Life, Physical & Social Science
Neuropsychologists
Also called: Aviation Neuropsychologist, Board Certified Neuropsychologist, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychologist, Forensic Neuropsychologist
US median pay
$110,840
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+2.3%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
3,500
60,000 employed
Typical entry education
Master's degree
Preparation 5/5 · Extensive preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- Conduct neuropsychological evaluations such as assessments of intelligence, academic ability, attention, concentration, sensorimotor function, language, learning, and memory.
- Write or prepare detailed clinical neuropsychological reports, using data from psychological or neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct observations, or interviews.
- Interview patients to obtain comprehensive medical histories.
- Diagnose 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.
- Establish neurobehavioral baseline measures for monitoring progressive cerebral disease or recovery.
- Provide education or counseling to individuals and families.
- Diagnose and treat pediatric populations for conditions such as learning disabilities with developmental or organic bases.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in neuropsychology.
- Participate in educational programs, in-service training, or workshops to remain current in methods and techniques.
- Consult with other professionals about patients' neurological conditions.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making4.2/5
- Social Perceptiveness4.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving4.1/5
- Service Orientation3.6/5
- Instructing3.4/5
- Systems Evaluation3.2/5
- Systems Analysis3.2/5
- Persuasion3.2/5
Knowledge
- Psychology5.0/5
- Therapy and Counseling4.6/5
- English Language4.4/5
- Education and Training4.1/5
- Medicine and Dentistry3.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Master's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Post-doctoral training84%
- Doctoral degree16%
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.