Science
School psychologist
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.
Median pay
$95,990
Growth to 2035
+1%
little or no change
Openings a year
3,400
Time to qualify*
4 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
School psychologist
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Master's degree
- On-the-job training
- Internship/residency
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Exposure to disease
School psychologist: 36% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Report any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse.
- Interpret test results and prepare psychological reports for teachers, administrators, and parents.
- Maintain student records, including special education reports, confidential records, records of services provided, and behavioral data.
- Compile and interpret students' test results, along with information from teachers and parents, to diagnose conditions and to help assess eligibility for special services.
- Collaborate with other educational professionals to develop teaching strategies and school programs.
- Select, administer, and score psychological tests.
- Assess an individual child's needs, limitations, and potential, using observation, review of school records, and consultation with parents and school personnel.
- Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs and other services, such as behavioral management systems.
Also called: Autism Consultant · Bilingual School Psychologist · Challenging Behavior Consultant · Early Intervention School Psychologist · Educational Diagnostician · School Neuropsychologist · School Psychometrist
Outlook and AI
School psychologists held 64,000 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 64,500 by 2035 (+1%, little or no change; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- School psychologist vs. Clinical psychologist
- School psychologist vs. Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors
- School psychologist vs. Marriage and family therapists
- School psychologist vs. Special education teachers, secondary school
- School psychologist vs. Social worker
- School psychologist vs. Mental health and substance abuse social workers
- School psychologist vs. Psychologists, all other
- School psychologist vs. Psychiatrist