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Interested in helping children and teens thrive? A career as a school psychologist enables you to work with young people while earning a reasonable salary.
School psychologists interact with youth from elementary school through college, helping them succeed academically and emotionally. These professionals help resolve behavioral problems and boost social skills and self-esteem. School psychologists counsel youth with mental health conditions or those experiencing bullying or other problems at home or in school.
Employment as a school psychologist requires at least a master's degree, but a doctoral degree can provide career opportunities. School psychology programs provide training in interventions, child development, behavioral and learning theories, social-emotional and mental health assessment, and curriculum and instruction.
Popular Online Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Average Salary for School Psychologists
How much do school psychologists make? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school psychologists earn an average annual salary of $82,770, outpacing the $61,900 national average for all U.S. occupations.
Most school psychologists earn a post-master's educational specialist degree, but pursuing a psychology doctorate can boost pay. Experience can also raise wages. According to Payscale data from Jan. 2024, midcareer school psychologists with 5-9 years of experience earn 4% more than entry-level and early-career school psychologists. Late-career professionals with 10+ years see increases from 16-29%.
$82,770
Average Annual School Psychologist Salary
$39.80
Average Hourly School Psychologist Salary
| Percentile | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% | $49,260 |
| 25% | $62,070 |
| 50% (median) | $78,780 |
| 75% | $100,040 |
| 90% | $124,950 |
Highest Paying States for School Psychologists
Where you live can have a significant influence on your salary as a school psychologist. Wages for the top three highest-paying states — California, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. — exceed $100,000 per year.
But top-paying states can also be expensive. California ranks 48th for affordability with a cost-of-living index of 138.5, and Washington, D.C., ranks 50th with a 146.8 cost of living. Salaries may go further in states with lower wages and living costs.
A commitment to working in a Mental health Professional Shortage Area post-graduation can help qualify you for scholarships while earning your school psychology degree.
| Rank | State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $106,890 |
| 2 | Colorado | $104,810 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $102,850 |
| 4 | New York | $99,750 |
| 5 | Washington | $99,410 |
How to Increase Your Earning Potential as a School Psychologist
School psychologists can also increase their salary by earning certifications, pursuing a more advanced degree, specializing, or changing their employment setting.
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Pursue certification
The Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential demonstrates professional excellence and high practice standards. Offered by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the certification is recognized in 34 states and can lead to monetary benefits.
The American Board of School Psychology offers certification as a school psychology specialist. Benefits include licensure reciprocity in many states, reduced costs for liability insurance, and recognition to employers for meeting professional standards within the industry.
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Earn an advanced degree
While a master's in school psychology is the minimum degree to become licensed, earning a post-master's education specialist (Ed.S.) degree or doctorate can result in higher pay.
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Become a specialist
School psychologists can specialize in child and adolescent development, mental health, or special education. Educational psychology focuses on learning and includes subspecialties in applied research, gifted and talented students, human development, program administration, and family policy. Specialization can lead to positions in higher-paying industries.
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Explore high-paying industries
About 81% of school psychologists work in public schools, reports the National Association of School Psychologists. Other employers include private schools, community agencies, healthcare facilities, and universities. According to the BLS, the top-paying industries for school psychologists are physician's offices ($146,040 annual average salary), educational support services ($89,730), and hospitals ($86,460).
Frequently Asked Questions About School Psychologist Salaries
Where do school psychologists work?
Most school psychologists work in K-12 public and private schools, primarily in middle or high schools. They can also find employment in college-based health centers, state agencies, community centers, and private practice.
How do I become a school psychologist?
School psychologists must earn at least a master's degree to pursue a state license. The most common educational pathway, the Ed.S., requires a minimum of 60 credits and a 1,200-hour internship. Some school psychologists complete a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D., Psy.D., or an Ed.D.
What is the difference between a school counselor and a school psychologist?
School counselors deliver basic services to address mental health and behavioral conditions through individual or group sessions. They often serve an entire school population.
School psychologists assist in resolving mental health, behavioral, and academic issues through testing and assessments, focusing on individuals or targeted groups. While both careers require graduate degrees, school psychologists receive more training in special education than school counselors.
What is the starting salary for school psychologists?
The average salary for school psychologists with less than a year of experience is $59,450, according to Payscale data from Jan. 2024. Passing the one-year mark can bump average pay up to $61,860 yearly.