What School Psychologists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of School Psychologists this way: "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 core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Compile and interpret students' test results, along with information from teachers and parents, to diagnose conditions and to help assess eligibility for special services"; "Report any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse"; "Assess an individual child's needs, limitations, and potential, using observation, review of school records, and consultation with parents and school personnel"; "Select, administer, and score psychological tests"; "Provide consultation to parents, teachers, administrators, and others on topics such as learning styles and behavior modification techniques".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is master's degree. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is internship/residency.
Job outlook for School Psychologists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 64,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 64,500 in 2035, an increase of 500 jobs (+0.8%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 3,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.3% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $95,990, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where School Psychologists earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $108,905 in New York to $110,740 in New Jersey, a gap of $1,836 (1.02 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $95,990 and 0 average at or below it.
New York employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 10,510, which is 51.6% of the 20,360 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 9,850.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($110,740) and New York ($108,905) lead the ranking, while New York ($108,905) and New Jersey ($110,740) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to School Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (19-3000) include .
Frequently asked questions about School Psychologists
What is the national median wage for School Psychologists?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $95,990. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $108,905 to $110,740.
Which state pays School Psychologists the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $110,740. New York is next at $108,905.
What is the job outlook for School Psychologists?
BLS projects employment to grow by 0.8% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 3,400 openings a year.
What education do School Psychologists need?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree and internship/residency, according to BLS.