School Psychologists
School psychologists diagnose and treat educational, behavioral, and developmental issues that affect student learning. They work in schools, counseling students and families, designing interventions for both individual students and entire schools. The role combines assessment, counseling, and problem-solving to help students succeed academically and socially.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against school psychologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves administering and interpreting psychological assessments, meeting with students to address learning or behavior concerns, and consulting with teachers and families about intervention strategies. School psychologists document findings, attend team meetings to develop action plans, and follow up on implemented programs. Time splits between direct student services, data analysis, and collaborative planning with school staff.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You enjoy understanding why people behave and think as they do, and you're drawn to solving complex problems systematically. You work well with diverse groups—students, families, and educators—and find satisfaction in identifying issues and implementing concrete solutions that improve outcomes.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- School Psychologist · Department of War Education Activity · Fort Benning, Georgia · $75703–$160508
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $109,940 | $127,780 | $140,980 | 8,340 |
| Colorado | $105,390 | $124,770 | $141,060 | 1,380 |
| New Mexico | $97,540 | $110,360 | $132,840 | 630 |
| Maryland | $92,370 | $109,700 | $135,780 | 1,520 |
| Washington | $101,160 | $108,780 | $131,120 | 1,420 |
| District of Columbia | $96,560 | $107,500 | $136,940 | 250 |
| New York | $81,370 | $106,550 | $148,780 | 9,070 |
| Oregon | $90,980 | $106,070 | $130,760 | 570 |
| Connecticut | $81,160 | $100,600 | $110,220 | 1,140 |
| Georgia | $76,310 | $99,110 | $106,370 | 1,650 |
| Massachusetts | $80,900 | $98,670 | $111,990 | 3,300 |
| Delaware | $76,340 | $95,990 | $104,240 | 280 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) — National Association of School Psychologists
- Board Certified Specialist in School Psychology — American Board of Professional Psychology
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against school psychologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-3034.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.