School Psychologists

The short answer

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 measurable national baseline is $86,930 median annual pay, 0.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034, and 3,800 projected openings per year. Use these figures as a national benchmark rather than a personal forecast; location, experience, employer, specialty, credentials, and hours can change individual outcomes.

Pay and the size of the opportunity

The national median-pay figure for School Psychologists is $86,930. Current employment is 67,200, with projected 2034 employment of 67,700. Pay describes the middle worker nationally, not a guaranteed starting salary, and the employment totals describe the occupation's scale rather than the number of jobs available to one applicant.

Demand, growth, and annual openings

BLS projects 0.7% employment growth for School Psychologists from 2024 to 2034 and about 3,800 openings per year. Growth measures whether the occupation is expanding, while annual openings also include replacement needs created when workers retire, change occupations, or leave the labor force.

Education and preparation

The typical BLS entry-education category is Master's degree. Related work experience is None, and the listed on-the-job training category is Internship/residency. These categories summarize a national pathway; licensing, certification, portfolios, apprenticeships, or local employer requirements may add to it.

What the work involves

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.

A representative O*NET task is: Compile and interpret students' test results, along with information from teachers and parents, to diagnose conditions and to help assess eligibility for special services. The broader activity profile emphasizes Getting Information, Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates, Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships.

Skills, knowledge, and tools

The strongest available O*NET skill signals are Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking. Leading knowledge areas are Psychology, Therapy and Counseling, Education and Training. These are national occupational signals, so a specific employer may emphasize a different mix. Examples of software or tools associated with the occupation include Zoom, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint.

Common questions

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.