What is industrial-organizational psychology?: Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology is concerned with the study of workplace behavior. I-O psychologists often apply research to increasing workplace productivity, selecting employees best suited for particular jobs, and product testing.
What do industrial-organizational psychologists do?: I-O psychology is a diverse field with opportunities in several different areas. Many I-O psychologists work in business in positions dealing with worker productivity, employee training and assessment, and human resources. Other I-O psychologists work in research or academic positions. Specific specialty areas in I-O psychology include human-computer interaction and human factors. Consulting opportunities are also available for experienced I-O psychologists.
How much do industrial-organizational psychologists typically earn?: Typical salaries for I-O psychologists vary considerably depending upon such factors as the type of degree held and type of employer. According to the Society for Industrial (SIOP) and Organizational Psychology:
Starting salary for Master’s graduate - $38,750
Starting salary for Ph.D graduate - $55,000
Median salary - $80,000
University professors - $70,000
Private sector - $100,000
Highest earners – Top 5% of SIOP members earn from $250,000 to several million each year.

What type of degree is needed?: There are a number of university programs that offer Bachelor’s degrees in industrial-organizational psychology. People with a Bachelor's degree typically work in human resources, although there are some opportunities in other areas. Those looking for greater job opportunities and higher pay may want to consider continuing their education at the Master’s level.
There are many opportunities for job candidates with Master’s degree’s in I-O psychology. These individuals often work in human resources, consulting, government, and positions in the private sector. The growing demand for I-O psychologists had led to an increase in the number of universities offering Master’s degrees in I-O psychology. Those with doctorate degrees in I-O psychology have the highest amount of opportunity and pay.
What is the job outlook for industrial-organizational psychologists?: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook states that:

Industrial-organizational psychologists will be in demand to help to boost worker productivity and retention rates in a wide range of businesses. I-O psychologists will help companies deal with issues such as workplace diversity and anti-discrimination policies. Companies also will use psychologists’ expertise in survey design, analysis, and research to develop tools for marketing evaluation and statistical analysis.

Is a career in I-O psychology right for me?: Before you decide on a career in I-O psychology, there are a few factors you should consider. Do you enjoy research? Are you comfortable with statistics? If not, I-O psychology might not be the best choice for you. Those working in business, government, and academic positions often spend considerable time conducting research. If you prefer working one-on-one with people, you might find that clinical or counseling psychology is a better match for you.
One of the great things about I-O psychology is that many positions encompass topics and skills from many different areas of psychology. Personality psychology, social psychology, experimental psychology, and statistics are just a few of the subjects that I-O psychologists might deal with on a regular basis. If you enjoy finding practical applications for psychological research, industrial-organization psychology might be a good match for you.
What are the pros and cons of a career in industrial-organizational psychology?:
Pros of a Career in I-O Psychology

* Many career opportunities with a Master’s-level degree.
* Diverse career paths (i.e. private sector, consulting, government, education.)
* Opportunities for self-employment.

Cons of a Career in I-O Psychology

* Clients and projects change often.
* Research can often be tedious and burnout can occur.
* Many positions require doctoral degrees.

References: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm
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