Neuropsychologists

SOC code 19-3039 · O*NET-SOC 19-3039.02 · Extensive preparation needed · Science and engineering

Neuropsychologists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$110,840

a year

Hourly

$53.29

per hour

10th$54,990Median$110,84090th$168,520

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$111,210

$53.47 per hour

Middle 50%

$68,850 – $147,240

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$54,990 – $168,520

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

18,820

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Psychologists, All Other”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $54,990; $26.44/hr
25th percentile: $68,850; $33.10/hr
Median percentile: $110,840; $53.29/hr
75th percentile: $147,240; $70.79/hr
90th percentile: $168,520; $81.02/hr

What does a neuropsychologist do?

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Conduct neuropsychological evaluations such as assessments of intelligence, academic ability, attention, concentration, sensorimotor function, language, learning, and memory.
Write or prepare detailed clinical neuropsychological reports, using data from psychological or neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct observations, or interviews.
Interview patients to obtain comprehensive medical histories.
Diagnose and treat conditions involving injury to the central nervous system, such as cerebrovascular accidents, neoplasms, infectious or inflammatory diseases, degenerative diseases, head traumas, demyelinating diseases, and various forms of dementing illnesses.
Establish neurobehavioral baseline measures for monitoring progressive cerebral disease or recovery.
Provide education or counseling to individuals and families.
Diagnose and treat pediatric populations for conditions such as learning disabilities with developmental or organic bases.
Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in neuropsychology.

How to become a neuropsychologist

Most people in this role hold post-doctoral training — 84% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Doctoral Training84%
Doctoral Degree16%

Common questions

How much does a neuropsychologist earn?

The national median is $110,840 a year. The full range runs from $54,990 at the 10th percentile to $168,520 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a neuropsychologist without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.5/5
Active Listening4.5/5
Writing4.4/5
Speaking4.3/5
Critical Thinking4.3/5
Active Learning3.9/5
Science3.6/5

Knowledge areas

Psychology5.0/5
Therapy and Counseling4.6/5
English Language4.4/5
Education and Training4.1/5
Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.9/5
Sociology and Anthropology3.7/5
Biology3.5/5

Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness, Complex Problem Solving.