
Occupations: Psychologists
Psychologists
Overview of the profession:
Working in a variety of settings, psychologists play a vital role in enhancing mental health and supporting personal growth and wellness. Clinically, psychologists use their training to understand and change human behavior and mental processes through non-pharmaceutical interventions. They provide therapy and counseling to help people cope with mental health issues, trauma, and everyday life challenges. In school settings, school psychologists support students' mental health and academic success. They assess and evaluate students' learning and behavioral needs and, through collaboration with teachers, parents, and administrators, develop strategies that promote a positive learning environment conducive to academic achievement. School psychologists also offer counseling and guidance to students, helping them navigate social and emotional challenges while fostering resilience. Clinical psychologists must complete a Master's or Doctoral program with a practicum placement, post-graduation supervised work hours, and pass a state Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) before applying for licensure through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. School psychologists must complete a graduate-level Education Specialist degree with practicum placement and post-graduation supervised work hours before applying for a school psychology certificate through the Department of Education. Beyond clinical and school settings, psychologists work in government, nonprofits, private industry, and community. Their work in multiple facets of life is essential for promoting healthier individuals and communities.
Policy Highlights
Includes recent proposed legislation
Current Psychologist Workforce Data
We've provided the latest data from Lightcast below. Click on the images to enlarge them and review them in further detail.




2024 Hourly Wages
10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
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$21.36 | $27.92 | $36.25 | $47.25 | $66.59 |
Top Posted Job Titles
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School Psychologists
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Licensed Psychologists
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Psychologists
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Psychotherapists
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Licensed Clinical Psychologists
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Clinical Psychologists
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K-12 School Psychologists
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Teletherapy School Psychologists
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Elementary School Psychologists
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Health Psychologists
Index Ranking
Ranked 32nd (out of 36) "healthiest" profession according to the 2024 Michigan Healthcare Workforce Index.
Learn more here.
2024 Employment: 5,657
Projected 2034 Employment: 6,188 (+9%)
Highlighted Workforce Initiatives
Name: MI Kids Now Loan Repayment Program​
Prosperity Region: Statewide
Description: The MI Kids Now Loan Repayment Program is a state medical education debt repayment program focused on incentivizing behavioral healthcare providers to practice in underserved areas across the state of Michigan. Participants in the program receive funds to repay their educational debt, in exchange for service in underserved healthcare practice sites for two years. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services receives funding from federal operating grants. For example, the HSS were issued multiple grants in fiscal year 2024 for the purpose of Strengthening Public Health Workforce and Infrastructure in Michigan, coming out to a subtotal of $7,798,473​
Name: Central Michigan CMHA Workforce Retention Initiatives​
Prosperity Region: 4
Description: Central Michigan CMHA engages with local universities to strengthen the talent pipeline through internships and student education. Additionally, Central Michigan CMHA offers several workforce retention incentives, such as flexible work schedules, an employee referral program, sign-on bonuses for difficult-to-fill positions, and an enhanced benefits package. This initiative impacts more than 400 employees at Central Michigan CMH.
Name: Michigan Youth Mental Health Corps​
Prosperity Region: Statewide
Description: In response to America’s youth mental health crisis, Michigan is joining forces with 10 other states, the Schultz Family Foundation, Pinterest and AmeriCorps to recruit, train, and deploy the nation’s first Youth Mental Health Corps to help young people access critical mental health resources. The Corps will address the growing needs of young people while creating career pathways to address the national shortage of mental-health professionals. Corps members will be trained as navigators serving middle and high school students in schools and community-based organizations. Corps members will gain valuable on-the-job experience, receive a stipend, and earn credentials to advance their career. They will also be eligible for education awards to pursue higher education or pay back qualifying student loans.
Career Pathway
How do individuals become a school psychologist in Michigan?
Before applying to a graduate-level Education Specialist graduate program, individuals can complete a 4-year bachelor degree in any discipline, with either a bachelor of psychology or education being the common. Upon completion of an Education Specialist degree, individuals need to apply for licensure through the Michigan Department of Education and must complete additional supervised hours before earning their full certification. Visit www.michigan.gov for more licensure information.

How to become a Clinical or Counseling Psychologist?"
Before applying to graduate school, individuals must complete a 4-year bachelor's degree in any discipline, with a bachelor of psychology being the most common. Individuals can then choose to complete a Master’s or Doctoral program; both programs require students to complete a practicum placement and to complete a set number of post-graduation supervised work hours under a limited license. Upon completion of their education and practicum hours, individuals must pass the state Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and apply for licensure through the Department of Licensure and Regulatory Affairs. Masters-trained psychologists are only able to practice under a limited license, which requires the supervision of a fully licensed doctoral-trained psychologist. For more licensure information, visit www.michigan.gov