The job outlook for school psychologists is modest but stable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects slower-than-average employment growth for school psychologists through 2034, but persistent shortages in rural districts and special education settings, documented in NASP workforce reports, keep demand high in many areas. The field currently employs about 63,940 school psychologists nationally, with a median annual salary of $95,990.
If you’re weighing school psychology as a career, the first honest answer is this: it’s not a field with explosive growth numbers, but it is a field with real jobs and real shortages in specific places. Understanding where demand actually lives makes the outlook clearer than any single percentage can.
What Does the BLS Project for School Psychologist Employment?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks school psychologists under SOC code 19-3034 and publishes employment projections on the Occupational Outlook Handbook. As of the most recent projection cycle, the BLS projects 0.7% employment growth for school psychologists between 2024 and 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 500 average annual job openings across the decade.
Budget constraints and changing student enrollment projections are commonly cited factors. Earlier forecasts came during a period of stronger enrollment growth. The current projection reflects what many districts can actually fund. Many want more school psychologists. Not all have the budget to hire them.
Are School Psychologists in Demand?
Yes, but demand isn’t the same thing as job openings, and that distinction matters here. NASP recommends one school psychologist for every 500 students. Most districts operate well above that ratio. The practical result is that school psychologists are in demand even when the growth forecast looks flat.
Rural districts and regions with high special education caseloads tend to face the steepest shortages. Urban districts have more openings in raw numbers but also more competition. If you’re open to positions outside major metro areas, the job market looks considerably more favorable than the headline growth figure suggests.
What Do School Psychologists Earn?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school psychologists earned a median annual wage of $95,990 as of May 2025. The mean annual wage was $99,160. The top 10 percent of earners brought in $142,330 or more.
| Earnings Level | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Median (50th percentile) | $95,990 |
| Mean | $99,160 |
| 75th percentile | $120,310 |
| 90th percentile | $142,330 |
Pay varies by location and employer type. Public school districts typically offer stable salaries, strong benefits, and union protections. School psychologists who also hold the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential, issued by NASP, tend to have broader job mobility and an easier path when crossing state lines.
What Credentials Do School Psychologists Need?
Most states license school psychologists at the specialist level, requiring an EdS or a master’s with a specialist-level practicum plus a supervised internship. For a state-by-state breakdown of what that path entails, see the education requirements for school psychologists. A smaller number of states require a doctorate for full independent practice. Requirements are set by each state’s department of education or psychology licensing board, so the specifics vary.
Many graduate programs are NASP-approved or accredited through CAEP using NASP standards, depending on the institution, and completing an approved program is a common prerequisite for both state licensure and the NCSP. The NCSP itself requires passing the Praxis School Psychologist exam, completing a 1,200-hour internship, and graduating from a NASP-approved program. It doesn’t replace state licensure, but it carries weight in competitive hiring markets. The NCSP is recognized by many states and may simplify credential review or reciprocity, depending on state requirements. If you’re comparing program costs, see our list of affordable school psychology programs.
Find accredited school psychology programs by state, including specialist and doctoral options, with program details and application information.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Psychologists (including Clinical & Counseling, Industrial-Organizational, and School Psychologists) and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.