School Psychologist

School psychologists play a vital role in promoting a positive learning environment for students. Despite an increase in demand, there is a shortage of these mental health professionals. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) reported that the current national ratio is one school psychologist for every 1,211 students—the recommended ratio is 1:500 (NASP, 2021). In response, the government is putting more funds into mental health care services for schools. These current trends mean it can be a good time to pursue school psychology careers.

You must invest in further studies and acquire certification to get into the profession. Still, the earning potential and the reward of positively impacting students' lives can be worth the extra work. To help aspiring school psychologists get started, I, a career-planning expert with over a decade of professional experience, checked credible resources for the latest industry trends, salaries, and employment opportunities for school psychologists and have created this in-depth guide to give you a clearer picture of what you can expect when entering this profession.

• In 2023, school psychologists in the United States (US) had a median annual wage of $84,940 [US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2024].
• Employment for all psychologists across the country has been projected to increase by 6% between 2022 and 2032 (US BLS, 2024).
• School psychologists play an important role in ensuring students' learning needs are met. They assess student performance, design intervention plans, and counsel students and their families.

• "As a school psychologist, I get to witness firsthand the positive impact my work has on students' lives, helping them overcome challenges and thrive academically and emotionally. The ability to collaborate with teachers and parents to create a supportive environment is incredibly rewarding. I feel a deep sense of purpose in my role every day." —Emily
• "The diverse responsibilities of a school psychologist keep the job dynamic and engaging, from conducting assessments to developing intervention plans. I love the blend of direct student interaction and strategic problem-solving that the role offers. Knowing I'm making a real difference in children's educational journeys is truly fulfilling." —Alex
• "Choosing a career in school psychology has allowed me to combine my passion for psychology with my commitment to supporting young people. The field offers excellent job stability and growth opportunities, and the gratitude I receive from students and families is priceless. Every day, I am reminded of the meaningful impact I have on my community." —Sarah

• School psychologists provide students with performance assessments, psychotherapy, and counseling. School psychologists also work with families, teachers, school administrators, community leaders, and other mental health practitioners to ensure that young people are supported adequately in their academic journeys.
• With about 53,050 school psychologists employed, elementary and secondary schools are their top employers in the US in 2023 (US BLS, 2024).
• Regarding mean hourly wages, school psychologists across the country had $44.22 in 2023 (US BLS, 2024).
• School psychologists are expertly skilled at implementing behavioral interventions, academic interventions, and counseling services, among other efforts.
• Challenges experienced by school psychologists include high caseloads, resource limitations, and complex systems.

The spotlight on the importance of mental health care for children and adolescents is getting brighter as more members of the younger population are experiencing psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues today. Improving child mental health continues to be a priority for families, communities, schools, and governments. As a result, the demand for mental health professionals, including school psychologists, has been growing. Explore my related guide to clinical psychology job requirements to know more about the growing demands for psychologists.

School psychologists play an important role in supporting students and teachers so that students can maximize their learning development opportunities. They must efficiently use the goals of psychology in performing their responsibilities, which include the assessment and diagnosis of students as well as providing psychotherapy and counseling. They also work with families, teachers, school districts, communities, and other specialists to provide the safest and healthiest learning environment.

With such a heavy responsibility, school psychologists undergo intense training and must meet certain professional standards. They also face a myriad of problems that they need to prevent or intervene in, including school violence, bullying, learning disabilities, and an increasing number of children and adolescents with mental, emotional, and behavioral issues and disorders. They need to come up with research-based policies and programs to address these issues and work with parents, teachers, school administrators, community members, and other mental health specialists to implement these initiatives.

You may wonder, “What college degree should I get if I want to be a school psychologist?” Most school psychologists complete an undergraduate degree in psychology, education, or a related field. After earning a bachelor’s degree, the next step is to pursue either a master’s, a doctorate, or an education specialist (Ed.S.) degree. It is a good idea to check the admission requirements for the graduate program you want to enroll in so you already know which undergraduate courses you need to accomplish to qualify.

When you are deciding on the best school psychology graduate program , it is important to consider your career goals. Each degree type allows you to join the workforce as a school psychologist, although each requires a different number of credits and internship hours to complete. A doctorate, such as a PhD in behavioral psychology , typically takes longer and is preferred by those who plan to proceed toward careers in academia or research. A master’s degree can be completed in three years of full-time study and usually includes an internship requirement. A specialist-level degree takes about three years to complete but is not accepted by some states when applying for a license for private or independent practice.

Thus, aside from researching the cheapest online graduate programs , you also need to find out what the state requirements are to get the certification or license you are aiming for.

You earn the title of “School Psychologist" only after completing graduate studies and getting state-certified. You can still apply for jobs related to the field after your associate’s or bachelor’s degree program as you work toward a master’s, doctoral, or specialist degree. The good thing is that there are available psychology graduate programs online , including online masters degree in organizational leadership programs. Your early work experience can also earn you credit for some school psychology graduate programs or give you an advantage in certain employment opportunities.

The NASP Report of Graduate Education in School Psychology: 2019–2020 shows that more students enroll in a specialist degree (average of 37.3 students) than in a doctorate program (average of 28.4 students). Additionally, 87% of specialist-level graduates work in schools, while only 42% of doctoral-level graduates proceed to work in schools (NASP, 2022).

School psychologist licensure in the US does not require candidates to earn a doctorate in the field. A master’s degree should already suffice. After completing your master’s degree program, you must meet the following requirements to be eligible for licensure:

• Internship. Candidates in most states need to go through 1,200 hours of internship training to qualify for licensure. Academic institutions often include internships in their programs.
• Licensure Examination. Public schools across the US require school psychologists to have a state-issued license. Contact the Department of Education in your state for state-specific licensure requirements.

School psychologists are usually employed in the education sector. Notably, some of them work in the offices of other healthcare providers (870) as well as the local government (660). The top employers of school psychologists are elementary and secondary schools (53,050), which are followed by educational support services (3,650). Moreover, colleges, universities, and professional schools across the US employ 1,330 school psychologists (US BLS, 2024).

The chart below provides a visualization of the 2023 employment levels of school psychologists in the US, according to 2024 data from the US BLS.

Psychology is among the highest paying college degrees in the US. In 2023, school psychologists in the country had a median annual wage of $84,940 (US BLS, 2024). This figure is much higher than the estimated $54,672 median annual wage of 119.2 million full-time wage and salary workers in the US, based on their $1,139 median weekly earnings in the first quarter of 2024 (US BLS, 2024).

In terms of mean hourly wages, school psychologists across the country earned $44.22 in the same year. This may vary depending on where they are currently employed, according to data from US BLS:

• Offices of other health practitioners - $50.55
• Educational support services - $49.15
• Employment services - $45.26
• Elementary and secondary schools - $43.72

School psychologists play a vital role in supporting students' mental health and educational development through various interventions. The following are five common interventions that they apply:

• Behavioral Interventions. School psychologists design and implement strategies to modify challenging behaviors. They use different techniques, including positive reinforcement and behavior-modification plans to promote positive behavior changes in students.
• Academic Interventions. They assess academic difficulties and develop tailored instructional strategies or learning plans, such as Response to Intervention (RTI) models, to help students improve their academic performance.
• Counseling Services. School psychologists often provide individual or group counseling sessions to address mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, social skills, and emotional regulation. Through this, they help students cope with personal and academic challenges.
• Crisis Intervention. In emergency situations, such as natural disasters or the loss of a student, school psychologists offer immediate support and counseling to students and staff to help them navigate trauma and grief.
• Social Skills Training. They conduct programs to enhance students' social interactions and relationships. They provide opportunities for students to hone interpersonal skills, such as empathy, communication, and conflict resolution. As a result, they play a vital role in fostering a positive school environment.

School psychology careers can be highly rewarding due to the profound impact professionals can make on students' lives. The following are three of the most fulfilling aspects:

• Direct Positive Impact on Students. School psychologists help students overcome emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges. Thus, they witness student growth and success firsthand. This direct involvement in shaping a student’s future brings immense personal and professional satisfaction.
• Collaboration and Community Building. School psychologists collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to build supportive networks that enhance the overall school environment. These collective efforts not only improve individual student outcomes but also foster a sense of community and teamwork.
• Diverse and Dynamic Work. The variety of daily tasks, from assessments and counseling to crisis intervention and program development, keeps the job engaging and fulfilling. This ensures that school psychologists continually grow and adapt. In turn, they are able find new and meaningful ways to support students and schools.

School psychologists face several common challenges that can impact their effectiveness and well-being. The following are three significant challenges that they often encounter:

• High Caseloads and Workload. School psychologists frequently manage large caseloads, which can lead to an overwhelming workload and limited time for individual student attention. Balancing numerous responsibilities, such as assessments, interventions, and consultations, can be stressful and contribute to burnout.
• Resource Limitations. Many school psychologists work in environments with insufficient resources, including a lack of funding for programs, inadequate access to necessary materials, and limited professional development opportunities. These constraints can hinder their ability to provide comprehensive services and support to students.
• Navigating Complex Systems. School psychologists must often navigate complex educational systems and policies, involving bureaucratic challenges and resistance to change. Coordinating with teachers, administrators, and parents requires strong communication and advocacy skills, which can be demanding and time-consuming.

If you are pursuing school psychology careers, you may do well by not pondering how much do private practice psychologists make . Becoming a school psychologist takes a level of commitment that is beyond salary. These mental health professionals are getting more attention as the government, schools, and other institutions struggle to find qualified workers to help in their child mental health programs.

FutureEd, an independent think tank from Georgetown University, highlighted an interesting point in its 2022 Congressional testimony. Based on a survey of 5,000 school districts, $4 billion out of the $122 billion budget for K-12 schools in the American Rescue Plan was allocated to mental and physical health spending, while $30 billion would go to staffing as of that time (FutureEd, 2022).

Employment for all psychologists across the US has been projected to increase by 6% between 2022 and 2032 (US BLS, 2024). Additionally, during the 2021 Virtual Congressional Briefing, the NASP expressed that to meet the recommended ratio of one school psychologist for every 500 students. This puts the number of school psychologists needed in the country at 63,000.

Various school psychology careers are available beyond traditional practice, allowing mental health professionals to leverage their expertise in diverse settings. These alternative roles can include positions in higher education, private practice, research, and consultation. The following career paths provide opportunities for professional growth and specialization:

• College Counselor. College counselors help students prepare for life after high school graduation. They assist students in deciding on a field of study and the best-suited academic institutions. Their responsibilities include providing academic support, recommending specialized tutoring services, as well as helping students work on essays and application letters. In 2023, school and career counselors in the US had a median annual wage of $61,710 (US BLS, 2024).
• Child Psychologist. Child psychologists may have backgrounds in psychology and child development similar to those of school psychologists. They advocate for children and their mental health needs. However, the foci of these two disciplines differ, so you may have to check your options for further studies in child psychology and for acquiring certification.
• Clinical and Counseling Psychologist. Clinical and counseling psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders and emotional issues. They use various therapeutic techniques to help individuals improve their psychological well-being. They work in various settings, including private practices, hospitals, and community mental health centers, providing personalized support to clients facing various psychological challenges. In 2023, clinical and counseling psychologists in the US had a median annual wage of $96,100 (US BLS, 2024).
• Social Worker. Social workers provide support and assistance to individuals and communities facing social, emotional, or economic challenges. They help individuals and groups access resources and services to improve their quality of life. They work in diverse settings, such as hospitals, schools, and social service agencies, advocating for clients' rights and empowering them to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. In 2023, social workers in the US had a median annual wage of $58,380 (US BLS, 2024).
• Psychometrician. Psychometricians administer and score psychological and neuropsychological tests. They usually work under the supervision of a clinical psychologist or neuropsychologist and assist them in documenting the testing process. They provide detailed behavioral observations and help patients understand their results. This role requires a keen eye for detail to ensure accurate and secure test and patient data.

In addition to these roles, individuals with a cognitive science degree—a field related to psychology—can explore various cognitive science degree jobs . A cognitive science degree provides a multidisciplinary understanding of the mind and its processes, combining elements of psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, computer science, and philosophy. With this background, graduates can pursue careers as cognitive scientists, research analysts, user experience (UX) designers, data scientists, artificial intelligence specialists, or cognitive science researchers.

In the chart below, I have illustrated the median annual wages of all roles related to school psychology to help you compare potential earnings.

Industrial-organizational psychology generally makes the most money, with professionals often earning higher salaries due to their expertise in optimizing workplace productivity and employee well-being. Other high-paying psychology fields include neuropsychology and clinical psychology, particularly those with specialized training and extensive experience.

Being a school psychologist can be stressful due to the high demands of managing diverse student needs, addressing mental health issues, and navigating the complexities of educational systems. However, many find the work rewarding as it significantly impacts students' lives and educational outcomes.

On the one hand, school psychology focuses on providing direct support and interventions to students, working closely with teachers and parents to address academic, behavioral, and emotional issues within school settings. On the other hand, educational psychology involves the study of how people learn and the development of instructional strategies, often emphasizing research and theory to improve educational practices broadly. If you are interested in exploring opportunities in educational psychology, you may go through my comprehensive guide to masters in educational psychology jobs .

Becoming a certified school psychologist usually takes six to seven years, including earning a bachelor's degree (four years) and a specialist-level degree (two to three years). A specialist-level degree often includes a year-long internship. Meanwhile, some states may require additional coursework or certification exams, potentially extending the timeline.

A degree in school psychology prepares students to address the diverse needs of children and adolescents in educational settings by providing comprehensive training in psychological assessment, intervention, and consultation. The curriculum covers topics such as child development, learning theories, and behavioral management. Students gain hands-on experience through supervised practicum and internship placements in schools, where they apply evidence-based practices to support students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. Training in multicultural competence ensures that future school psychologists can effectively work with diverse populations. This education equips graduates to develop individualized education plans (IEPs), provide counseling, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create supportive learning environments.

• US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 3). Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, 19-3033 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
  https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193033.htm