How to Get a Job as a Psychology Instructor

Post-Secondary Psychology Instructors educate students on topics such as human behavior, cognition, emotion, and mental processes at colleges and universities. They conduct research, publish scholarly papers, and prepare future psychologists, counselors, and researchers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of post-secondary psychology teachers is projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average, with about 2,200 job openings each year【source: BLS】.

Entry-Level Requirements for Post-Secondary Psychology Instructors

To launch a career as a Post-Secondary Psychology Teacher, you typically need:

Education: A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology or a closely related field. Some community colleges may hire candidates with a master’s degree and relevant professional experience.

Certifications & Licenses: While teaching positions do not generally require licensure, psychologists who wish to practice clinically outside academia must hold a state psychology license.

Experience: Teaching assistantships during graduate school, postdoctoral research, and published academic work significantly enhance employability. Experience in applied psychology fields (clinical, counseling, or industrial-organizational) can also be beneficial.

Expected Salary for Post-Secondary Psychology Teachers

• Entry-Level: $55,000–$75,000 annually

• Mid-Level: $75,000–$100,000 annually

• Senior-Level: $100,000–$140,000+ annually

The median annual wage for post-secondary psychology teachers in the U.S. is $83,870【source: BLS】.

Skills and Abilities Needed to Excel

• Strong understanding of psychological theory and research methods

• Excellent communication and public speaking skills

• Analytical and critical thinking

• Empathy and ability to mentor students

• Writing and publishing proficiency for academic journals

Is This Role Better for Introverts or Extroverts?

This career is generally a better fit for introverts. Post-Secondary Psychology Teachers spend significant time conducting research, analyzing data, and preparing lectures independently. While teaching requires interpersonal engagement, success in this role depends heavily on focus, reflection, and intellectual depth—traits often found in introverts.

Top 5 Degree Programs with Best ROI for Post-Secondary Psychology Teachers

1. Stanford University – Ph.D. in Psychology

2. Harvard University – Ph.D. in Psychology

3. University of California, Berkeley – Ph.D. in Psychology

4. University of Michigan – Ph.D. in Psychology

5. Yale University – Ph.D. in Psychology

Can You Become a Post-Secondary Psychology Teacher Without a Degree?

No. Teaching psychology at the post-secondary level requires at least a master’s degree, and most full-time or tenure-track positions require a doctoral degree. However, individuals with industry experience may teach as adjunct instructors or lecturers while pursuing graduate education.

Five Jobs Similar to Post-Secondary Psychology Teacher

• Clinical Psychologist

• School Psychologist

• Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

• Post-Secondary Sociology Teacher

• Research Scientist in Behavioral Science

Top Ten Recruitment Agencies for Psychology Teaching Roles

1. HigherEdJobs

2. The Chronicle of Higher Education Jobs

3. Inside Higher Ed Careers

4. Academic Keys

5. Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)

6. LinkedIn Higher Education Jobs

7. Indeed Education Jobs

8. Glassdoor Education Jobs

9. FacultyJobs.net

10. Academic Careers Online

Top Ten Employers Hiring Post-Secondary Psychology Teachers

• Harvard University

• Stanford University

• University of Michigan

• Yale University

• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

• New York University (NYU)

• University of Chicago

• Columbia University

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Arizona State University

Top Startups and Organizations Hiring Psychology Educators

• Coursera (online higher education)

• edX (digital learning platforms)

• BetterUp (coaching and applied psychology)

• Headspace Health (mental wellness and mindfulness)

• Khan Academy (free education platform)

• Talkspace (online mental health services)

• SimplePractice Learning (continuing education for therapists)

• Pearson Education (academic publishing and education)

• Osmosis (Elsevier) (medical and psychological education)

• Wiley Education Services (digital academic content)

Post-Secondary Psychology Teachers shape the future of mental health and behavioral science by educating and inspiring the next generation of psychologists and researchers. The career offers intellectual challenge, flexibility, and the satisfaction of advancing knowledge—making it ideal for introverts who thrive on deep focus, research, and one-on-one mentorship.

Learn about other high-demand jobs over the next decade here.