How much does a school psychologist make?
a year · about $46 an hour
A typical school psychologist in the United States makes $95,990 a year, about $46 an hour, about 1.9× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They may spend the morning testing a student or reviewing classwork and records to understand a learning or behavior concern. Later, they meet with teachers and families, write a report, or help plan supports and counseling.
Did you know? In 2024–25, U.S. schools had about one school psychologist for every 1,071 students—more than twice NASP’s recommended one per 500.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $63,070 and $142,330How do you become one?
Earn a bachelor’s degree, then complete U.S. school psychology graduate training, including a supervised 1,200-hour internship (600 hours in school). Pass the Praxis if your state requires it and earn its credential; this route usually takes 7–8 years after high school.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like helping and teaching and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., school-district pay often rises with experience and may reward graduate study or extra credentials; state certification is needed to qualify. Location, employer, and work calendar or part-time hours can also change pay.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($127,780), lowest in Oklahoma ($64,930).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $63,070 | $95,990 | $142,330 | about 64,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $127,780 | about 8,000 |
| Colorado | $124,770 | about 1,000 |
| New Mexico | $110,360 | about 630 |
| Maryland | $109,700 | about 2,000 |
| Washington | $108,780 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/19-3034.00
- www.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/national-certification/ncsp-eligi
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes193034.htm
- www.nasponline.org/about-school-psychology/shortages-dashboard-and-workforce-inf
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.egusd.net/documents/Employment/Quick-Links/Salary-Schedules/2024-25-PSWA-12-
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY