What Does a School Psychologist Do?
Learn about careers in school psychology, including salary ranges, work environments, and licensing requirements.
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- To become licensed, you’ll need a master’s degree, a specialist-level graduate degree, or a doctorate in school psychology.
- Many school psychologists enter the field with a master’s or specialist degree and then earn a doctorate as their careers advance.
- Specific education requirements vary by state, so check with the licensing agency in the state where you plan to work.
School psychologists provide guidance and mental health support to children and adolescents in K-12 schools. Learn more about their typical duties, salary ranges, and work environments.
What Is School Psychology?
School psychologists are specifically trained to support K-12 students in educational contexts. Their work typically includes:
- Performing psychoeducational assessments to determine students’ special education and mental health support needs.
- Designing and implementing interventions to improve behavioral and academic outcomes.
- Counseling students and applying knowledge of education systems to help them succeed in school and life.
The following hard and soft skills can help you succeed as a school psychologist:
- Deep academic insights into child and adolescent psychology
- Empathy and active listening
- Oral and written communication
- Strong professional ethics
In performing their duties, school psychologists work with students, their parents, teachers, and administrators.
How Much Do School Psychologists Make?
School psychologists earn a median annual salary of $84,940, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Their salary ranges from $59,250-$131,470. Factors including location, experience, and educational attainment can impact salaries.
The following table further breaks school psychologist salary data, exploring typical pay rates by employment setting.
| Employer Type | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Child Care Services | $142,500 |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $105,140 |
| Educational Support Services | $102,230 |
| Employment Services | $94,140 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | $90,940 |
Where Do School Psychologists Work?
School psychologists mainly work directly in K-12 schools. However, some also work in other environments. Alternative employment settings include educational support service providers, postsecondary institutions, private mental health practices, and local government agencies.
According to BLS projections, the national school psychologist labor force will add about 500 new positions from 2023 to 2033, representing a growth rate of 1%, less than the average growth rate of 4% for all occupations.
However, growth rates are projected to be much higher in some locations. According to Projections Central, the top five states for projected school psychologist employment growth from 2023-33 include:
- Utah: +17.3%
- Tennessee: +16.5%
- Colorado: +15.9%
- Texas: +14.1%
- Florida: +13.5%
School psychologists typically work in educational support services, followed by elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities.
| Employer Type | Employment |
|---|---|
| Educational Support Services | 53,050 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 3,650 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 1,330 |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | 870 |
| Other Residential Care Facilities | 660 |
Requirements to Become a School Psychologist
School psychologists must meet specific requirements set by their state board of education to qualify for licensure. Educational requirements vary by state, but at minimum, you will need a master’s degree or a graduate-level specialist credential such as an education specialist (Ed.S.) degree in school psychology.
Some states require that graduates attend a CACREP-accredited school to qualify for licensure. These programs meet field-specific academic standards and provide enhanced field training opportunities.
Depending on your state, experiential requirements may include 1,200-1,500 hours of internship training. Many professionals go on to earn a nationally recognized school psychologist certification from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
Is Becoming a School Psychologist Right for You?
The school psychologist career path offers many rewards but can also include some challenges. Before making a significant investment in your education and training, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of this career.
- Solid median pay rates with the potential for high earnings.
- The opportunity to make a lasting and positive impact on young lives.
- Work schedules typically align with the school year, covering an annual average of about 190 days.
- Many schools have high caseloads and limited resources.
- School systems sometimes emphasize student achievement more than mental and emotional health, which can lead to fundamental philosophical differences.
- Work duties can include extensive amounts of administrative tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Psychology
School psychologists perform evaluations and design interventions to provide academic, behavioral, and mental health support. They also offer counseling services and help determine students’ special education needs.
