How to Get a Job as a School Psychologist

School Psychologists support students’ mental, emotional, and academic well-being by assessing learning challenges, addressing behavioral issues, and developing intervention strategies. They work closely with teachers, parents, and administrators to promote positive learning environments. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of school psychologists (included within the broader category of psychologists) is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as average, with approximately 12,800 job openings each year【source: BLS】.

Entry-Level Requirements for School Psychologists

To launch a career as a School Psychologist, you typically need:

Education: A specialist-level degree (Ed.S.) or a master’s degree plus additional coursework in school psychology. Some positions require a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), especially in clinical or research-based settings. Programs should be accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Certifications & Licenses: Most states require school psychologists to hold both a state education agency credential and/or psychologist license. Certification through the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) program, offered by NASP, is highly regarded and recognized by many states.

Experience: Practicum experience and a year-long supervised internship (typically 1,200 hours) are required to qualify for licensure and certification.

Expected Salary for School Psychologists

• Entry-Level: $55,000–$70,000 annually

• Mid-Level: $70,000–$90,000 annually

• Senior-Level: $90,000–$110,000+ annually

The median annual wage for school psychologists in the U.S. is $84,940【source: BLS】.

Skills and Abilities Needed to Excel

• Strong communication and counseling skills

• Expertise in educational and developmental psychology

• Empathy, patience, and cultural competence

• Analytical and assessment skills for diagnosing learning or behavioral issues

• Collaboration with educators, families, and students

Is This Role Better for Introverts or Extroverts?

This career is generally a better fit for introverts. School Psychologists spend much of their time in one-on-one or small group settings, conducting assessments, writing reports, and developing individualized plans. The role requires deep focus, reflective problem-solving, and strong listening skills—all qualities ti which introverts often excel.

Top 5 Degree Programs with Best ROI for School Psychologists

1. University of Wisconsin–Madison – Ed.S. in School Psychology

2. University of California, Berkeley – School Psychology Program

3. New York University – MA in School Counseling and Psychology

4. University of Florida – Ed.S. in School Psychology

5. Indiana University Bloomington – Ph.D. and Ed.S. in School Psychology

Can You Become a School Psychologist Without a Degree?

No. School psychologists must hold a specialist or doctoral degree in psychology and meet state certification or licensure requirements. However, individuals interested in supporting students’ well-being without advanced education can pursue roles such as school counselor, behavioral aide, or educational assistant.

Five Jobs Similar to School Psychologist

• School Counselor

• Educational Psychologist

• Clinical Psychologist

• Behavioral Specialist

• Special Education Coordinator

Top Ten Recruitment Agencies for School Psychologists

1. ProCare Therapy

2. Soliant Health

3. Sunbelt Staffing

4. TherapyTravelers

5. AMN Healthcare

6. Maxim Healthcare Staffing

7. Cross Country Education

8. Aya Education

9. BlazerJobs

10. Supplemental Health Care

Top Ten Employers Hiring School Psychologists

• Department of Education (State and Local)

• Kaiser Permanente

• Mayo Clinic

• UnitedHealth Group

• HCA Healthcare

• CVS Health (Aetna Behavioral Health)

• Providence Health & Services

• Cleveland Clinic

• Community Health Systems

• Child Mind Institute

Top Startups and Organizations Hiring School Psychologists

• Presence (teletherapy for K–12 schools)

• Parallel Learning (remote educational psychology services)

• SonderMind (mental health care provider network)

• Hazel Health (school-based telehealth company)

• Cartwheel (virtual mental health support for students)

• Talkspace (online therapy platform)

• BetterHelp (virtual counseling services)

• Headway (mental health provider network)

• Spring Health (mental health and wellness programs)

• Cerebral (telepsychiatry and counseling platform)

School Psychologists play a crucial role in fostering academic success and emotional wellness in educational environments. With solid job growth, competitive salaries, and meaningful impact, this career is ideal for introverts who excel at thoughtful analysis, empathy, and individualized student support.

Learn about other high-demand jobs over the next decade here.