What is the demand for school psychologists?

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of psychologists is projected to grow 12\% from 2012–2022, and one of the groups with the best job prospects will be those with specialist or doctoral degrees in school psychology.

Why is there a shortage of school psychologists?

Shortages can include both an insufficient supply of qualified school psychologists and school psychologists from diverse backgrounds, graduate faculty, and qualified practica and internship supervisors as well as an insufficient number of positions within districts to meet the needs of students.

Is it worth being a school psychologist?

Being a School Psychologist is not an easy career, but it IS a worthwhile career. To be honest, there are intense days, when the needs of so many children pile up, with solid timelines looming, reports to write, children to evaluate, behavior plans to tweak, etc. School Psychologists make a difference.

Do school psychologists make good money?

School Psychologists made a median salary of $78,200 in 2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $102,470 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $59,590.

Do school psychologists get summers off?

Most school psychologists work in schools, typically on a nine- or ten-month calendar year. Therefore, working as a school psychologist typically means about two months off in the summer, a winter holiday break, and a spring break.

Is school psychology stressful?

Connecting students with resources outside the school, which are often limited, inefficient or overextended already, is stressful too. Even getting through the sheer amount of paperwork and documentation can be a challenge. But even in the face of all of the stress, school psychology is endlessly rewarding.

What state pays school psychologist the most?

Oregon
Best-Paying States for School Psychologists The states and districts that pay School Psychologists the highest mean salary are Oregon ($112,010), California ($111,750), District of Columbia ($106,900), New York ($96,170), and Louisiana ($96,040).

Are School Psychologists happy?

School psychologists are below average when it comes to happiness. As it turns out, school psychologists rate their career happiness 3.0 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 34\% of careers.

Do school psychologists get good benefits?

Excellent health and retirement benefits are likely for this profession. Most full-time school psychologists receive paid vacation and sick leave. Standard benefit packages from the school district include medical or health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid annual leave and flexible time off.

Is school psychology a good career?

The 2019 US News and World Report has ranked School Psychologist as one of the 100 Best Jobs (#45), one of the best Social Services Jobs (#2), and one of the best STEM jobs (#20).

Can School Psychologists practice privately with a master’s degree?

Ethically, school psychologists are obligated to follow the rules of their state as well as professional standards for practice. Although most states will not allow individuals to practice “psychology” privately with a master’s degree, there are wide variations in state rules as to what is defined as psychology practice.

Is there a shortage of school psychologists in America?

The U.S. has experienced a shortage of school psychologists for decades, meaning a high job placement rate for graduates of school psychology programs. A recent report indicates that over 99\% of school psychology graduates find a job within the first year (Gadke, Valley-Gray, & Rossen, 2018).

What degree do you need to work in school psychology?

Next, school psych undergrads should pursue a master’s degree, which is typically the minimum requirement to enter the field. A Ph.D. may be required to work in private practice as a consultant contracted to provide school psychology services, but this varies state-to-state. Internships are recommended to gain additional experience.

How long does it take to get a PhD in school psychology?

Many programs also offer a doctorate in school psychology, which generally requires 5-7 years of graduate work, including a 1,500-hour internship and completion of a dissertation. For more information, review an Overview of Differences Among Degrees in School Psychology.