How much does a school psychologist make?

The median pay is $46.15 per hour — roughly $96,000 a year, with the real range running from about $30.32/hr (10th percentile) to $68.43/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a school psychologist?

The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

What does a school psychologist actually do all day?

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.

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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.

What it pays
School Psychologists earn a median of $46.15/hr — about $96,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $30.32/hr; the top 10% earn $68.43/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work splits time indoors and out; time pressure is a real part of the job; it rewards working independently. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 5.3% of school psychologists are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are people-focused, analytical and organized and detail-focused.

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Quick questions

How much does a school psychologist make?: The median pay is $46.15 per hour — roughly $96,000 a year, with the real range running from about $30.32/hr (10th percentile) to $68.43/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a school psychologist?: The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
What does a school psychologist actually do all day?: 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.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.