School Psychologists
SOC code 19-3034 · O*NET-SOC 19-3034.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Science and engineering
School Psychologists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$95,990
a year
Hourly
$46.15
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$99,160
$47.67 per hour
Middle 50%
$77,470 – $120,310
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$63,070 – $142,330
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
63,940
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $63,070
- $30.32/hr
- 25th percentile
- $77,470
- $37.25/hr
- Median percentile
- $95,990
- $46.15/hr
- 75th percentile
- $120,310
- $57.84/hr
- 90th percentile
- $142,330
- $68.43/hr
What does a school psychologist 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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to become a school psychologist
Most people in this role hold post-master's certificate — 58% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Post-Master's Certificate58%
- Master's Degree23%
- First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.15%
- Doctoral Degree4%
Common questions
How much does a school psychologist earn?
The national median is $95,990 a year. The full range runs from $63,070 at the 10th percentile to $142,330 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a school psychologist without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.6/5
- Speaking4.6/5
- Active Listening4.5/5
- Writing4.1/5
- Critical Thinking4.1/5
- Monitoring4.0/5
- Active Learning3.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Psychology5.0/5
- Therapy and Counseling4.6/5
- Education and Training4.4/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Sociology and Anthropology3.6/5
- Law and Government3.6/5
- Administrative3.5/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.