Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.
Common Job Titles
- I-O Psychologist (Industrial-Organizational Psychologist)
- Organizational Consultant
- Organizational Psychologist
- Research Scientist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate organizational systems and processes using systems evaluation methodologies to improve worker productivity and organizational effectiveness.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze workforce data and employee performance metrics using statistical software (SPSS, SAS) to inform human resource policies and talent management decisions.Advanced
- KnowledgeDesign employee assessment, selection, and development programs applying psychometric principles and testing methodologies independently for organizational clients.Advanced
- MindsetIntegrate psychological principles with organizational goals when consulting with management on policy planning and strategic human resource initiatives.Advanced
- KnowledgeInterpret complex psychological research findings and assessment results for diverse stakeholders including executives, HR professionals, and employees.Advanced
- MindsetAdvocate evidence-based human resource practices when advising organizational leaders on employee selection, training, and development strategies.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize research from psychology, organizational behavior, and human resources domains to develop innovative solutions for workplace challenges and organizational development.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate staffing strategies and talent acquisition frameworks aligned with organizational objectives and compliance with employment law requirements.Advanced
- KnowledgeAssess training needs and learning strategies collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize employee development programs.Proficient
- MindsetEngage organizational stakeholders at multiple levels to establish trusted advisory relationships and facilitate change management initiatives.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
1,050
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $51,880. 25th percentile: U.S. $80,790. 50th percentile: U.S. $109,840. 75th percentile: U.S. $198,170. 90th percentile: U.S. $224,590. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $51,880 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $224,590 |
| Workers on average earn | $134,400 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Personnel and Human Resources4.9/5
- Psychology4.8/5
- Education and Training4.5/5
- Administration and Management4.0/5
- Mathematics4.0/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Google Sheets
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- SAS
Technology Skills
- Assessment Systems Corporation XCALIBRE
- Human resource information system (HRIS)
- Learning management system LMS
- Mentimeter
- Muthen & Muthen Mplus
- Padlet
- Psychometric testing software
- Scientific Software International BILOG-MG
Tools & Equipment
- Data input scanners
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Liquid crystal display LCD video projectors
- Personal computers
- Universal serial bus USB flash drives