In 2014, the United States Department of Labor released salary statistics showing that forensic psychologists earned an average annual salary of $71,910 and an average hourly wage $34.57 in Oregon. However, as the field of forensic psychology continues to experience strong occupational growth trends, professionals that work in this largely competitive field will likely find a greater selection of high-paying jobs.
Employment projections published by the federal government indicate the number of forensic psychologists employed throughout the country will increase by 11% between 2012 and 2022. Meanwhile, forensic psychologists working in Oregon will benefit from a much higher employment growth rate of 20%. This rapid employment increase ranks forensic psychologists among Oregon’s fastest-growing professions that require a master’s degree or higher.
More Experience Equals More Money for Forensic Psychologists
One of the defining factors distinguishing a forensic psychologist’s expertise is their level of experience. As such, the highest paid forensic psychologists in Oregon start acquiring field experience via apprenticeships, internships, and/or fellowships well before they enter the job market. Upon becoming a licensed professional, forensic psychologists often develop extensive work histories through their involvement in diverse cases involving criminal, civil, and family court proceedings.
Aside from gaining experience through paid positions, forensic psychologists in Oregon can also engage in continued education activities that place an emphasis on field training, offer pro bono services, and become a member of the Oregon Psychological Association to accumulate additional experience while creating a strong community presence.
In 2014, the United States Department of Labor reported that forensic psychologists in entry-level positions were paid an average annual salary of $38,000, while those in their mid-career period earned a much greater average annual salary of $69,200. The most experienced forensic psychologists practicing in Oregon earned an average annual salary of $111,300.
Forensic Psychologist Salaries by Location in Oregon
Since each community has a unique demand for forensic psychologists, professionals will experience that salaries can differ considerably according to their location of employment in Oregon.
For example, in 2014 the United States Department of Labor found forensic psychologists employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro OR-WA area earned an average annual salary of $75,470. However, forensic psychologists practicing in the city of Bend received a much lower average annual salary of just $58,250:
