Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
Is psychology teachers, postsecondary a good career?
It scores 20/100 and ranks #317 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($80,340 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a doctoral or professional degree
What psychology teachers, postsecondary earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. psychology teachers, postsecondary earn between $63,400 and $105,920 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live psychology teachers, postsecondary jobs
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- Typical education
- Doctoral or professional degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Postsecondary teachers who work for 4-year colleges and universities typically need a Ph.D. or other doctorate in their field of degree. For some specialties or for part-time positions, schools may hire those with a master’s degree or who are doctoral degree candidates.
Doctoral programs usually take several years to complete, and students typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree to enroll. Most Ph.D. programs require students to write a doctoral dissertation, a paper presenting original research in their field of study, which they then defend in questioning from experts. Candidates usually specialize in a subfield, such as organic chemistry or European history.
Community colleges may hire those with a master’s degree. However, some institutions prefer that applicants have a Ph.D.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Postsecondary teachers who prepare students for an occupation that requires a license, certification, or registration, may need to have—or may benefit from having—the same credential. For example, a postsecondary nursing teacher might need a nursing license or a postsecondary education teacher might need a teaching license.
Advancement
Postsecondary teachers with a doctoral degree often seek tenure—a guarantee that a professor cannot be fired without just cause. Attaining tenure may take up to 7 years of progressing through the positions by rank: assistant professor, associate professor, and professor. The decision to grant tenure is based on a candidate’s research, contribution to the institution, and teaching.
Some professors advance to high-level administrative positions, such as dean or president. For information on deans and other administrative positions, see the profile on postsecondary education administrators.
Important qualities
Critical-thinking skills. To conduct original research and design experiments, postsecondary teachers need to analyze information logically.
Interpersonal skills. Postsecondary teachers need to work well with others for tasks such as instructing students and serving on committees.
Resourcefulness. Postsecondary teachers must be able to present information in a way that students will understand. They need to adapt to the different learning styles of their students and be able to use technology for lessons or assignments.
Speaking skills. Postsecondary teachers need good communication skills to present lectures and provide feedback to students.
Writing skills. Postsecondary teachers need strong writing ability to publish original research and analysis.
Related occupations
How much do psychology teachers, postsecondary make?
The national median wage is $80,340 a year, with the middle half earning between $63,400 and $105,920 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is psychology teachers, postsecondary a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 20 of 100 and ranks #317 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +3.6% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a psychology teachers, postsecondary?
The typical entry-level education is doctoral or professional degree.
Where do psychology teachers, postsecondary earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($107,340). Local pay for every state and metro is below.