Career comparison
Middle School Special Education Teacher vs. School Psychologist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
School psychologists earn more at the median ($95,990 vs. $66,810), while school psychologists usually get to work faster (3 years after a bachelor’s of training). Middle school special education teachers help middle school students with disabilities learn and grow. School psychologists help students learn, behave and feel well by assessing and supporting them.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Middle School Special Education Teacher | School Psychologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $66,810 | $95,990 ($46.15/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $49,420 – $102,510 | $63,070 – $142,330 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -0.4% (little or no change) | +0.8% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 6,000 | 3,400 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Master's degree |
| Training time | 4 years plus licensure | 3 years after a bachelor’s |
| Key credential | State special education license | State school psychologist credential |
| Work setting | Teachers work in middle school classrooms, resource rooms and co-taught classes.. | School psychologists work in schools, often traveling between several buildings.. |
What each job does
Middle School Special Education Teacher
- Co-teach in general classes
- Teach small resource groups
- Write and manage IEPs
- Adapt lessons and tests
- Track progress
School Psychologist
- Assess students for special education
- Write psychological reports
- Take part in IEP meetings
- Design behavior plans
- Counsel students
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, in-demand, and high responsibility. Both are part of the education & childcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose middle school special education teacher if…
- I connect with young teens
- I’m patient
- I advocate for students
Choose school psychologist if…
- I care about kids
- I like testing and data
- I can write clear reports
Still torn? Take the Middle School Special Education Teacher fit quiz and the School Psychologist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, middle school special education teacher or school psychologist?
School Psychologists earn more at the median: $95,990 versus $66,810 for middle school special education teachers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
School Psychologists typically train faster (3 years after a bachelor’s) than middle school special education teachers (4 years plus licensure).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects school psychologists to grow +0.8% from 2025–35, compared with -0.4% for middle school special education teachers.