Military Psychologists
Military Career
General Information
Description
Psychologists plan, direct, and administer programs that ensure delivery of effective mental health services to military personnel. They utilize psychological principles, theories, and techniques through direct patient care and consultation, as well as education programs related to investigation, evaluation, and treatment of mental illness and behavior disorders. They provide consulting and develop policies to promote mental health awareness and research. They perform experiments to determine the effects of various environmental factors on human behavior, adjustment, performance, and effectiveness.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Psychologists usually work in offices, hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities on land and aboard ships.
Comparable Industries
- Human Services
Related Military Careers
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Officer
- Managerial/professional
- College degree required
Military Workforce
Psychologists in the Military
13,857
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$90,560
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$26,312 - $294,189
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
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Doctoral degree 43%
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Post-doctoral training 33%
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Master's degree 22%
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High school 0%
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Some college 0%
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Bachelor's degree 0%
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Associate's degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
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Post-secondary certificate 0%
Military training
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for psychologists primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Advanced education and training opportunities are available in some specialties, as well as access to sophisticated technologies, research methods, and opportunities to consult with leading military and civilian researchers, as well as the other professional growth opportunities such as attending professional development courses, research seminars, and academic conferences. Like other officers working in healthcare, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, orientation to military structure, healthcare, etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
Read MoreRelated College Majors
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Knowledge
- Therapy and Counseling
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
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