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Career overview · SOC 19-3034

School Psychologists

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.

Also called: Autism Consultant · Bilingual School Psychologist · Challenging Behavior Consultant · Consulting Psychologist · Early Intervention School Psychologist · Educational Diagnostician

Median pay (national)
$86,930
$60,880–$132,320 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
63,830
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+0.7%
~3,800 openings/yr
Typical entry
Master's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for school psychologists shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $132,320 versus $60,880 at the bottom 10% — 2.2x. The median of $86,930 leaves roughly 52% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +0.7% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 3,800 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 51 states with released data, California pays the most for this role (median $118,310, +36% vs the national median), while Mississippi sits lowest at $60,200 — a 97% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Active Learning
  • Learning Strategies
  • Mathematics
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Compile and interpret students' test results, along with information from teachers and parents, to diagnose conditions and to help assess eligibility for special services.
  • Maintain student records, including special education reports, confidential records, records of services provided, and behavioral data.
  • Report any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse.
  • Select, administer, and score psychological tests.
  • Interpret test results and prepare psychological reports for teachers, administrators, and parents.
  • Assess an individual child's needs, limitations, and potential, using observation, review of school records, and consultation with parents and school personnel.
  • Develop individualized educational plans in collaboration with teachers and other staff members.
  • Counsel children and families to help solve conflicts and problems in learning and adjustment.
  • Provide consultation to parents, teachers, administrators, and others on topics such as learning styles and behavior modification techniques.
  • Collaborate with other educational professionals to develop teaching strategies and school programs.

Tools & technology

  • Zoom
  • Centris Group IEP Direct
  • Centris Group RTIm Direct
  • Chalkware Education Solutions IEPPro
  • Ewing Solutions QuickWriter
  • Global Education Technologies EXCENT
  • Google Meet
  • Instructional software
  • MediaNet Solutions e-IEP PRO
  • Oasys structural design and analysis software
  • PowerSchool Group PowerSchool SIS
  • Psychsoft !Observe
  • Smart Solutions IEP Anywhere
  • Spectrum K12 School Solutions Encore
  • SpED Forms
  • SunGard Pentamation IEPplus

Knowledge areas

  • Psychology
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Education and Training
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Administrative
  • Mathematics
  • Law and Government