School Psychologists
O*NET 19-3034.00 · SOC 19-3034
School Psychologist is a solid career choice. Median pay is $96k a year with +0.8% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 3,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Administer psychological tests to evaluate students' learning disabilities.
- →Observe students in classrooms to assess behavioral and emotional needs.
- →Develop individualized education plans in collaboration with teachers and parents.
- →Counsel students experiencing anxiety, trauma, or social difficulties.
- →Consult with school staff on strategies to support at-risk students.
Education & How to Get In
School Psychologist roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a School Psychologist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as School Psychologist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open School Psychologist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of School Psychologists is projected to grow 0.8% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·47% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·32% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a School Psychologist make?
The median School Psychologist earns $96k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace School Psychologist jobs?
Our model puts School Psychologist at 26 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 47% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 32% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is School Psychologist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 0.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 3,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a School Psychologist?
School Psychologist roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become a School Psychologist?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a School Psychologist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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