Is Psychology a Good Career? 5 Better Jobs

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 highlights one of the main trade-offs of pursuing psychology as a profession. HR managers earn more, on average, 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 typically require less formal training. A Bachelor of Business (BBus) is sufficient to enter the field, while psychologists must complete a master’s degree and supervised practice. HR roles frequently apply psychological principles in leadership, performance management, and organisational behaviour.

2. Clinical Nurse Consultant

Clinical nurse consultants lead and coordinate nursing care. They are senior practitioners 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 patient care, and advise other nurses. The role combines leadership, clinical judgement, and applied psychological skills.

3. Marketing and Communications Manager

Marketing and communications managers earn more than clinical psychologists, with an average salary of $120,000 in Australia. While fewer roles exist than for general marketers, there are still 7,621 advertised positions—substantially more than for psychologists.

This career typically requires a business or marketing degree. Advanced postgraduate qualifications are not always necessary, making the pathway faster and less expensive. The role applies psychology to audience analysis, messaging, and behavioural influence.

4. Marketer

Marketing is another field where psychology is applied in practice. Marketers earn an average salary of $95,000 in Australia. However, job availability is significantly higher, with 25,643 marketing roles listed compared to 2,522 for psychologists.

Entry requirements are lower. A general business or marketing degree is usually sufficient, without the extended postgraduate pathway required for clinical psychology. Marketing focuses on influencing behaviour at scale rather than individual intervention.

5. Counsellor

Counsellors provide emotional and mental support and enter the workforce faster than psychologists. The average salary is $93,000 in Australia, with 10,998 roles currently advertised.

The education pathway is shorter. Many roles require a diploma or bachelor’s degree rather than extended postgraduate training. Counsellors use psychological techniques in applied settings without the regulatory burden of psychology registration.

Related: Best Masters Degrees for Career Change (Postgraduate Futures)

Pros and Cons of a Psychology Major

Psychology is a relatively accessible and engaging major for students interested in human behaviour. However, to avoid regretting your psychology major, it’s important to understand the limitations.

If you choose psychology, do not expect high pay without further study. Becoming a registered psychologist in Australia requires at least six years of education, including a master’s degree and supervised practice.

Starting a career with only an undergraduate psychology degree is difficult. Most graduates do not become psychologists and often move into adjacent fields such as marketing, HR, or community services.

Students committed to psychology should plan for extended training. Those who are uncertain may benefit from combining psychology with business, health, or analytics to expand career options.

Psychology Jobs that Aren’t Therapy

For psychology graduates without postgraduate qualifications, most available roles are not clinical. Positions such as case work or support roles do not fully utilise psychological training and are often lower paid.

As a result, many Bachelor of Psychology graduates pursue alternative careers where psychological knowledge can be applied more flexibly and with fewer barriers to entry.

Related: Psychology Careers After a Bachelor Degree (Postgraduate Futures)