Massachusetts has some of the most prestigious psychology programs in the United States. The Bay State ranks among the few states where school psychologists earn a higher median income than counseling psychologists. It also has more industrial-organizational psychologists per capita than most states.
This guide describes psychologist license requirements in Massachusetts and typical salaries for different specialties. Keep reading for information on practicing psychology in Massachusetts.
| Job Title | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | $46,000 | $95,780 | $164,740 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $59,990 | $84,700 | $163,760 |
| School psychologists | $67,680 | $101,570 | $145,600 |
| Psychologists, all other | $51,580 | $130,150 | $166,040 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Online Doctorate Programs in Psychology
Psychologist Licensing in Massachusetts
For psychologist licensing in Massachusetts, applicants must file with the Board of Registration of Psychologists, part of the Division of Occupational Licensure. The Massachusetts psychology board requires a doctorate, supervised experience, a passing grade on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), and a passing grade on a state jurisprudence examination.
The state does not have license reciprocity, but unlike many states, the Massachusetts psychology board does not require a year of post-doctoral experience for psychology licensing. Instead, it requires 3,200 hours of qualifying supervised professional experience (SPE). The remainder can be post-internship hours or advanced practicum hours that meet state regulatory requirements.
License Requirements
Doctorate in psychology At least 3,200 hours of SPE, with at least 1,600 hours in a training/internship program, with both 1,600-hour periods occurring over at least 10 months Passing grade (500) on the EPPP Passing grade on a state jurisprudence examination Passing grade on the state's free online domestic violence course At least three professional references A completed application to be a fully participating or non-billing provider with MassHealth Sealed transcripts A clean criminal background check, though not all criminal convictions would cause an automatic rejection of the application
Demand for Psychology in Massachusetts
The demand for psychologists in Massachusetts appears strong. State government data reveals a projection of up to 14.5% employment growth for these professionals from 2022-2032, indicating continued growth in the sector. Massachusetts psychologist salaries are also high to meet this demand at an annual median of $117,750.
While Massachusetts does have a shortage of mental health professionals, it is less severe than in other states. A report by the Kaiser Family Foundation indicates that, while the state is home to 56 areas experiencing a shortage of health professionals, this need could be filled by adding just 17 more practitioners.