Psychologist Salaries in United Kingdom

The average salary for a Psychologist is £46,028 per year in United Kingdom. Salaries estimates are based on 688 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Psychologist employees in United Kingdom.

The highest salary for a Psychologist in United Kingdom is £64,134 per year.

The lowest salary for a Psychologist in United Kingdom is £33,517 per year.

Psychologists earn a range of different salaries, from around the national average to six-figure salaries depending on experience. This pay reflects both the advanced degrees required for their work, and the rising demand for the services of mental health professionals. Psychologists are also most highly paid in London, followed by those in the South East and North West. Head of Psychology roles can offer six-figure salaries, and other roles that require several years' experience on the job typically offer more than the average psychologist position.

Psychologists typically start with a degree in psychology and a postgraduate qualification in a specialised area, such as clinical psychology or occupational psychology. You may also want to consider obtaining a doctorate in psychology, which can be a significant boost to your earning potential.

Certain areas of psychology are currently in higher demand, including clinical psychology, neuropsychology, occupational psychology, and forensic psychology.

Joining a professional association, such as the British Psychological Society (BPS), can help you to build your professional network and enhance your credibility. Consider additional certifications to enhance your expertise and increase your value to employers, such as in cognitive-behavioural therapy, family therapy, or trauma-focused therapy. Engaging in research and publishing can also help you to establish yourself as an expert in your field and increase your earning potential.

When searching for psychology jobs, good negotiating skills can result in a much higher salary. Prepare for the interview by reviewing salary information for psychologists in your speciality area and location. You can use these numbers to set your expectations. Most negotiation experts recommend starting with a target number, then adding about 20% so you have room to adjust. You should also emphasise how your past experience can bring value to your employer. For example, you could say "in my previous role as a university therapist, I improved outcomes for at-risk students based on established measures, increasing the graduation rate by 10%." If you are looking for a pay rise in a current role, continued professional development and establishing yourself as an expert will help leverage you to the higher end of the salary range.

About 66.55% of Psychologist professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional £4,226 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Psychologist in United Kingdom as a good salary.

Psychologist professionals in United Kingdom have a wide total pay range, between £25,423 and £87,899 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of £46,028 following the average career path of a Psychologist.