Clinical Neuropsychologists

Clinical Neuropsychologists evaluate individuals suffering from neurobehavioral issues caused by brain injuries, learning disabilities, seizures, or neurodegenerative conditions. They gather and analyze patient data, interpret findings to guide others, and make critical decisions regarding patient care. Their daily tasks involve documenting patient information, solving complex problems, and assisting patients before and after neurosurgical procedures like deep brain stimulation.

This profession requires strong investigative interests and a deep knowledge of psychology, therapy, counseling, medicine, and biology. Successful practitioners rely on skills like active listening, critical thinking, reading comprehension, and social perceptiveness. They must approach their work with attention to detail, empathy, intellectual curiosity, and high stress tolerance to effectively guide patients toward appropriate therapies, surgeries, or medications.

Entering this field requires extensive preparation. The typical educational pathway to enter the profession is a master's degree, though many professionals hold a graduate degree such as a PhD, MD, or JD.

Students preparing for this career often major in fields such as general psychology, clinical, counseling and applied psychology, research and experimental psychology, behavioral sciences, criminology, or human development and family studies. Additionally, some states list a license for this work, which candidates must obtain to practice.

The median annual pay for clinical neuropsychologists is $110,840, though this figure represents the broader occupational group of all other psychologists. Within this group, the lowest 10% of earners make less than $54,990, while the highest 10% earn more than $168,520.

There are 18,820 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 2.3%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 3,500 job openings each year.