Key Takeaways
School psychologists earn a median annual salary of nearly $96,000.
Schools face a shortage of school psychologists as student mental health needs remain high.
You can become a school psychologist in 7-8 years, typically with a specialist-level degree rather than a doctorate.
School psychologists are in short supply as students face widespread mental health challenges. In 2024-2025, there was only one school psychologist for every 1,071 students, more than double the recommended ratio of 1-to-500, according to the National Association of School Psychologists.
Becoming a school psychologist typically takes 7-8 years of education and training, including a bachelor's degree, specialist-level graduate education, and supervised experience. Keep reading to learn how to become a school psychologist, explore the career outlook, and get expert tips.
Education and Experience Required to Become a School Psychologist: High-Level Overview
| Minimum Degree Required | Specialist-level (Ed.S. or 60-credit master's degree) |
| Typical Experience Required | 1,200 internship hours |
| Licensure Required (Y/N) | Yes |
6 Steps to Becoming a School Psychologist
Becoming a school psychologist takes at least 7-8 years. To become licensed in your state, you must meet certain education, experience, and exam requirements.
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Bachelor's Degree Program
Step 2: Complete an Accredited Specialist-Level Degree Program
Step 3: Complete a Year-Long Internship
Step 4: Pass Praxis Examination, if Required by Your State
Step 5: Consider Obtaining National Certification
Step 6: Apply for School Psychologist Credentialing in Your State
What Does a School Psychologist Do?
School psychologists identify and address learning, behavioral, and developmental challenges that affect students at school. They may design and implement intervention plans, consult with teachers and other school staff, and counsel students and families. While many school psychologists train as generalists, some focus on areas such as early childhood, developmental disabilities, or cross-cultural school psychology.
Key skills for a school psychologist include:
Active listening
Social awareness
Judgement and decision making
Monitoring and assessing performance
Common Work Settings
Where do school psychologists work? Nearly 85% of school psychologists work in public or private K-12 schools. A smaller number of school psychologists work in educational support services, higher education, healthcare, and local government.
School psychologists in elementary and secondary education often work on the academic calendar with summers off. However, work schedules vary by school district.
Career Outlook for School Psychologists
School psychologists earn a median annual salary of nearly $96,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, several factors impact earning potential, including work setting, location, and experience. For example, the highest-paying states for school psychologists include California, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Median Annual Salary
$95,990
Projected Job Growth (2025-2035)
+1%
Source: BLS, May 2025
School Psychologist Licensure and Certification
School psychologists who want to work in public K-12 schools typically need a state education credential. Requirements vary by state but commonly include a specialist-level degree, supervised internship, and a school psychologist exam, such as Praxis.
To practice independently as a licensed psychologist, you generally need a doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), additional supervised experience, and the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Licensure and certification requirements vary by state, so check with your state education agency and psychology licensing board.
NCSP certification is a national credential that can make it easier to qualify for certification when moving between states. Professional organizations for school psychologists include:
Expert Tip
Choosing to become a school psychologist can mean making a difference for the well-being of students, families, and an overwhelmed profession. NASP recommends an ideal student-to-psychologist ratio of 500:1. During the 2024-2025 school year, the nationwide average ratio was 1071:1.
Speaking to the American Psychological Association, Andrea Clyne, Ph.D., and NASP president from 2023-2024, said, "Our nation is seeing increasing numbers of students experiencing poverty and trauma and growing numbers of children with mental health disorders. Schools are woefully underresourced when it comes to the provision of needed services for a population with diverse backgrounds and needs."
Become a School Psychologist in Your State
The steps to become a school psychologist can vary depending on the state where you plan to practice. Learn more about state specific requirements for school psychologists:
Frequently Asked Questions About School Psychologists
It takes at least 7-8 years to become a school psychologist. School psychologists need a four-year bachelor's degree plus a graduate degree, which can take 3-6 years. During a graduate program, students complete an internship to meet their state's credentialing requirements. Candidates must also pass a national exam.
