School Psychologist Salary in the United States

BLS defines the occupation this way: “Diagnose and implement individual or schoolwide interventions or strategies to address educational, behavioral, or developmental issues that adversely impact educational functioning in a school.” The median is the middle of its wage distribution: half of the 63,940 school psychologists BLS counted earned more than $95,990 a year and half earned less. The 10th percentile wage, $63,070, is the point below which a tenth earned less, and the 90th percentile wage, $142,330, the point above which a tenth earned more. Percentiles mark places in the pay distribution; they are not experience levels.

The highest state medians for school psychologists in May 2025 are below, with the number BLS counted in each. Each state’s own page gives its school psychologist percentiles beside the pay of clinical and counseling psychologists there; the psychologist salary page links every state.

The ten metropolitan areas with the most school psychologists in May 2025 each have a published median annual wage. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ had the most, about 7,890, at a median of $117,540. A metropolitan area that crosses a state line is reported for the whole area.

BLS lists the five industries with the highest employment of school psychologists in its May 2025 profile. Elementary and Secondary Schools dominates with 53,670; the next, educational support services, has 2,700. The National Association of School Psychologists describes the same pattern from the job side: most work in public K–12 schools, and many also serve in early childhood programs, private and charter schools, district offices, colleges and universities, mental health centers and private practice (NASP, what is a school psychologist).

A doctorate is not required to work as a school psychologist, and the sources say so. The National Association of School Psychologists reports: “Most states require a minimum of a specialist-level degree in school psychology (i.e., minimum of 60 graduate semester hours, including a full-time internship year). No state requires a doctoral degree to practice as a school psychologist.” (NASP, state credentialing FAQs, read October 14, 2026). In its degree overview: “The specialist-level degree is considered the entry-level degree in school psychology.” BLS puts it a little differently: “School psychologists typically need at least a master’s degree in school psychology. Other degrees for school psychologists include education specialist (Ed.S.) and doctoral (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) degrees.” (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychologists.)

The credential is separate from the degree. NASP: “To practice in the United States, school psychologists must be state certified or licensed. Many also earn NASP’s Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential, which recognizes advanced professional preparation and competence.” (NASP, what is a school psychologist.) A doctorate widens the choices: “The doctoral degree allows for a broader range of career options in schools, private or independent practice, clinics, hospitals, or research/academia.” (NASP, overview of degree levels.) That is where a PsyD fits: the school psychology PsyD programs on this site are APA-accredited, and their graduates’ earnings are on the PsyD salary page. The licensing route to independent practice is in how to become a licensed psychologist.

BLS projects that employment of school psychologists will grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, from 64,000 to 64,500 jobs, a change of 500. Employment of school psychologists is projected to continue to grow because of an increased awareness of the connection between mental health and learning. These workers also will likely be needed to help students whose educational, behavioral, or developmental issues affect the ability to learn. Projected declines over the decade in the school-age demographic and student enrollment may limit demand for school psychologists in elementary and secondary schools.