Despite the cold weather and off-the-beaten-path location, North Dakota's low cost of living, job prospects, and relaxed atmosphere draw many psychology professionals to the state.
Although North Dakota is not among the top-paying states for psychologists in the U.S., it ranks higher than the national average. North Dakota psychologist salaries average $109,920 per year. When adjusted for cost of living, salaries reach $112,390, ranking seventh in pay rate for psychologists across the country. This compares to the median psychologist salary in the U.S. of $81,040, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Job Title | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
---|---|---|---|
Clinical and counseling psychologists | $47,350 | $101,910 | $204,240 |
School psychologists | $48,770 | $74,370 | $78,870 |
Psychologists, all other | $48,920 | $101,360 | $128,380 |
Source: BLS
According to the BLS, a North Dakota psychologist's salary can range from around $47,350-$204,240, depending on such factors as specialty, location, education level, experience, and job setting.
Online Doctorate Programs in Psychology
Psychologist Licensing in North Dakota
Psychologist license in North Dakota requirements include:
License Requirements
Most doctoral programs take 4-6 years to complete, depending on factors like your focus area and level of education when beginning the program. Students with a master's degree usually finish the doctoral program in less time. Learn more about the difference between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. on the American Psychological Association's (APA) website.
A doctoral degree (Psy.D. or Ph.D.) in psychology from an institution accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Completion of 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience as defined by the state of North Dakota Application submission for licensure in North Dakota with a $450 fee A passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
Demand for Psychology in North Dakota
According to the BLS, the job market for psychologists in the U.S. is expected to increase by 8% from 2020-2030, bringing approximately 13,000 new openings each year across the nation.
In North Dakota, only 29.94% of the need for health practitioners is currently met, as reported by a 2021 report published by Kaiser Family Foundation. This designates the state as a health professional shortage area.
Rural populations in North Dakota make up one of the most significant areas in need of mental health services, as residents of frontier-designated counties have less access to professional services.