What Are the Pros & Cons of a Child Psychologist Career?
A career as a child psychologist can be intense and rewarding. If you have the educational profile, usually a graduate degree specializing in the field, you can choose to work either in the school system or in other arenas such as healthcare or criminal justice. The sector also has opportunities in industry and in private practice.
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Commit to Education
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The training to become a child psychologist is long and involved. You must achieve at least a master's degree, and most positions with any prospects will require a PhD in the field. This means you will spend many years in school before you have a chance to earn your living in child psychology.
Difficult, but Rewarding
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Many child psychologists work in settings where they frequently come across troubled children and difficult, even distressing family situations. In these circumstances it can sometimes be challenging to step back from your work and relax. It may be hard not to feel personally involved with children in difficult situations, especially when things don't go well. On the other hand you may also derive immense satisfaction from being able to help such children achieve goals despite their circumstances. You can feel that you are doing really worthwhile work that makes a difference in the world.
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Employment Prospects
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says posts for workers qualified in child psychology are expected to grow at an average rate, with school and clinical positions seeing about an 11 percent growth by 2018. Some other child psychology roles, such as those in industry, may experience a faster growth rate of up to 14 percent. The BLS notes that employment prospects will be best for those who have a doctoral degree in an applied specialty.
Variety
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If you're properly qualified and have some basic experience, a variety of employment prospects will open up to you in this field. Many people will be familiar with the role of a school psychologist, or with work in a pediatric hospital setting. But child psychologists are also employed in industry, most notably in advertising and marketing. Generally in most fields your working conditions will be good, and you should be offered regular hours. In a school setting you will benefit from the long vacation schedule.
Pay
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You may find it difficult to get rich as a child psychologist. The average run of school and hospital based jobs offer about $65,000 for a candidate with 8 to 10 years' experience. Expect entry-level jobs from around $30,000. However, if you have the entrepreneurial savvy to make it in private practice you could find the field more lucrative, making upwards of $100,000 a year in a successful practice.
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References
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