Mental health is critical for children to succeed in the classroom, but more importantly, mental health is essential for children to lead happy, healthy futures. By helping students establish good mental health early on, school psychologists play an integral role in fostering the mental health and educational success of students.
School psychologists provide essential services that promote mental health, academic achievement, and a safe and inclusive learning environment in educational settings nationwide. Because their expertise and dedication help shape the future success and well-being of students, the demand for their services is only growing.
In this State of School Psychologists report from ProCare Therapy, learn everything you need to know about the career of school psychologists, including the demand for professionals, job outlook, salary, responsibilities, and career trends that are shaping this vital role.
About School Psychologists
School psychologists work with children in grades K-12, helping them with academic struggles, disabilities, and behavioral or emotional issues. School psychologists also aim to promote wellness and good mental health practices in the school by providing students with, for example, anger management services and social and communication skills. Assessing students’ progress and collaborating with other educators is another major responsibility of school psychologists.
School psychologists can work with children in multiple different job settings, such as hospitals, private and public schools, community organizations, and more.
Demand for School Psychologists
There is a high demand for school psychologists throughout the country, especially in schools. Today, about 27% of employed school psychologists work in the elementary and secondary schools.
School psychologists are in high demand due to a growing recognition of the crucial role they play in supporting student mental health and educational outcomes. In addition, as rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues in children continue to increase, the need for the unique support that school psychologists can offer in the education setting has increased as well.
According to the Projections Managing Partnership (PMP), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the national employment of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is projected to grow by 10.4% from 2020 to 2030. Arizona, Utah, Florida, Colorado, and Georgia will see the biggest growth in school psychologists, all projecting over a 20% increase in employment between 2020 and 2023.
Where School Psychologists Are In-Demand
According to the PMP, the states that will see the highest percent increase in employment of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists from 2020 to 2030 are as follows:
- Arizona (29.3%)
- Utah (24.3%)
- Florida (21.4%)
- Colorado (20.7%)
- Georgia (20.4%)
- Washington (18.5%)
- West Virginia (18.1%)
- Mississippi (17.2%)
- Alaska (16.7%)
- Texas (15.2%)
Job Outlook for School Psychologists
The job outlook for school psychologists is very promising. The BLS projects the employment of 63,000 school psychologists in 2032, and about 12,800 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
The BLS attributes the increasing employment of school psychologists and its continued growth to an increased awareness of the connection between mental health and learning. In addition, school psychologists will always be needed to help students whose educational, behavioral, or developmental issues impact their ability to learn.
School Psychologist Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for school psychologists is $91,990. The lowest 10% earned less than $59,250, and the highest 10% earned more than $131,470, placing the median annual wage at $84,940.
However, it’s important to note that the average salary for school psychologists depends on the job setting and location of the role, as well as the psychologists’ level of experience and education.
Colorado, New York, California, and Washington are the top-paying states for school psychologists, and the average annual mean wage is over $95,000 in each of these states.
The ten top-paying metropolitan areas for school psychologists are:
- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH
- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
For more information on school psychologist salaries, visit our School Psychologist Salary Guide.
Explore School Psychologist Careers
School psychologists are integral to the educational system, serving as a crucial bridge between mental health and education. At ProCare Therapy, we understand more than anyone the critical role that school psychologists play in supporting our future generation of leaders and learners. This is one reason why we are committed to matching school psychologists with the unique opportunities that are right for them and their career goals.
If you’re ready to discover the many opportunities that await in this rewarding career, browse ProCare’s current openings for school psychologists today, including travel and remote positions, and get ready to take on a deeply fulfilling role making a difference in students’ lives! Interested in learning more about the career path to becoming a school psychologist? Visit our How to Become a School Psychologist Guide.