FAQ
School Psychologist FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a school psychologist.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a school psychologist: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about school psychologists
Is a school psychologist the same as a school counselor?
No. School psychologists focus on testing, special education and behavior; counselors focus on academics, careers and guidance.
Do school psychologists need a doctorate?
Not usually. Most states accept a specialist-level degree.
Do they work summers?
Usually not, though some do extended-year work.
How much does a school psychologist make?
The median annual wage for school psychologists was $95,990 ($46.15 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $63,070 and the highest 10% earned more than $142,330.
How long does it take to become a school psychologist?
Most people need about 3 years after a bachelor’s of training. A specialist-level degree (Ed.S.) or doctorate in school psychology plus a supervised internship is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a school psychologist?
Yes. BLS lists a master’s degree as typical, and most states require a specialist-level program (about 60 graduate credits) with a 1,200-hour internship, or a doctorate.
Is school psychologist a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +0.8% from 2025–35 (little or no change), with about 3,400 openings each year. Upsides include help kids directly; a common challenge is that heavy caseloads.
What skills does a school psychologist need?
Key technical skills include psychological assessment, special education law, behavior analysis, and counseling. Employers also value empathy, communication, and objectivity.
What certifications are available for school psychologists?
Common credentials include State school psychologist credential, NCSP, Crisis prevention training, and BCBA. School psychologists need a state education credential to work in public schools; private practice requires a psychology license.
Still deciding?
Try the School Psychologist fit quiz, compare with School Counselor, or explore School Psychologist training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-3034 (School psychologists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for School psychologists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.