8 Types of Child Psychology Careers

Child Psychologist

Child psychologists deal specifically with the psychological, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of children. These professionals can work in a wide variety of settings, including schools, private practice, hospitals, and research settings.

Education

While there are some positions available with a master's degree, you will generally find a wider range of job opportunities at the doctoral level.​

Salary

Payscale.com suggests that as of 2024, the median yearly salary for child psychologists was $72,862. A child therapist salary can vary considerably depending on factors such as geographic location, educational background, and years of experience.

School Psychologist

School psychologists are dedicated to helping children succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. These professionals work within the school system, allying with educators, administrators, counselors, and parents to help kids with school and other issues.

Education

Most states require school psychologists to hold a specialist degree, although some do permit people to become licensed with a master's degree. An EdS specialist degree in school psychology usually takes two years of graduate study plus a one-year internship in a supervised setting.​

Salary

The mean annual salary for psychologists employed in elementary and secondary schools was $82,770 as of May 2021.

Developmental Psychologist

Developmental psychologists study the human growth and development process. While some developmental psychologists are interested in the aging process or lifespan development, some choose to focus specifically on children.

Other developmental psychologists work directly with children doing things such as determining if a child has a specific developmental delay or disability.

Education

Most developmental psychologists hold a PhD or PsyD in developmental psychology.​

Salary

As of 2024, the median annual salary for developmental psychologists was between $64,440 and $86,309, according to the Salary Wizard at Salary.com.

School Counselor

School counselors help students cope with school and personal issues as well as helping them succeed academically. Counselors also offer educational, personal, career, and social counseling services to students.

They also offer advice and counseling to students struggling with personal problems, help resolve social conflicts, and assist students in developing new skills.

Education

In most states, graduation from an accredited master's program, a period of supervised clinical experience, and the completion of state licensing exams are required to work as a school counselor.​

Salary

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median yearly salary for a school counselor working in an elementary or secondary school was $65,930 as of 2022.

Family Therapists

Family therapists work with children and families to diagnose and treat mental illness. They also help families deal with emotional, social, cognitive, and behavioral problems that affect individuals and the family as a whole.

Education

Educational, licensing, and certification requirements can vary by state. Many family therapists are licensed counselors who hold a master's degree in counseling. Others might hold a doctorate degree in psychology or a master's degree in social work.​

Salary

The Department of Labor reports that as of May 2022, the yearly median salary for family therapists was $56,570.

Animal-Assisted Therapist

Animal-assisted therapy is a growing field in psychology that involves offering therapeutic services with the assistance of pets. Research has shown that interacting with animals can have a number of benefits such as improving emotional, cognitive, social, and physical functioning.

Education

At a minimum, you will need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, nursing, education, or a related area. A graduate degree in counseling, social work, occupational therapy, or psychology may lead to increased job opportunities and earnings.

Additionally, you should receive training specifically in animal-assisted therapy. Some colleges and universities now offer an animal-assisted therapy certificate.​

Salary

Earnings vary widely depending on the training, qualifications, and employment area. For example, physical therapists earn an average of $97,720 while psychologists earn an average of $85,330.

Art Therapist

Art therapists utilize art as an expressive medium to help people experiencing psychological distress and mental illness. Professionals in this field combine principles from psychotherapy with art and the creative process to enhance the well-being and mental health of their clients.

Education

While specific requirements vary by state, most require you to become licensed to provide psychotherapy services. This might involve earning a doctorate in psychology, a master's in counseling or a master's in social work.

The Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. (ATCB) offers a credentialing program that allows professionals to become board-certified, registered or licensed art therapists.​

Salary

Yearly earnings vary considerably based on your educational background, years of experience, and geographic location. National salary data from Payscale.com suggests that the median salary for an art therapist in 2024 is $49,760.

Social Worker

Social workers perform a wide range of duties, but many specialize in working with children. A few of the things that a social worker might do regularly include:

• Helping kids overcome behavior problems
• Finding resources in their communities to help young clients
• Protecting vulnerable clients to ensure their best interests are upheld
• Acting as advocates for children

Education

While a bachelor degree in social work is the minimum degree required to enter the field, jobs are more abundant with a master's degree in social work.

Salary

The median pay for social workers as of May 2022 was $55,350. The National Association of Social Workers reports that those with a master's degree earn $13,000 a year more than those with a bachelor's degree.