Life, Physical & Social Science
School Psychologists
Also called: Autism Consultant, Bilingual School Psychologist, Challenging Behavior Consultant, Early Intervention School Psychologist
US median pay
$95,990
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+0.8%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
3,400
64,000 employed
Typical entry education
Master's degree
Preparation 5/5 · Extensive preparation
What this job is
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 they do day to day
- Report any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse.
- Interpret test results and prepare psychological reports for teachers, administrators, and parents.
- Maintain student records, including special education reports, confidential records, records of services provided, and behavioral data.
- Compile and interpret students' test results, along with information from teachers and parents, to diagnose conditions and to help assess eligibility for special services.
- Collaborate with other educational professionals to develop teaching strategies and school programs.
- Select, administer, and score psychological tests.
- Assess an individual child's needs, limitations, and potential, using observation, review of school records, and consultation with parents and school personnel.
- Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs and other services, such as behavioral management systems.
- Initiate and direct efforts to foster tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity in school communities.
- Promote an understanding of child development and its relationship to learning and behavior.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness4.2/5
- Judgment and Decision Making4.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving4.0/5
- Service Orientation3.9/5
- Coordination3.8/5
- Time Management3.5/5
- Persuasion3.5/5
- Negotiation3.5/5
Knowledge
- Psychology5.0/5
- Therapy and Counseling4.6/5
- Education and Training4.4/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Sociology and Anthropology3.6/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Master's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Post-master's certificate58%
- Master's degree23%
- First professional degree15%
Who this job suits
Mostly Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.