Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
An Industrial-Organizational Psychologist applies psychological principles and research methods to the workplace to improve productivity, work quality, and the well-being of employees. They focus on understanding human behavior in organizational settings and devising strategies for improvement.
Education: Master's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Internship/residency
Projected Growth: 5.9% (above average)
Annual job openings: 400
Direct AI exposure: 36% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 82% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $194K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $79K per year | $107K per year | $194K per year | $222K per year | $247K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $143K above the national average. | ||||
These professionals typically work in office settings, which may include corporate offices, consulting firms, or academic institutions. Their work often involves collaborating with teams, conducting research, and meeting with organizational leaders.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists play a critical role in bridging psychology and business. They use scientific methods to study workplace dynamics and develop interventions to improve organizational functioning. This involves analyzing how various factors like leadership style, team interactions, and workplace structures impact employee performance and satisfaction.
One key area of focus is designing and implementing assessment tools for employee selection, training, and development. This ensures that organizations can effectively identify, nurture, and retain talent. Additionally, they work on broader organizational strategies, such as improving communication channels, enhancing workplace diversity, and facilitating change management processes.
The profession demands strong analytical and research skills, as these psychologists often collect and interpret large amounts of data to make evidence-based recommendations. They must also possess excellent communication skills to convey complex psychological concepts in a practical, accessible manner to non-psychologists, including business leaders and employees.
Most Industrial-Organizational Psychologists have a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, which can take 6-10 years of post-bachelor's education, including field-specific training and internships.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
