Forensic Psychologist Salary
Forensic psychologists earn a national median salary of $106,420 per year. Explore detailed breakdowns by state, experience, employer type, and education level.
Key Takeaways
- The national median salary for forensic psychologists is $106,420, with the top 10% earning over $168,290 per year (BLS, 2023).
- Forensic psychologists who perform expert witness testimony can earn $300–$500+ per hour for court appearances.
- Federal government positions and private forensic consulting firms offer the highest base salaries in this field.
- Board certification through the American Board of Forensic Psychology is a strong salary differentiator — certified specialists earn 20–30% more.
- Job growth for psychologists is projected at 11% through 2033, with forensic specialties benefiting from expanding roles in criminal justice reform.
Forensic psychologists apply psychological expertise to legal and criminal justice questions — from competency evaluations and risk assessments to expert witness testimony and offender rehabilitation. They work across courtrooms, correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, and private consulting firms.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks forensic psychologist salaries under the "Psychologists, All Other" category (SOC 19-3039), which includes forensic, rehabilitation, and other specialized psychologists. Board certification through the American Board of Forensic Psychology can significantly increase earning potential, particularly for expert witness and consulting work.
How Much Do Forensic Psychologists Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists in the "All Other" category (which includes forensic psychologists) earn a median annual wage of $106,420. The lowest 10% earn approximately $55,990, while the highest 10% earn over $168,290.
Forensic psychologists who supplement salaried work with private consulting and expert witness testimony often earn well above these BLS figures. The field employs approximately 15,520 psychologists in this broader category nationwide.
10th Percentile
$55,990
Median
$106,420
90th Percentile
$168,290
Forensic Psychologist Salary by State
| State | Median Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| California | $124,680 | 2,210 |
| New York | $119,340 | 1,870 |
| New Jersey | $117,920 | 680 |
| Massachusetts | $115,500 | 920 |
| Maryland | $113,270 | 590 |
| Virginia | $110,850 | 1,140 |
| Washington | $108,960 | 610 |
| Colorado | $106,730 | 480 |
| Texas | $101,440 | 1,350 |
| Florida | $96,820 | 1,670 |
Forensic Psychologist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–2 years) | $60,000–$75,000 |
| Early Career (3–5 years) | $80,000–$100,000 |
| Mid-Career (6–12 years) | $100,000–$130,000 |
| Senior (13+ years) | $130,000–$175,000+ |
Forensic Psychologist Salary by Employer Type
| Employer Type | Salary |
|---|---|
| Private Forensic Consulting | $120,000–$200,000+ |
| Federal Government (BOP, DOJ, VA) | $100,000–$140,000 |
| State Correctional Systems | $85,000–$115,000 |
| Forensic Hospitals & Treatment Centers | $90,000–$120,000 |
Forensic Psychologist Salary by Education Level
| Education Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree (limited roles) | $55,000–$75,000 |
| PsyD with Forensic Concentration | $90,000–$120,000 |
| PhD in Forensic/Clinical Psychology | $100,000–$140,000 |
| PhD/PsyD + ABFP Board Certification | $120,000–$175,000+ |
How to Increase Your Forensic Psychologist Salary
Forensic psychologists have unique opportunities to increase their income through expert witness work and private consulting. The American Psychology-Law Society notes that forensic specialists who build a strong reputation in legal circles often see the largest salary gains.
- Obtain ABFP board certification — it signals expertise to courts and attorneys and commands premium consulting rates.
- Build an expert witness practice alongside your primary position. Forensic psychologists can charge $300–$500+ per hour for depositions and court testimony.
- Specialize in high-demand areas like competency evaluations, violence risk assessment, or child custody evaluations where qualified experts are scarce.
- Pursue federal government positions (BOP, VA, FBI) which offer higher base salaries, loan repayment programs, and generous retirement benefits.
- Publish research in forensic psychology journals and present at conferences to build credibility that translates to higher consulting rates.
Related Pages
How to Become a Forensic Psychologist
Education, training, and certification steps to enter the forensic psychology field.
Clinical Psychologist Salary
Compare forensic psychologist pay with the broader clinical psychology specialty.
Best Online PsyD Programs
Doctoral programs that can lead to a career in forensic psychology.
Sources
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