How to become psychology teachers, postsecondaryeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Education Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$80,340

25th–75th pct. $63,400–$105,920

Top pay (est.)

$199,700

Top 10% $153,600

Pay in 5 years

$92,300est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$106,100est.

$91,200–$123,200

Outlook score

60/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

56%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+4.0%

3,700 openings / yr

How to become psychology teachers, postsecondary

Typical education

Doctoral or professional degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Key skills

Writing

5.0

Reading Comprehension

5.0

Learning Strategies

5.0

Speaking

5.0

Active Listening

4.9

Active Learning

4.6

Social Perceptiveness

4.5

Instructing

4.2

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Psychology

6.2

Education and Training

5.9

English Language

5.6

Sociology and Anthropology

5.1

Mathematics

5.0

Therapy and Counseling

4.7

Philosophy and Theology

4.5

Communications and Media

4.3

What the work involves

Training and Teaching OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsThinking CreativelyMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Important abilities

Speech ClarityOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionDeductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Doctoral degree

55%

Post-doctoral training

31%

Master's degree

15%

Training before entry

None / short demo

45%

Up to 1 month

21%

4–10 years

10%

2–4 years

10%

6–12 months

1–2 years

1–3 months

Related work experience

1–2 years

38%

4–6 years

22%

2–4 years

18%

6–12 months

12%

Over 10 years

10%

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as psychology teachers, postsecondary

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.	$63,970	46/100	28%
2	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.	$72,040	45/100	36%
3	Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.	$64,370	40/100	45%
4	Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Teach students on a short-term basis as a temporary replacement for a regular classroom teacher, typically using the regular teacher's lesson plan.	$41,670	49/100	39%
5	Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.	$38,140	62/100	16%
6	Self-Enrichment Teachers Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.	$46,800	61/100	22%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.