Psychologist | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Psychologists study people's behaviour, motivations, thoughts and feelings, and help them to overcome or control their problems.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.
Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.
Document patient information including session notes, progress

Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.
Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.
Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
Interact with clients to assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve effective personal, social, educational, or vocational development and adjustment.
Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, or needs.
Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.
Use a variety of treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, behavior modification, stress reduction therapy, psychodrama, or play therapy.
Write reports on clients and maintain required paperwork.
Consult with or provide consultation to other doctors, therapists, or clinicians regarding patient care.
Obtain and study medical, psychological, social, and family histories by interviewing individuals, couples, or families and by reviewing records.
Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying plans or diagnoses as necessary.
Select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests to obtain information on individuals' intelligence, achievements, interests, or personalities.
Advise clients on how they could be helped by counseling.
Develop and implement individual treatment plans, specifying type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.
Consult with other professionals, agencies, or universities to discuss therapies, treatments, counseling resources or techniques, and to share occupational information.
Refer clients to other specialists, institutions, or support services as necessary.
Maintain current knowledge of relevant research.
Consult reference material, such as textbooks, manuals, or journals, to identify symptoms, make diagnoses, or develop approaches to treatment.
Observe individuals at play, in group interactions, or in other contexts to detect indications of mental deficiency, abnormal behavior, or maladjustment.
Provide consulting services, including educational programs, outreach programs, or prevention talks to schools, social service agencies, businesses, or the general public.
Provide occupational, educational, or other information to individuals so that they can make educational or vocational plans.
Plan and develop accredited psychological service programs in psychiatric centers or hospitals, in collaboration with psychiatrists and other professional staff.
Direct, coordinate, and evaluate activities of staff and interns engaged in patient assessment and treatment.
Develop, direct, and participate in training programs for staff and students.
Provide psychological or administrative services and advice to private firms or community agencies regarding mental health programs or individual cases.
Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.
Prepare written evaluations of individuals' psychological competence for court hearings.
Supervise and train interns, clinicians in training, and other counselors.

Average salary
45,057 GBP *
per year

Average salary for Psychologist

40,554 GBP

Average salary for part-time Psychologist

Average salary for full-time Psychologist

Showing:

29,014 GBP
30,897 GBP

45,057 GBP
40,554 GBP

Salary over time for Psychologist

Pay for this role has increased slightly over time

40,602 GBP
40,970 GBP
41,929 GBP
42,524 GBP
41,619 GBP
42,714 GBP
45,057 GBP
46,571 GBP
83,482 GBP

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Future outlook for Psychologists

Very good outlook

23 000+ jobs available

Very good outlook

9% yearly wage growth (on average)

Very good outlook

21% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Psychologist and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

% of people in this role have a Bachelor Degree
% of people in this role have a Master degree
% of people in this role have a GCSEs or equivalent

You'll need:

knowledge of psychology
counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
customer service skills
the ability to understand people’s reactions
sensitivity and understanding
excellent verbal communication skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
to enjoy working with other people
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Psychologist

Psychology

Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

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Psychologist | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Salary statistics

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