they also may study aging and problems facing older adults.

Forensic psychologists use psychological principles in the legal and criminal justice system to help judges, attorneys, and other legal specialists understand the psychological aspects of a particular case. They often testify in court as expert witnesses. They typically specialize in family, civil, or criminal casework.

Industrial–organizational psychologists apply psychology to the workplace by using psychological principles and research methods to solve problems and improve the quality of worklife. They study issues such as workplace productivity, management or employee working styles, and employee morale. They also help top executives, training and development managers, and training and development specialists with policy planning, employee screening or training, and organizational development.

Rehabilitation psychologists work with physically or developmentally disabled individuals. They help improve quality of life or help individuals adjust after a major illness or accident. They may work with physical therapists and teachers to improve health and learning outcomes.

School psychologists apply psychological principles and techniques to education disorders and developmental disorders. They may address student learning and behavioral problems; design and implement performance plans, and evaluate performances; and counsel students and families. They also may consult with other school-based professionals to suggest improvements to teaching, learning, and administrative strategies.

Some psychologists become postsecondary teachers or high school teachers.

Work Environment

Psychologists held about 196,000 jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up psychologists was distributed as follows:

Clinical and counseling psychologists	67,500
School psychologists	62,200
Psychologists, all other	56,300
Industrial-organizational psychologists	10,100

The largest employers of psychologists were as follows:

Self-employed workers	28%
Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private	27
Ambulatory healthcare services	21
Government	8
Hospitals; state, local, and private	4

Some psychologists work alone, doing independent research, consulting with clients, or counseling patients. Others work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with physicians, social workers, and others to treat illness and promote overall wellness.

Work Schedules

Psychologists in private practice often set their own hours, and many work part time as independent consultants. They may work evenings or weekends to accommodate clients. Those employed in hospitals or other healthcare facilities may also have evening or weekend shifts. Most psychologists in clinics, government, industry, or schools work full-time schedules during regular business hours.

Getting Started

Education:

58%

Master's Degree

31%

Doctoral Degree

How to Become a Psychologist

In most states, practicing psychology or using the title of “psychologist” requires licensure.

Although psychologists typically need a doctoral degree in psychology, a master’s degree may be sufficient for school and industrial organizational positions. Psychologists in clinical practice need a license.

Education

Most clinical, counseling, and research psychologists need a doctoral degree. Students can complete a Ph.D. in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree. A Ph.D. in psychology is a research degree that is obtained after taking a comprehensive exam and writing a dissertation based on original research. Ph.D. programs typically include courses on statistics and experimental procedures. The Psy.D. is a clinical degree often based on practical work and examinations rather than a dissertation. In clinical, counseling, school, or health service settings, students usually complete a 1-year internship as part of the doctoral program.

School psychologists need an advanced degree and either certification or licensure to work. Common advanced degrees include education specialist degrees (Ed.S.) and doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.). School psychologist programs include coursework in education and psychology because their work addresses both education and mental health components of students’ development.

Industrial–organizational psychologists typically need a master’s degree, usually including courses in industrial–organizational psychology, statistics, and research design.

When working under the supervision of a doctoral psychologist, other master’s degree graduates can also work as psychological assistants in clinical, counseling, or research settings.

At the bachelor's degree level, common fields of degree include psychology, education, and social science.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

In most states, practicing psychology or using the title “psychologist” requires licensure. In all states and the District of Columbia, psychologists who practice independently must be licensed where they work.

Licensing laws vary by state and by type of position. Most clinical and counseling psychologists need a doctorate in psychology, an internship, and at least 1 to 2 years of supervised professional experience. They also must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Information on specific state requirements can be obtained from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. In many states, licensed psychologists must complete continuing education courses to keep their licenses.

The American Board of Professional Psychology awards specialty certification in 15 areas of psychology, such as clinical health psychology, couple and family psychology, and rehabilitation psychology. The American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology offers certification in neuropsychology. Board certification can demonstrate professional expertise in a specialty area. Certification is not required for most psychologists, but some hospitals and clinics do require certification. In those cases, candidates must have a doctoral degree in psychology, a state license or certification, and any additional criteria required by the specialty field.

Training

Most prospective psychologists must have pre- or postdoctoral supervised experience, including an internship. Internships allow students to gain experience in an applied setting. Candidates must complete an internship before they can qualify for state licensure. The required number of hours of the internship varies by state.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 12,800 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Employment of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is projected to grow due to demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social service agencies.

Demand for clinical and counseling psychologists will increase as more people turn to psychologists for help with their problems.

Employment of school psychologists will continue to grow because of an increased awareness of the connection between mental health and learning. These workers also will be needed to help students whose educational, behavioral, or developmental issues impact their ability to learn.

Organizations will continue to employ industrial–organizational psychologists to help with tasks such as selecting and retaining employees, implementing trainings, and improving office morale.

Contacts for More Information

For more information about careers in all fields of psychology, visit

American Psychological Association

For more information about careers for school psychologists, visit

National Association of School Psychologists

For more information about state licensing requirements, visit

Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards

For more information about psychology specialty certifications, visit

American Board of Professional Psychology

For more information about industrial–organizational psychologists, visit

Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology

For more information about careers and certification in neuropsychology, visit

American Board of Professional Neuropsychology

Occupational Requirements Survey

For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see

School psychologists (PDF)

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of psychologists.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Market Research Analysts	Market research analysts study consumer preferences, business conditions, and other factors to assess potential sales of a product or service.	Bachelor's degree	$68,230
Marriage and Family Therapists	Marriage and family therapists help people manage and overcome problems with family and other relationships.	Master's degree	$56,570
Physicians and Surgeons	Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance.	Doctoral or professional degree	$229,300
Postsecondary Teachers	Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.	See How to Become One	$80,840
School and Career Counselors and Advisors	School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment.	Master's degree	$60,140
Social Workers	Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.	See How to Become One	$55,350
Sociologists	Sociologists study society and social behavior.	Master's degree	$98,590
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors	Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression.	Bachelor's degree	$49,710
Survey Researchers	Survey researchers design and conduct surveys and analyze data.	Master's degree	$60,410
Training and Development Specialists	Training and development specialists plan and administer programs that improve the skills and knowledge of their employees.	Bachelor's degree	$63,080

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Psychologist

What they do:

On the job, you would:

Important Qualities

Personality

Characteristics of this Career

Strengths

Values of the Work Environment

Aptitude

Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Job Details

Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent

Tasks & Values

What Psychologists Do

Duties

Work Environment

Work Schedules

Getting Started

How to Become a Psychologist

Education

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Training

Job Outlook

Employment

Contacts for More Information

Occupational Requirements Survey

Similar Occupations