Industrial-organizational psychologists
SOC Code: 19-3032
Industrial-organizational psychologists carries a 29% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $109,840 and +6.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 5,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Industrial-organizational psychologists (SOC 19-3032) carries an AI exposure score of 29%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 5,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +6.3% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $109,840, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Industrial-organizational psychologists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Provide advice on best practices and implementation for selection.
- 2. Develop and implement employee selection or placement programs.
- 3. Analyze data, using statistical methods and applications, to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of workplace programs.
- 4. Develop interview techniques, rating scales, and psychological tests used to assess skills, abilities, and interests for the purpose of employee selection, placement, or promotion.
- 5. Observe and interview workers to obtain information about the physical, mental, and educational requirements of jobs, as well as information about aspects such as job satisfaction.
- 6. Facilitate organizational development and change.
- 7. Analyze job requirements and content to establish criteria for classification, selection, training, and other related personnel functions.
- 8. Advise management concerning personnel, managerial, and marketing policies and practices and their potential effects on organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
- 9. Conduct presentations on research findings for clients or at research meetings.
- 10. Coach senior executives and managers on leadership and performance.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Complex Problem Solving
- Systems Evaluation
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Psychology
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Industrial-organizational psychologists?
Industrial-organizational psychologists has an AI exposure score of 29%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Industrial-organizational psychologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Industrial-organizational psychologists is projected to grow by 6.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 5,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Industrial-organizational psychologists?
Key skills for Industrial-organizational psychologists include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Master's degree.
How much do Industrial-organizational psychologists earn?
The median annual wage for Industrial-organizational psychologists is $109,840, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Industrial-organizational psychologists?
The typical entry-level education for Industrial-organizational psychologists is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Internship/residency. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Industrial-organizational psychologists?
Industrial-organizational psychologists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).