Studying psychology provides a fascinating opportunity to extend your understanding of the human mind. If you’re curious to learn more about how we think, and how our thinking affects every aspect of our lives, a Bachelor of Psychological Science is a highly rewarding study pathway.
If you’re wondering what kind of jobs can lead from a bachelor’s in psychology, this guide will outline seven industries where this kind of qualification can take you far. We’ll also answer some commonly-asked questions including:
- What are the highest paying psychology jobs?
- Which psychology field pays the most in Australia?
- What are some of the most lucrative psychology careers?
High-paying psychology careers: study requirements
A bachelor’s degree in psychology will provide an entry point to all of the professional fields included in this guide. However, it’s important to note that if you have your sights set on the top jobs in these industries, you might need to complete some form of postgraduate study. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact us.
Please also note that the salary figures quoted in this article reflect data published by the Australian Government’s Jobs and Skills website at the time of writing. Salaries can vary depending on your experience, academic background and location within Australia.
Advertising and Marketing
Top positions in advertising and marketing are among the highest paying jobs you can get with a psychology degree. This is because advertisers and marketers need to have a good understanding of human psychology to create campaigns that are memorable and effective.
People who work in this field typically work either for advertising/marketing agencies, or in-house for companies, non-for-profit organisations, or government departments. Some people may also choose to work on a freelance basis, or as a consultant.
Not only does a degree in psychology provide advertising and marketing professionals with insights into human psychology, it also sharpens their skills in statistics, research, and communication.
Role and responsibilities
There are numerous roles that fall under the broader categories of marketing/communications and advertising. General responsibilities can include:
- Coordinating advertising/marketing strategies and campaigns
- Analysing the market and identifying opportunities
- Conducting market research
- Optimising websites to increase brand awareness and sales
- Creating content in the form of blogs, videos and social media posts
Average Salary
Based on government data on advertising and marketing professionals, the median average yearly salary is around $91,0000 per year. However, those in managerial positions tend to earn more than this, with Seek listing the typical yearly salary for Marketing Managers in Australia as $110,000.
Human Resources
Managerial roles in human resources are among the most high paying jobs for those with a psychology degree. The human resources department of a company is responsible for understanding what their employees want and need – making a background in psychology highly valuable.
Psychology graduates are likely to be good communicators with advanced skills in mediation and interviews. They are also more likely to understand individual thinking and motivations, with an awareness of how to improve the performance of teams.
Role and responsibilities
Roles you might like to consider include Human Resources Officer and Human Resources Manager. These are some of the general responsibilities for those who work in this field:
- Assisting with staff recruitment
- Providing advice on workplace matters
- Acting as a representative for negotiations on issues such as pay rates, enterprise bargaining and employment conditions
- Employee dispute resolution
Average Salary
According to government data on human resource professionals, the median yearly salary for Australian workers in this field is around $90,000. Those in managerial roles can earn more, with Seek listing the average yearly salary for Human Resources Managers as $125,000.
Health and Welfare Services
Across Australia, there’s a network of organisations which provide healthcare and other welfare services for our nation. Professionals who manage these services are responsible for organising, planning, controlling, directing, and coordinating the administrative aspects of health/welfare services and programs.
For many, a bachelor in psychology can provide a solid foundational grounding for a career in health and welfare services.
Role and responsibilities
These are some of the typical responsibilities for a Health and Welfare Services Manager:
- Coordinate the administrative aspects of health and welfare services and programs
- Provide overall direction for the facility, centre, or organisation
- Develop policies for medical staff
- Control administrative operations
- Liaise with funding bodies
Average Salary
The yearly median income for Australians employed in health and welfare services is around $120,000 (based on data taken from Jobs and Skills).
Public Relations
Public relations (PR) professionals are primarily responsible for promoting information about companies/organisations to a public audience. The skills you learn in a psychology degree can come in useful for jobs in this field, especially the ability to interpret data and communicate effectively.
Job titles within this field include Public Relations Officer, Public Affairs Officer, Media Liaison Officer, Promotions Officer, Press Officer, and Public Relations Consultant.
Curious to know what is the highest paying job with a psychology degree? Senior public relations management jobs are among the most lucrative.
Role and responsibilities
These are some of the typical responsibilities of a Public Relations Officer:
- Writing press releases
- Preparing visual and audio media materials
- Monitoring the activity of competitors
- Making statements to the media
- Responding to public and media enquiries
- Maintaining the reputation of an organisation
Average Salary
Based on data collected by the Australian government, the median yearly earnings for public relations professionals is around $93,000. The salaries of PR workers in managerial positions tend to be higher, with Seek listing the average yearly income for a Public Relations Manager as ranging from $105,000 to $125,000.
Senior PR roles for large companies are some of the highest paying jobs with a bachelor’s degree in psychology (although further education may be required before you can reach this level).
Social Worker
Excellent careers for those with a bachelor in psychology can be found in the community and human services sector. Social workers need good communication skills, as well as empathy and intuition.
Professionals in this area work to help disadvantaged members of society to access the services they need. There are a variety of jobs on offer for those with the right skills and education. Job titles include Child Protection Officer, Community Support Worker, Youth Worker, Social Worker, Drug and Rehabilitation Counsellor, and Welfare Services Officer.
Role and responsibilities
These are some of the responsibilities that social services workers typically perform:
- Assessing the needs of clients to ensure they have access to appropriate welfare services
- Provide assistance to clients in the form of counselling, emotional support and useful information
- Advocate for clients who may be experiencing discrimination or injustice
Average Salary
The yearly median income for Australians employed as social workers is around $90,000 (based on data taken from Jobs and Skills).
Welfare, Recreation and Community Arts
Professionals who work in welfare, recreation and community arts are responsible for designing and implementing strategies to improve the quality of life for communities and individuals who are struggling with social, financial, and emotional difficulties.
Since much of this profession is based around education and support, these types of jobs are well suited to people with an academic background in psychology. This professional pathway is a good option for those seeking high paying psychology jobs.
Role and responsibilities
These are some of the general responsibilities of welfare, recreation and community arts workers:
- Researching and analysing the needs, issues and problems of communities
- Developing programs to help communities
- Analysing data and writing reports
- Consulting with community members to identify concerns and needs
Average Salary
Based on data collected by the Australian government, the median yearly salary for these types of professionals is around $89,000.
Counsellor
Counsellors in the first stages of their careers don’t necessarily have the highest paying psychology jobs in Australia, but after you’ve gained experience you can transition into a more specialised area to become a Guidance Counsellor or a Substance Abuse Counsellor.
If you love helping people and want to establish a fulfilling career in this field, completing a Bachelor of Psychological Science is highly recommended. Counsellors can help people to work through any personal issues they’re facing, to live a happier and more balanced life.
Role and responsibilities
These are some of the responsibilities of a professional counsellor:
- Meeting clients to talk about any lifestyle, emotional or mental issues that are affecting them
- Helping clients adopt strategies to deal with their issues, and set goals
- Facilitate mediation and conflict-resolution sessions
- Refer clients to other healthcare professionals as part of a broader health management team
Average Salary
The median yearly salary for counsellors in Australia is around $89,000 (based on government data).
Feeling inspired?
Visit our Bachelor of Psychological Science page to learn more about this fascinating course, or download a brochure.
Please also feel free to get in touch with our Course Consultants to talk about your options, and learn more about job opportunities for those with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
