Psychology is a good career if you enjoy this line of work. But before committing to psychology, consider alternative jobs.
In terms of pay, someone capable of becoming a clinical psychologist would likely do better elsewhere. Human resources, business communications and marketing are a few examples of occupations with higher earning potential.
Alternative Careers to Psychology
Compared to becoming a registered psychologist, roles like human resources manager or clinical nurse consultant offer higher salaries with less training. There are also more job openings in fields like marketing, HR, and counselling, offering greater job flexibility.
If you’ve already completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science or a similar degree, it’s not too late. Postgraduate courses, including a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, or master’s degree, allow for a career switch into different fields.
1. Human Resources Manager
The high earning potential of a human resources manager shows that psychology is not a high-paying career. HR managers earn significantly more than clinical psychologists.
In Australia, HR managers make about $130,000 a year, compared to $120,000 for clinical psychologists (Lerna Courses). There are also more HR job ads—3,362 compared to 2,522 for psychologists—on a leading Australian jobs site.
HR managers need less training. A Bachelor of Business (BBus) is enough to start, while psychologists must get a master’s degree. HR managers often earn more, especially with a one-year master’s. Plus, HR roles apply psychology in leadership and performance management.
2. Clinical Nurse Consultant
Clinical nurse consultants lead and coordinate nursing care. They are field experts who earn an average salary of $128,000 in Australia, higher than what clinical psychologists typically make.
This role requires advanced nursing qualifications, such as a graduate certificate or master’s degree. Consultants manage complex cases, provide direct care, and offer expert advice to other nurses. Their job involves leadership and patient care. They also engage in strategic planning, making it a well-rounded nursing position that uses psychological principles in practice.
3. Marketing and Communications Manager
Marketing and communications managers earn more than clinical psychologists. The average salary for this role is $120,000 in Australia. While fewer jobs are available than for general marketers, there are still 7,621 positions advertised—much more than for psychologists.
This career requires a business or marketing degree. Unlike psychology, advanced degrees aren’t always necessary. The path is quicker and less expensive. Marketing and communications managers apply psychology to understand audiences, craft messages, and influence behaviour. It’s a high-paying role that blends creativity with strategy, all while tapping into psychological insights.
4. Marketer
Marketing is another career where psychology plays a role but offers different rewards. Marketers earn slightly less than clinical psychologists, with an average salary of $95,000 in Australia. However, the number of job openings is much higher, with 25,643 marketing jobs listed compared to just 2,522 for psychologists.
Becoming a marketer requires less specialised training. A general degree in business or marketing is usually sufficient, and there’s no need for the advanced qualifications that clinical psychologists must have. While psychology offers meaningful work in mental health, marketing gives you the chance to influence public perceptions and drive commercial success on a larger scale.
5. Counsellor
Counsellors provide emotional and mental support, similar to psychologists, but they enter the workforce faster. The average salary is $93,000 in Australia, which is less than what clinical psychologists earn. With 10,998 jobs currently available, counsellors have many opportunities.
The education path is shorter. Many counsellor roles require only a diploma or bachelor’s degree, making it more accessible. They use psychological techniques to help clients manage emotional and lifestyle challenges. However, the extensive training required for psychologists is not needed, making this a quicker route to a rewarding career in mental health.
Related: Best Masters Degrees for Career Change (Postgraduate Futures)
Pros and Cons of a Psychology Major
Psychology is a relatively easy and interesting major. It’s great if you enjoy learning about people and behaviour. However, to avoid regretting your psychology major, be aware of the downsides.
If you decide to major in psychology, don’t expect a high-paying job without further study. Becoming a registered psychologist in Australia requires at least six years of education, including a master’s degree.
Starting a career with just an undergraduate psychology degree is tough. Most graduates don’t become psychologists. They often end up in marketing, HR, or community services, which aren’t strictly psychology roles.
If you’re serious about psychology, prepare for more education. For those who aren’t, consider combining it with another field like business or health. This can lead to better career options without needing years of extra study.
Psychology Jobs that Aren’t Therapy
For psychology graduates without advanced training, most available jobs aren’t truly psychology roles. While positions like case work or support roles may sound related, they don’t fully utilise psychological skills. These jobs are often low-paid and lack the depth of clinical psychology or therapy positions.
Many Bachelor of Psychology graduates are advised to look for a different line of work.
In this article, we’ve highlighted better-paying and more rewarding career options, such as human resources and marketing. These fields provide more opportunities and offer practical ways to apply psychological principles without requiring advanced qualifications.
Related: Psychology Careers After a Bachelor Degree (Postgraduate Futures)