School psychologists
SOC Code: 19-3034Also known as:
Area School Psychologist, Assessment Specialist, Autism Consultant, Behavior Specialist, Behavioral Analyst
Median Annual Salary
$86,930
+0.7% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
67K
Current Jobs
What School psychologists Do
Diagnose and implement individual or schoolwide interventions or strategies to address educational, behavioral, or developmental issues that adversely impact educational functioning in a school. May address student learning and behavioral problems and counsel students or families. May design and implement performance plans, and evaluate performance. May consult with other school-based personnel.
💰 Salary
$86,930
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+0.7%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
Master's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Internship/residency
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
67,200
Projected Employment (2034)
67,700
Related Careers
Clinical and counseling psychologists
$95,830 •
+11.2% growth
Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors
$65,140 •
+3.5% growth
Marriage and family therapists
$63,780 •
+12.6% growth
Child, family, and school social workers
$58,570 •
+3.4% growth
Special education teachers, secondary school
$69,590 •
-1.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Writing
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Compile and interpret students' test results, along with information from teachers and parents, to diagnose conditions and to help assess eligibility for special services.
- Maintain student records, including special education reports, confidential records, records of services provided, and behavioral data.
- Report any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse.
- Select, administer, and score psychological tests.
- Interpret test results and prepare psychological reports for teachers, administrators, and parents.
- Assess an individual child's needs, limitations, and potential, using observation, review of school records, and consultation with parents and school personnel.
- Develop individualized educational plans in collaboration with teachers and other staff members.
- Counsel children and families to help solve conflicts and problems in learning and adjustment.
- Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs and other services, such as behavioral management systems.
- Provide consultation to parents, teachers, administrators, and others on topics such as learning styles and behavior modification techniques.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Master's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Master's Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for School psychologists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a school psychologists:
School Psychology
3,685 degrees awarded •
200 colleges offer this program
Educational Psychology
1,979 degrees awarded •
90 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a School psychologists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become school psychologists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school psychologists make?
The median annual salary for school psychologists is $86,930.
What education do school psychologists need?
Most school psychologists positions require a master's degree.
Common degree programs include School Psychology, Educational Psychology.
Is becoming school psychologists a good career choice?
School psychologists is projected to see +0.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 3,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for school psychologists?
Top colleges for aspiring school psychologists include
University of Georgia, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Virginia-Main Campus, Tufts University, William & Mary.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to school psychologists?
School psychologists may also be known as: Area School Psychologist, Assessment Specialist, Autism Consultant, Behavior Specialist, Behavioral Analyst, Behavioral Specialist, Bilingual School Psychologist, Certified School Psychologist, Challenging Behavior Consultant, Child Psychologist, Child Psychometrist, Consulting Psychologist, Contract School Psychologist, Counseling Psychologist, Early Intervention School Psychologist, Educational Diagnostician, Educational Psychologist, Elementary School Psychologist, K-12 School Psychologist, Learning Consultant.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.