How to become a Neuropsychologist

Official title: Neuropsychologists

Also called: Aviation Neuropsychologist, Board Certified Neuropsychologist, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychologist, Forensic Neuropsychologist, Neuropsychologist, Neuropsychology Medical Consultant, Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Staff Psychologist

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.

Main tasks

• 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.

How to become one

Psychologists typically need an advanced degree, such as a master's or doctoral degree, in psychology. Licensing requirements vary by state and position.

Typical education to start: Master's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• College: Psychology degrees, Offered by 33 universities in the US

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $110,840 a year The middle half earn $68,850 to $147,240.
• About 60,000 people work in this job now, and about 61,400 are projected by 2035. (+2.3%)
• People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Related jobs

• Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
• Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
• School Psychologists
• Clinical Neuropsychologists

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Neuropsychologist?

Psychologists typically need an advanced degree, such as a master's or doctoral degree, in psychology. Licensing requirements vary by state and position.

How much does a Neuropsychologist earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $110,840 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $68,850 to $147,240.

Is a Neuropsychologist a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 2% by 2035, from about 60,000 to about 61,400 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Neuropsychologist?

Usually. 100% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Neuropsychologist?

People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.