Neuropsychologists
Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.
Also called: Adult Neuropsychologist, Aviation Neuropsychologist, Board Certified Neuropsychologist, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychologist, Forensic Neuropsychologist, Neuropsychologist
Median pay
$110,840
Pay for the broader BLS group “Psychologists, All Other”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$54,990 – $168,520
People employed
18,820
Whole BLS group
Holland code
ISC
Investigative · Social · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 2.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 3.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 4.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 5.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 6.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 7.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 8.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Neuropsychologists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (41 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Psychologists, All Other”.
What neuropsychologists do
- 01Conduct neuropsychological evaluations such as assessments of intelligence, academic ability, attention, concentration, sensorimotor function, language, learning, and memory.
- 02Write or prepare detailed clinical neuropsychological reports, using data from psychological or neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct observations, or interviews.
- 03Interview patients to obtain comprehensive medical histories.
- 04Diagnose and treat conditions involving injury to the central nervous system, such as cerebrovascular accidents, neoplasms, infectious or inflammatory diseases, degenerative diseases, head traumas, demyelinating diseases, and various forms of dementing illnesses.
- 05Establish neurobehavioral baseline measures for monitoring progressive cerebral disease or recovery.
- 06Provide education or counseling to individuals and families.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from neuropsychologists
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses92% · group pay
- Genetic Counselors88% · —
- Occupational Therapists86% · —
- Clinical Nurse Specialists86% · group pay
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers82% · —
Majors that lead here
- Adult Development and Aging
- Child Development
- Early Childhood and Family Studies
- Behavioral Sciences
- Psychology, General
- Cognitive Psychology and Psycholinguistics
- Comparative Psychology
- Experimental Psychology
- Personality Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Social Psychology
- Psychometrics and Quantitative Psychology
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.