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Career opportunities also exist within fields such as research, where forensic psychologists can contribute their skills to extracting data, developing the field, and advancing public policies within the judicial system. With a research focus, practitioners can find jobs as consultants or provide training and curriculum development for law enforcement and corrections agencies. Forensic psychologists can also go into training or teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for psychologists, including those in the field of forensics, is $79,010, or approximately $37.99 per hour, as of 2020. Career length has a significant effect on salary rate, and practitioners can expect their pay to increase steadily over time. However, compensation also depends on which agency or organization a practitioner works for, with state agencies tending toward the lower end of the spectrum in terms of salaries.

Forensic psychologists’ job functions may include testing suspects for mental illness.

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Introduction: Forensic Psychology at a Glance