Psychology in New Jersey: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in NJ
Updated August 12, 2022 · 1 Min Read
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New Jersey psychologist salaries are the highest in the country and the third-highest when adjusted for cost of living. This guide has the information you need on psychologist licensing in New Jersey, including local demand for psychologists and specialties with the highest psychologist salaries in the state. Keep reading for what you need to know to negotiate your salary or get licensed.
| Job Title | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | $79,430 | $119,670 | $208,000 or higher |
| School psychologists | $59,740 | $80,230 | $133,850 |
| Industrial-organizational psychologists | Data not available | Data not available | Data not available |
| Psychologists, all other | $38,210 | $98,680 | $127,750 |
Source: BLS
Online Doctorate Programs in Psychology
Psychologist Licensing in New Jersey
The State Board of Psychological Examiners oversees psychologist licensing in New Jersey as a part of the New Jersey Division of Commercial Affairs. While the state does not offer license reciprocity, you can apply for short-term psychologist licensure in New Jersey or a one-year unsupervised license if you are otherwise qualified and only need to pass the jurisprudence examination.
As in most states, psychologist licensing in New Jersey requires a doctorate, supervised practice hours, and a criminal background check. You must also be in compliance with any owed child support and provide two references for your moral character.
License Requirements
A doctorate (Ph.D., Psy.D. or Ed.D.) in psychology or a related field that is accredited by the American Psychological Association, holds accreditation from the Canadian Psychological Association, or is listed by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards/National Register Joint Designation 3,500 hours of supervised practice with at least 1,750 hours post-doctoral hours. These must include at least 1,000 client contact hours, at least 200 hours of supervision, including at least 100 hours of individual supervision, and at least 550 hours of work-related administration A passing grade on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology A passing grade on the state jurisprudence examination Official transcripts An abstract of your dissertation from Dissertation Abstracts International A criminal background check Certificate of compliance with any child support Confirmation of hours and recommendation from the psychologist who supervised your work Two personal references of good moral character A copy of relevant legal paperwork if you have ever changed your name
Demand for Psychology in New Jersey
New Jersey ranks first place nationwide for access to mental health care practitioners. Almost 70% of the population lives in an area with enough mental health professionals, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Strong psychologist salaries in New Jersey may factor into this relatively high proportion of providers.
However, provider presence alone does not ensure sufficient access for all. Only about one-third of youth experiencing a major depressive episode received mental health care from 2016-2019. Similarly, about 40% of adults with any mental illness received care in this period.
New Jersey is one of the country's most religiously and ethnically diverse states. More Jewish people live in New Jersey than any state other than New York, more Muslims than any state after Michigan, and more Cuban Americans than any state after Florida. This diversity creates a need for culturally competent care.