Career comparison
School Psychologist vs. Special Education Teacher
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. $65,120), while school psychologists usually get to work faster (3 years after a bachelor’s of training). School psychologists help students learn, behave and feel well by assessing and supporting them. Special education teachers teach and support students with disabilities so they can learn and thrive.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| School Psychologist | Special Education Teacher | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $95,990 ($46.15/hr) | $65,120 |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $63,070 – $142,330 | $49,350 – $103,010 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +0.8% (little or no change) | -0.4% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 3,400 | 16,400 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 3 years after a bachelor’s | 4 years plus licensing |
| Key credential | State school psychologist credential | State special education license |
| Work setting | School psychologists work in schools, often traveling between several buildings.. | Special education teachers work in resource rooms, self-contained classrooms and general education classrooms, with meetings and paperwork.. |
What each job does
School Psychologist
- Assess students for special education
- Write psychological reports
- Take part in IEP meetings
- Design behavior plans
- Counsel students
Special Education Teacher
- Assess students’ needs and progress
- Write and implement IEPs
- Adapt lessons and materials
- Teach individuals and small groups
- Co-teach in general education classes
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, problem-solving, and high responsibility. Both are part of the education & childcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose school psychologist if…
- I care about kids
- I like testing and data
- I can write clear reports
Choose special education teacher if…
- I want to help students with disabilities
- I’m patient and persistent
- I like individualized teaching
Still torn? Take the School Psychologist fit quiz and the Special Education Teacher fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, school psychologist or special education teacher?
School Psychologists earn more at the median: $95,990 versus $65,120 for 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 special education teachers (4 years plus licensing).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects school psychologists to grow +0.8% from 2025–35, compared with -0.4% for special education teachers.