We used the latest data and insights to identify the Highest Paying Neuroscience Jobs so that you can learn and earn more.
We’re seeing trends with high-paying jobs in the field of neuroscience. Some examples include neurosurgeons and other surgical brain specialists. These professionals are in demand as the population ages, more people survive traumatic brain injuries, and more people are looking for treatment for mental health diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
We have reviewed statistics from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, career platforms, and other prominent sources. We hope this information is helpful to you when planning your professional career.
Let’s take a look at the highest-paying jobs for neuroscience majors.
Here is a video summary based on this article
Table of Contents
#10. Neuroimaging Technician
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $37,000 per year
- High Range: $138,000 per year
- Median Pay: $68,527 per year
What do they do?
Neuroimaging technicians use medical imaging equipment to create images of the brain and nervous system for doctors to analyze. Medical professionals use these images to determine what kind of treatment a patient needs after suffering from a stroke or brain injury.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
A high school diploma is usually necessary to become a neuroimaging technician. Most technicians train on the job after graduating from high school or obtaining an associate’s degree in another field. Some employers prefer bachelor’s degrees in radiology technology or radiologic science.
You can also get into this field with a certificate or associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Neuroimaging technicians work in hospitals, clinics, and research facilities. They may also work in private practice if they have an independent contractor license (required by many states).
What’s the best way to get this job?
To become a neuroimaging technician, you’ll need to get a degree and apply for jobs.
You may get job postings on career websites like Indeed.com.
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What’s it like to work in brain imaging?
#9. Neuroscience Researcher
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $44,000 per year
- High Range: $154,000 per year
- Median Pay: $81,264 per year
What do they do?
Neuroscience researchers perform experiments on the brain to better understand what it does and how it works. They design experiments and analyze data to determine whether their hypotheses are correct or not. These medical researchers also write about their experiments and findings for scientific journals, which are peer-reviewed by other experts in their field.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Entry-level neuroscience research positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in a neuroscience-related program. However, many employers will need master’s degrees if you want more advanced roles within your field.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Neuroscientists can work in any setting where research on the brain takes place: universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, etc. Some neuroscience researchers also teach classes about neuroscience at universities or community colleges. These jobs are often part-time positions with flexible hours that allow researchers to continue their own research while teaching students.
The national average salary for neuroscience researchers is $81,264 per year.
What’s the best way to get this job?
The best way to get this job is by earning an advanced degree in neuroscience or related fields like biology or chemistry.
You can apply for jobs as an entry-level researcher at smaller companies or universities with the proper education. However, suppose you want to work at big-name institutions like Harvard Medical School or Stanford University School of Medicine. In that case, you’ll need at least two years of experience working in research labs before being hired full-time.
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What’s it like to be a neuroscience researcher?
#8. Cognitive Neuroscientist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Comparably
- Low Range: $65,388 per year
- High Range: $114,773 per year
- Median Pay: $86,129 per year
What do they do?
Cognitive neuroscientists are a breed of scientists who study how the human brain works. They use their knowledge to develop new technologies and treatments for brain-related diseases and disorders.
These scientists also study how technology affects the brain and how we can use technology to improve our ability to think, remember things, and make decisions.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
To become a cognitive neuroscientist, you need a bachelor’s degree in psychology or biology, focusing on neuroscience. You’ll also need to have completed at least one year of graduate school education in neuroscience, clinical psychology, or related fields.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Cognitive neuroscientists are employed mainly by universities and research institutions, but some also work for private companies or government agencies.
What’s the best way to get this job?
With a solid educational background, you can get your foot in the door by working as an assistant scientist at an existing lab or institution where there’s already research on cognitive neuroscience topics like memory loss.
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- Neuroscientist
What’s it like to be a cognitive neuroscientist?
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#7. Speech-Language Pathologist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $73,132 per year
- High Range: $101,106 per year
- Median Pay: $86,850 per year
What do they do?
Speech-language pathologists are responsible for helping people who have trouble communicating. They work with patients who have speech disorders, autism, and other developmental disabilities or who have experienced trauma that caused brain damage.
These professionals help their patients develop the ability to produce words, sentences, and paragraphs by improving their pronunciation and reducing stuttering.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most speech pathologists have a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders. Some employers require a doctorate for this position, but if you’re just getting started in this field. You’ll also need to obtain state licensure to practice legally.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Speech-language pathologists work in various settings: private practice, schools, daycares, outpatient clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers.
What’s the best way to get this job?
There are two main routes to becoming a speech-language pathologist: graduate school or an undergraduate degree program (also known as post-secondary education). Both require at least a bachelor’s degree in another subject area, such as English or biology, before applying for admission at an accredited college or university program that offers courses on how human beings use speech sounds when forming words into sentences.
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What’s it like to be a speech-language pathologist?
#6. Neuropsychologist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $73,000 per year
- High Range: $127,000 per year
- Median Pay: $95,233 per year
What do they do?
Neuropsychologists specialize in understanding how the brain works and how it affects behavior and cognition. They may work with patients who have suffered brain injuries or illnesses, helping them recover. These clinical psychologists also work with people with mental conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
To become a neuropsychologist, you’ll need at least a master’s degree in psychology (usually clinical). You’ll also need to get additional training in neurology to treat patients who have suffered brain injuries. This involves taking courses on psychiatry and neurology.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
These psychology professionals work in hospitals and clinics, where they see patients one-on-one or in groups. Some may also work at universities or private research centers where they conduct research on human behavior and cognition.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You must first earn a degree from an accredited university or college program before taking the National Registration Examination for Psychologists (NREPP). Once you’ve earned your license, you can work as a neuropsychologist by applying for jobs at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practice settings.
What’s it like to be a neuropsychologist?
#5. Neurorehabilitation Managers
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $105,626 per year
- High Range: $130,141 per year
- Median Pay: $118,494 per year
What do they do?
Neurorehabilitation managers make sure that people who have been in an accident or have a disability can get the help they need to recover.
They manage a team of occupational and physical therapists who provide services to patients with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
You need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology or neuroscience, but it is also helpful if you’ve worked in the field before. Some employers may require a master’s degree for this job.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Neurorehabilitation managers typically work at hospitals or rehabilitation centers. They may also work in private practice settings.
What’s the best way to get this job?
After completing your degree program, you can get this job by working your way up from the bottom—starting as a nurse or therapist and working your way up to supervisor before becoming a manager.
What’s it like to work in neurorehabilitation?
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#4. Machine Learning Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $67,000 per year
- High Range: $231,000 per year
- Median Pay: $124,753 per year
What do they do?
Machine learning engineers are the people who make machines more intelligent. They build algorithms that allow computers to learn from data and make decisions, which is super cool.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
There are no specific degrees needed to become a machine learning engineer. However, most employers prefer candidates who have earned an undergraduate degree in computer science or mathematics before applying for this position. Some employers may also require applicants with advanced degrees or certifications from accredited universities.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
These engineers may work at companies that use machine studies or algorithms to improve their products and services.
These firms include healthcare, education, business, manufacturing, and finance.
What’s the best way to get this job?
The best way to become a machine learning engineer is by earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering. You’ll also need experience with machine learning tools like TensorFlow or PyTorch. Finally, you’ll need excellent coding skills in Python or C++.
You may then interview for the open positions in the job market.
What’s it like to be a machine learning engineer?
#3. Neurologist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Comparably
- Low Range: $32,174 per year
- High Range: $737,078 per year
- Median Pay: $158,964 per year
What do they do?
Neurologists are medical professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage brain or nervous system diseases.
They may be general practitioners or subspecialists, meaning they have a particular area of expertise. Common subspecialties include child neurology and geriatric neurology (diagnosing and treating neurological disorders and injuries in elderly patients).
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Neurologists must complete a bachelor’s degree program followed by medical school. They usually specialize in neurology after completing their residency training program.
Other than education, neurology specialists must have excellent analytical skills and communicate clearly with patients and their families. They must also be able to work with other physicians who treat patients with neurological disorders.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
These brain doctors work in hospitals, private practices, and research labs. They may also perform consultations for patients who have suffered from neurological disorders or injuries.
What’s the best way to get this job?
To become a neurologist, you’ll need to complete your undergraduate studies before earning an advanced degree from an accredited medical school. You’ll also need to complete a residency program in neurology before becoming eligible for licensure as a practicing physician.
Should you become a neurologist?
#2. Psychiatrist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $191,247 per year
- High Range: $292,660 per year
- Median Pay: $238,608 per year
What do they do?
Psychiatrists help in treating patients with mental health conditions. They may also diagnose and treat patients with other human nervous system conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
The minimum educational requirement for becoming a psychiatrist is a medical degree from an accredited college or university. However, most psychiatrists have further training in this specialty through residency programs and fellowships that can last up to seven years after medical school graduation.
Psychiatrists possess strong communication skills and compassion for their patients.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
These healthcare professionals work in hospitals, schools, clinics, and private practices. They may also work in community mental health centers, prisons, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
What’s the best way to get this job?
The first step to getting this job involves completing your undergraduate studies with a major in psychology or biology/psychology. Then you apply for medical school after completing your bachelor’s degree program.
Should you become a psychiatrist?
#1. Neurosurgeon
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $152,000 per year
- High Range: $772,000 per year
- Median Pay: $412,243 per year
What do they do?
Neurosurgeons are doctors who specialize in treating diseases or injuries that affect the human brain and nervous system. They perform surgery on patients who have been diagnosed with illnesses such as tumors or spinal cord injuries. These medical professionals also diagnose epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Neurosurgeons must attend medical school after completing their degree program. They must also complete an internship and residency training in general surgery. Then they can be certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS).
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
These medical doctors work in hospitals or medical centers where they can perform surgeries on patients who need their help. Some may work in private practice settings where they treat patients referred to them by other physicians or healthcare providers within their community.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can get this job by completing an undergraduate medical degree followed by graduate entry into a neurosurgical training program at an accredited hospital. You can also enroll in a complete medical school offering specialized training.
You can consider networking, as it will let you meet with your peers in the field and potential employers.
Should you become a neurosurgeon?
Conclusion
With such a vast array of job titles, it would be impossible to cover the entire field here. However, if you are a neuroscience major or just considering a career path within the brain sciences, this article will give you an idea of which fields pay the most.
We have covered the highest-paying jobs for neuroscience majors. We aim to provide a guide for you and others looking for new opportunities within this scientific discipline.
Hi my name is Roda.
I am a grandmother and just graduated from online college; with receiving an advance Neuroscience diploma. In biology, medicine, machinery an and engineering diploma. I also have completed diplomas and certification in nursing, surgical, radiology and lab technician.
I am now working with stem cells collecting. I want to go further with this opportunity of neuroimaging or neurosurgery. Please help 🙏. I can use your advice.
Looking for a career change.
Said: granny
Roda
Hi Roda, congrats on your recent accomplishment! How can we help?