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Job outlook for school psychologists in the United States
School psychologist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected school psychologist job growth rate is 14% from 2018-2028.
About 26,100 new jobs for school psychologists are projected over the next decade.
School psychologist salaries have increased 9% for school psychologists in the last 5 years.
There are over 16,373 school psychologists currently employed in the United States.
There are 25,457 active school psychologist job openings in the US.
The average school psychologist salary is $78,431.
Are school psychologist jobs in demand?
School Psychologist job and salary trends over time
School Psychologist jobs over time
School Psychologist job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 16,373 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 21,158 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 21,529 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 21,001 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 20,539 | 0.01% |
Average school psychologist salary over time
School Psychologist salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $78,431 | $37.71 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $76,839 | $36.94 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $75,650 | $36.37 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $73,783 | $35.47 | +2.5% |
| 2021 | $71,995 | $34.61 | +3.8% |
School Psychologist jobs by state
Most common states for school psychologists
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 115 | 9% |
| 2 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 291 | 8% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 89 | 8% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 84 | 8% |
| 5 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 57 | 8% |
| 6 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 46 | 8% |
| 7 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 937 | 7% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 308 | 7% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 55 | 7% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 344 | 6% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 61 | 6% |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 355 | 5% |
| 13 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 333 | 5% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 300 | 5% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 297 | 5% |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 103 | 5% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 93 | 5% |
| 18 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 78 | 5% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 62 | 5% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 33 | 5% |
Most common cities for school psychologists
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andover | 3 | 9% | $78,233 |
| 2 | Lancaster | 3 | 8% | $60,720 |
| 3 | Castle Rock | 3 | 5% | $78,740 |
| 4 | Daly City | 4 | 4% | $112,990 |
| 5 | Framingham | 3 | 4% | $78,417 |
| 6 | Thornton | 4 | 3% | $78,505 |
| 7 | Glendale | 4 | 2% | $69,944 |
| 8 | Minneapolis | 6 | 1% | $69,430 |
| 9 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $78,474 |
| 10 | Colorado Springs | 4 | 1% | $79,036 |
| 11 | Oakland | 4 | 1% | $112,698 |
| 12 | Gilbert | 3 | 1% | $68,970 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 5 | 0% | $69,905 |
| 14 | Austin | 4 | 0% | $61,193 |
School Psychologist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of school psychologist experts
Rhode Island College
Radford University
Southern Connecticut State University
University of Baltimore
University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Winona State University
California Baptist University
Goshen College
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Chatham University
University of Central Florida
Virginia Wesleyan University
Mississippi University for Women
Seattle Pacific University
Indiana University South Bend
Grand Valley State University
Pacific Lutheran University
What general advice would you give to a School Psychologist?
Katherine Lacasse Ph.D.: Jobs at for-profit businesses do tend to pay more than jobs in government, non-profits, healthcare, or education. A bachelor's degree is usually sufficient to start in these careers and to move up the ladder. If you are interested in these jobs, then consider adding a business minor to your psychology major or apply for business internships while still in college to gain experience. Many psychology majors do continue on to graduate school, and it is required for many careers such as to become a mental health counselor, school psychologist, clinical psychologist, or a professor. These careers vary widely in salary range, but many pay quite well. If you want to attend graduate school, investigate all the career options and consider both the job itself and the potential salary range to help you decide which graduate programs will be the best fit for your goals.
What School Psychologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jay Caughron: First, the need for psychological services is very high. Second, the support for those services is arguable at an all-time high. The world is becoming a complicated place and people need help to manage these complexities. That is where psychology plays a role. Organizational leaders need help navigating a complex world that requires innovation, effective service delivery, and changing employee demands – all while continuing to deliver for investors. Families are stretched thin. Family members find themselves working challenging jobs to make ends meet, while caring for children and older family members in a world that is likely very different from what they remember from their youth. Schools are facing budget cuts paired with increasingly difficult standards and an increased number of standards that they need to address. On a societal level, there is an increased desire to incorporate neurodivergent individuals more fully into our society. This is a great opportunity for those that have often been marginalized, but it also creates new challenges that psychologists can help address as we pursue this goal. The future is bright for those pursuing psychology.
What will help School Psychologists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jay Caughron: This question really depends on the type of psychology a person is practicing. Of course, everyone immediately thinks of therapy work – and many people in the field are doing therapeutic work – but there are several other avenues as well. Those with a school psychology degree help students with learning disabilities. Those with an industrial and organizational psychology degree help organizations create an environment in which their employees feel empowered to do their best work. Those who are therapists will be engaging with people from the community that have challenges with addiction, family situations, or mental health. On a day-to-day basis the work looks a little different as well. If you are a school psychologist, you will be working in a school setting with students and teachers to enable student performance. If you are an I/O psychologist, you will be working with organizational leaders to change their workplace for the better. If you are a therapist, you will be meeting with clients with a variety of needs in a clinical setting.
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP
Clinical Associate ProfessorWhat will help School Psychologists increase their earning potential?
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP: Graduates in counseling psychology have a great number of different skills, and they shouldn't limit themselves to traditional clinical practice settings only. The doctoral degree in counseling psychology--and the license as a psychologist--allows these professionals to practice in many different areas. The most obvious ones, such as private practice clinical work, doing clinical work in clinics and hospitals, or going into academia as researchers and faculty, are a great fit for many graduates. However, all the skills gained in a doctoral program in counseling psychology transfer seamlessly to many other areas and industries, as understanding human behaviors, emotional development, and wellness are applicable widely.
Laurie Bonjo
Southern Connecticut State University
Student Counseling And Personnel Services
What general advice would you give to a School Psychologist?
Laurie Bonjo: First, school counselors who seek to maximize their earning potential should matriculate into a CACREP-accredited program. These programs are 60 credits and provide a robust field work experience that prepares students to hit the ground running when they get their first job. Administrators recognize the value of CACREP-accreditation in the training of school counselors, so students have the best chance of being hired at the top of the salary step ladder if they come from a CACREP program. Another important consideration is pursuing continuing education that is a strong match for the community where the school counselor wants to work. For example, our post-pandemic reality makes certification in psychological first aid an attractive addition to a school counselor resume. School counselors can pursue certification in DBT, CBT, SFBT, and other treatment modalities that have been shown to be effective in schools. Finally, school counselors can enter a doctoral program like the one that I coordinate-- which will provide them with the leadership training needed to work at systems offices at the district and state levels.
What School Psychologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Laurie Bonjo: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of students have regressed and/or developed dysfunctional coping mechanisms. The incidence of trauma-related disorders continues to increase in all educational settings. School counselors need to know how to use trauma-informed practices that are culturally aligned with the students they serve. During the pandemic, many students lost focus on their post-secondary goals. School counselors need to energize students and help them relocate their inspiration and passion for learning. School counselors need to come to the profession prepared to leverage their personalities in helping students who need to reconnect with their purpose. Finally, school counselors will continue to need to know how to shift seamlessly to remote delivery of services in the event of another global, national, or local disaster.
What will help School Psychologists increase their earning potential?
Laurie Bonjo: Be your most authentic self. Young people in K12 schools are in need of role models. They have plenty of people who look like and act like teachers and administrators in their lives at school. They need some adults to occupy the school space who connect with students on a different level-- who build rapport and trust with students and partner with them and their families to shepherd them forward into emerging adulthood. School counselors focus on three main domains of student success: academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary (career). Not every student knows how to succeed in every domain, and some need more help than others. School counselors are professionals who are prepared to meet students where they are and ensure their success in all three domains. To accomplish this, it is imperative that school counselors have the skills necessary to build relationships with students from diverse backgrounds.
What general advice would you give to a School Psychologist?
Madeline Stenersen: There are several specific things people can do to maximize salary but it will depend on which area of the field you are in. In the clinical are, ensuring that you're compensated at a Ph.D. level and if you are looking to maximize salary I would recommend looking into positions not only as a clinician but also into administrative positions like clinic director, program coordinator, etc. Assessment administration and getting on insurance boards can also increase compensation. In teaching/faculty positions I would recommend getting a research focused postdoc before going on the job market to stay competitive and then negotiating a salary consistent with the cost of living but also with what you know others at the institution make. These positions expect negotiation so go for higher than your ideal and come down if necessary. In adjunct positions there is little power to negotiate and I would recommend finding an institution that also provides other benefits such as access to the library, mentorship, etc.
What will help School Psychologists increase their earning potential?
Madeline Stenersen: I think one of the biggest pieces of advice I would give to a graduate beginning their career in the field of counseling psychology is to explore and think broadly about all of the possibilities that this degree can bring. With a PhD in this field you can be a full time clinician, a teacher at a university, a director of a clinical center, a full time researcher, or any of the combination of the above! Because all of these opportunities can be exciting and scary at the same time I would recommend that they look to the people in the field that are doing the things that they would love to do and reach out! Don't be afraid to apply for jobs that may seem out of reach. Sometimes Counseling Psychology is compared to Clinical Psychology and students are told that Clinical Psychology positions are out of reach. This is simply not true. I have worked alongside Clinical Psychologists and other wonderful mental health providers throughout my career and currently am a faculty member in a Clinical Psychology program. The sky's the limit and it really is an opportune time for this degree as the field of psychology broadly recognizes the increasing need to focus on cultural humility, DEI, and cross-cultural work - practices that Counseling Psychology has focused on throughout the history of the field.
John Donahue Psy.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Baltimore
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
What general advice would you give to a School Psychologist?
John Donahue Psy.D.: I recommend continuing your training and education so that you can develop specialty areas. What areas of mental health practice are most meaningful to you? Perhaps it is working with a certain problem area (e.g., anxiety disorders); perhaps it is working with a particular group of people (e.g., children, military veterans, etc.); perhaps it is a type of therapeutic modality (e.g., Prolonged Exposure for PTSD). Whatever it may be, by continuing to train in specific areas such as these, you can develop the necessary expertise to become a specialist that is sought after because of the particular skills and abilities you bring to the table.
What School Psychologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Donahue Psy.D.: Continue to focus on training and development as a clinician. While requirements vary across states, newly licensed counselors will typically need to work under the supervision of a fully credentialed mental health professional, and this is a critical period in a clinician's development. When interviewing for positions, I strongly recommend asking questions about the nature and quality of clinical supervision that is provided. Also, is this a clinic or organization that seems to value training and growth? Do they provide group consultations, training seminars, perhaps funds for continuing education? These are indicators that an organization is committed to investing in their clinicians' development and improved outcomes for their clients.
Debra Frame Ph.D.
Professor of PsychologyUniversity of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Behavioral Science Department
What soft skills should all School Psychologists possess?
Debra Frame Ph.D.: Although these skills and certain personality traits may be less quantifiable, soft skills, such as organizational and interpersonal skills, scientific inquiry and critical thinking, flexibility, and a suitable professional etiquette, are important to the workplace; thus, having these skills make any graduate more attractive. Excellent communication skills, including oral, written, presenting, and listening abilities, are most important. Staff psychologists should also possess the ability to work in an interprofessional team of practitioners to create a broad plan of mental and physical health. Individuals with an appreciation for diversity and the uniqueness of individuals across cultures are important. This means that psychologists who attempt to explore different cultures and strive to understand and honor beliefs and traditions that are not their own may be the most sought-after candidates. It follows that staff psychologists must also have an ability to adjust one's clinical approach to successfully serve individuals who are different from oneself.
What hard/technical skills are most important for School Psychologists?
Debra Frame Ph.D.: The ability to work with analytical software, scheduling software and medical software (including mental health apps) is most critical. Graduates should also be able to use word processing software to write and maintain clinical reports, and completing paperwork to work with 3rd party providers is essential. Staff psychologists need to demonstrate skills in clinical assessment and diagnosis and should also be able to plan treatments utilizing evidence-based therapeutic interventions on a scheduled or emergency basis. Some positions will ask for the ability to conduct scientific studies of mental health; therefore, graduates who are well versed in research methods and statistics tend to be more attractive. Finally, fluency in a second language, especially Spanish, makes graduates more marketable. Spanish-speaking psychologists are in high demand due to a growing Hispanic population, a limited number of Hispanic psychologists, and an even smaller number of psychologists who can provide services in Spanish.
What skills will help School Psychologists earn the most?
Debra Frame Ph.D.: Higher incomes go to individuals with higher degrees. Experience also counts with many staff psychology positions requiring at least two years of experience as a minimum. A specialty area is a plus; for example, neuropsychology, child psychology, and clinical health psychology are more often specifically mentioned in job advertisements and may bring additional salary should a graduate meet a specific need.
While salaries for individuals with doctorate degrees in psychology are projected to outpace inflation, psychologists earn higher incomes, especially when working in the business environment, followed by governmental agencies, non-profits groups, and health education. A staff psychologist working in the corporate environment needs to have the technical skills to develop assessments that meet the company's needs to make effective employee selection and placement decisions, design training techniques to enhance employee skills, assess employee performance, and develop plans to ensure healthier work-life balance.
More recently, clinical services have been increasingly delivered in a virtual world. Therefore, knowledge of technologies and appropriate strategies for remote mental health services will help graduates stand out and earn additional income. Telehealth services will expand treatments to previously inaccessible areas and will provide additional income streams.
Barbara Holmes Ph.D.
ProfessorWinona State University
Leadership Education Department
What skills stand out on School Psychologist resumes?
Barbara Holmes Ph.D.: Educational Diagnosticians need to have the professional knowledge base to be able to identify students with disabilities and recommend appropriate instructional modifications and behavior management strategies.
What soft skills should all School Psychologists possess?
Barbara Holmes Ph.D.: Educational Diagnosticians need to have a mastery of interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively in collaborative teams
What hard/technical skills are most important for School Psychologists?
Barbara Holmes Ph.D.: Educational Diagnosticians need to be proficient in assessment, evaluation procedures and knowledgeable of federal laws, rules, and regulations
What skills will help School Psychologists earn the most?
Barbara Holmes Ph.D.: Educational Diagnosticians earn the most when they can demonstrate effective problem resolution skills in matching appropriate assessments with the learning needs of students. They also need to be professionally nimble in implementing responsive strategies to new laws, rules, and regulations.
Pedro Olvera
Associate Professor, School Psychology Program DirectorCalifornia Baptist University
School Psychology Program
What soft skills should all School Psychologists possess?
Pedro Olvera: School psychologists must be patient, compassionate, and work hard at being good communicators. Being a good communicator is essential to understanding the nature of why the child is being by you and, most importantly, to know how to intervene.
What hard/technical skills are most important for School Psychologists?
Pedro Olvera: School psychologists need to collect and make sense of assessment data to recommend appropriate interventions to help children succeed in academic settings. School psychologists administer various assessments that help educators and parents understand how children learn and process information. Understanding the information these tests give you and determining if a child has a learning disability based on the assessment results is vital.
What skills will help School Psychologists earn the most?
Pedro Olvera: I would say that being a people person is the most critical skill for this job. As school psychologists, we are constantly being called to work in teams. So being able to be part of a team, working with different individuals of different cultural backgrounds, communicating with respect, and working under pressure are essential skills
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on School Psychologists?
Keith Graber Miller: I would certainly assume there will be an enduring impact on college graduates. Some positions have been lost, permanently, during the pandemic, and others have shifted to remote settings. This might allow people in existing positions to keep their jobs even if they move to a new location to accommodate a partner or spouse: they wouldn't necessarily need to quit the job they are in. And many people graduating haven't been able to do face-to-face internships, which are one of the key gateways toward jobs.
What's a good job out of college for School Psychologists?
Keith Graber Miller: No idea, honestly, though I think people will be working more from home or remote locations. Because much of the camaraderie in an office space happens in casual encounters in the hallways or at break times, and the quality of our work can better be identified when we are working in the same location, I think it's going to be more difficult to make friends at work, get promotions at work, or prove ourselves at work. That's not good for new graduates.
What technical skills for a School Psychologist stand out to employers?
Keith Graber Miller: Obviously an ability to work seamlessly online will be essential. Flexibility and adaptability will be critical for new graduates, as well as a strong work ethic and self-motivation. Not every graduate has these skills, but they'll be important for being successful in the coming years.
Chris Miller Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of PsychologyUniversity of Alaska, Fairbanks
Department of Psychology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on School Psychologists?
Chris Miller Ph.D.: For students graduating soon, I don't expect to see any impact of the coronavirus different specific to graduates. College students experienced all of the stresses and negative effects of the past year as we all did. But people who began college in the pandemic year, I wonder if we will see some unique effects. They've had that normal process of going off to college, meeting new people, working together, navigating classes significantly disrupted. Drop-out rates are up, and it's an open question if this temporary period of nearly all online classes leads to a more permanent shift in online classes (which I feel are often lower quality). College has been changing a lot in recent years, and not in ways that particularly improve the quality of education, and I'm worried the pandemic is going to accelerate some of the worst of those effects.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for School Psychologists?
Chris Miller Ph.D.: I'm afraid I'll have to punt on this one. I just don't know, and suspect the answer changes as the economy changes. Unfortunately, the biggest effects I'm aware of are the prestige and name recognition of your institution, not the more granular details of courses or certifications.
What soft skills should all School Psychologists possess?
Chris Miller Ph.D.: Some of the most straightforward: Organization and planning, basic writing (surprisingly deficient these days) and email etiquette, effective teamwork (again, I worry how online classes affect that one). "Grit" is a popular one tossed around today. Psychometrically, "grit" is actually a bit of a kludge of different psychological factors (mostly personality factors). But one element of it I think is important: a growth mindset. That is the mindset that I can and still need to learn, and to be willing to take on challenges and risk failure. Failure is one of the most important learning opportunities, and increasingly our educational system seems to focus on shielding students from failure rather than teaching them to learn from it. I think that's a big problem. Students and new employees need to be willing to ask questions, challenge themselves and learn from their failures. Good management and mentorship is a big part of that, but so is that growth mindset in the graduate.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the School Psychologist job market given the pandemic?
Emily Daubert Ph.D.: The psychology job market is diverse, but despite the pandemic, I believe there will still be plenty of jobs available in the field of psychology in general. Though, I will qualify this answer by saying that it depends on one's training and area of expertise. Clinical/counseling jobs are always available, and there was a shortage of clinicians prior to the pandemic. Post pandemic, with the increased need for and acceptance of mental health services, I expect that those graduating with a specialty in clinical psychology will fare very well. There are some fields of psychology that may experience a temporary shortage due to budgetary constrictions, including those jobs in academia, which are always in high demand even prior to the pandemic. Last, with the change in federal administration, there is likely to be increased funding for science and research foundations in general, so those seeking research position in the government or at a private or non-profit institution should start to see more openings available in the not so distant future.
What School Psychologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Emily Daubert Ph.D.: If a graduate decides to take a gap year, this is very normal in the field of psychology, and it should be viewed as an opportunity to enhance one's skills. In particular, statistical and coding skills that can be used for data analysis, computational modeling, data collection (e.g., web scraping) are extremely useful in nearly every research-oriented position. For those who know statistics and coding is not their passion, I would recommend acquiring more hands-on experience in their field of interest. For example, someone interested in being a school psychologist could volunteer, intern, or work for a school district, which will build their job skills, professional connections, and their resume. For someone seeking a research-oriented job, could explore lab manager or research associate positions (after undergrad or Masters, before a doctoral program), postdoctoral research positions (after doctoral training), where they will make connections, learn new methods, and build their CV.
What general advice would you give to a School Psychologist?
Emily Daubert Ph.D.: The general advice I would give to a graduate beginning their career is two-fold. First, give yourself credit. Take a moment to celebrate how far you have come to achieve your goals. Everyone faces challenges along the way, and you are where you are because you overcame or adapted to those challenges. Second, believe in yourself. Oftentimes, when people start out in their careers, they may experience some self-doubt, or "imposter syndrome" - the belief that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. Just remember that you prepared and trained for years to get where you are. You may be new to something, and everyone makes mistakes, but try to view these early challenges as opportunities to grow. And remember, you are where you are supposed to be.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the School Psychologist job market given the pandemic?
Melissa Bell: I think that there are numerous changes that we can expect to see in the job market given the pandemic. However, I would like to focus on one: The use of technology. We have grown more comfortable with the use of technology within professional work. People who may not have even heard of Zoom or Microsoft teams just a short time ago are now frequently using these types of interaction. Many social workers have become nimble in their ability to shift between an in-person format and virtual or online format for their jobs. This ability may become an expectation in the job market. Multiple interaction options open opportunities for clients as well. For example, geographical location is less of a barrier to receiving services given the possibility of virtual or online delivery. Also, some clients may prefer or be better served in a virtual or online format.
However, technology is still lacking when considering the type of human interaction that is often necessary in a field such as social work. Thus, we have to be cautious about an overreliance on technology. There are client populations with whom we work who are not able to be electronically connected, especially confidentially, or are not comfortable with technology. We should be aware of disparities that may evolve between those who are able to receive services that utilize newer technology and those who are not, and create solutions to bridge the gaps. As a profession, social work has needed to manage change while adhering to the theories, values, models, and perspectives that are central to our work. The competencies required in social work are fundamental regardless of changes to the job market.
For example, maintaining client-centered interventions and continuing to understand the person in the environmental will remain critical even as technology may become an increasingly salient consideration of the needs of clients. Hopefully, technology will prove to be a benefit to the social work profession and the clients which we serve.
What skills stand out on School Psychologist resumes?
Melissa Bell: I can probably best respond to this question by reporting what field instructors and supervisors at agencies describe as necessary for an employee to be successful. First, I frequently hear the need for professionals to be focused on the task at hand and avoid distractions. It has become increasingly easier to be distracted by influences outside of work. One can also argue that it has become more acceptable in society to allow interruptions to interactions that are occurring in that moment. Social work relies on establishing rapport and developing relationships. Needing to remain engaged, while avoiding disruption, is important. Employees also need to be able to communicate effectively through their speaking, writing, and even non-verbal communication.
Similar to remaining focused, communication skills are required for engagement with clients and colleagues. Finally, flexibility and willingness to learn new skills have been reported as critical to success. As our world is always changing, so too are the demands on the workforce. The social work profession values lifelong learning. Continuing to learn, remain engaged, and communicate effectively are essential to the success of a social work professional. How these skills and attributes are interpreted on a resume as relevant to the position may differ based on the needs of the agency.
A resume that demonstrates the ability to complete team-based, long-term, and community engagement initiatives, and highlights scholarship endeavors could stand out. Also, given that social workers are required to complete hundreds of hours of field placement, at the BSW or MSW level, they can clearly outline on their resume those responsibilities and achievements that require engagement, communication, flexibility, and new learning.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on School Psychologists?
Dr. Victoria Pace: There are likely to be ongoing effects of the pandemic on workplaces because both employers and students or recent graduates may have re-evaluated needs and strategies. For example, many employers were forced to make difficult choices regarding whom to retain when demand decreases. Other employers will have learned that quick learners and those who best adapt to changing expectations could be more easily trained in shorter times if demand increased. Job applicants may have learned to value greater employer flexibility and better work-life balance if presented with a choice, while also needing to think creatively to identify opportunities or lateral moves to better align with their career goals over time.
What's a day at work look like for a School Psychologist?
Dr. Victoria Pace: I expect that average days at work will gradually approximate our prior normal due to the longing of many for enriched interactions with coworkers and clients. However, this may be combined with an increase in virtual teamwork and client interactions, more flexible work schedules, and ongoing reliance on online communication skills, both written and face-to-face. Those skills, now more developed than before, will continue to be important. Recent graduates may have an advantage over others in this area due to their comfort and experience with the virtual environment.
What technical skills for a School Psychologist stand out to employers?
Dr. Victoria Pace: For recent graduates, technical skills that are taught and/or more commonly used in education but that can be directly applied to solve organizational challenges are especially valuable. The tricky part for new graduates is being able to translate those skills and technology to the workplace, gathering insight into business priorities that might benefit, and effectively presenting the application to decision-makers in a way that makes good economic and practical sense. For technical skills or applications that are prevalent in the workplace but may be new to the recent graduate, quick adaptability and desire to learn will pay off. Good judgment, based on the ability to analyze situations and support conclusions and recommendations with data or other objective evidence, continues to be valued both in education and other types of workplaces.
Gabriela Martorell Ph.D.
Professor of PsychologyVirginia Wesleyan University
Psychology Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the School Psychologist job market given the pandemic?
Gabriela Martorell Ph.D.: Much of the future is uncertain right now, but we can still make some predictions about what we are likely to see in the near future. First off, until COVID is under control, the economy cannot fully recover. Although I think we will see conditions improve overall as vaccines become more widespread, there are likely to be ups and downs in the recovery process, with rolling epicenters of infection and lockdowns. Many industries will continue to be negatively affected for some time. Current racial and socioeconomic disparities are likely to become worse.
I would suspect we will continue to see poor performance in the low-skilled service and hospitality industries, bricks-and-mortar retail, and other professions that expose people to close contact indoors. Arts and entertainment industries have been hurt too. The job losses have been concentrated in low wage jobs, which unfortunately disproportionately affect young people. Professionals in jobs which can be performed remotely have been more fortunate in being able to withstand the turbulence brought by the virus.
I think we will continue to see a great deal of remote work. Jobs focused on technology, e-commerce, and essential services are likely to remain viable although the competition for such jobs, given the high numbers of unemployed people, is likely to be high. After the current crisis profile of the pandemic has faded, I would suspect we'll see continued job growth in health care and health care services, in services for the elderly, technology and innovation, and in biomedical fields.
If we want to be optimistic we can talk about how the rollout of the vaccines and the change to warmer weather in which more outdoor activities are possible should slow the spread and influence of the virus, and hopefully lead to positive changes in job growth and salaries in the more near term, especially in service and hospitality occupations.
What technical skills for a School Psychologist stand out to employers?
Gabriela Martorell Ph.D.: There are some skills which are not technical in nature but nonetheless matter greatly. Behaving ethically and professionally and having a strong work ethic are important. Being able to engage in collaborative team-work is really important too. I always tell my students - when they gripe about group projects - that group projects don't stop when you finish college, they're just called committees or task-forces then.You still have to deal with the same issues group work always entails. You still have to learn to get along and work with people you might not necessarily like, and deal with people who are too pushy and take over everything, or who want you to do all the work and then take credit for it. The ability to effectively communicate, in both written and oral form, is really important as well. There's a reason we professors want students to email us in a particular fashion, and ask students to give oral presentations, and insist upon proper grammar in all communications. For some students, those soft skills can make a big difference to how successful you are in the workplace.
In terms of technical skills, certainly the ability to use computer programs common to most professional occupations matters - email, basic documents, presentation templates, and spreadsheets - are important to have. Additionally, skill sets related to budgeting, statistical analysis, critical thinking and hypothesis testing, and project management are also important. But those are just the basics. Some of what may be most useful depends on the job being sought. For example, someone interested in working for a government-funded social service program may be well served by knowing a program such as SPSS and having a working knowledge of statistics, allowing them to perform analyses on program outcomes. However, because there are so many different programs for so many different tasks and so much variability across jobs, what may be more important than knowing a particular program may be the ability and willingness to learn how to use new software and learn new skills.
COVID-19 also changes the ground rules somewhat. Personal characteristics such as autonomy, resilience, resourcefulness and the ability to innovate may be particularly important in a chaotic time such as this.
What's a good job out of college for School Psychologists?
Gabriela Martorell Ph.D.: Well ideally a good job out of college allows you to pay your bills, gives you a bit of extra cash for occasional luxuries, provides good health insurance and other benefits, and has opportunities for career growth. In most industries, it's not realistic to expect a high-paying job straight out of college. You either need to build experience over time and work your way up or extend your schooling in some way. Graduating college, in my opinion, is best considered one of the stepping stones to a good career, not the final piece of the puzzle to pop into place.
Many students graduating from college right now may want to consider graduate school. Often, during economic downturns, people gravitate towards graduate school. During COVID there are additional considerations. Many academic programs are operating remotely, and depending on the area of study, this can make it really difficult to get the appropriate training. Additionally, as with jobs, there is likely to be more competition for program slots right now. Moreover, many people have been subject to job losses and financial difficulties, and paying additional monies for tuition or not working while attending school might be impossible. However, if there are few jobs to be had right now, the benefits of additional schooling may outweigh the possible job opportunities.
Dr. Cecy Brooks
Visiting Assistant ProfessorMississippi University for Women
Department of Psychology and Family Science
What's a good job out of college for School Psychologists?
Dr. Cecy Brooks: During this pandemic, recent college graduates are faced with additional stressors due to not only the availability of full-time and benefits-eligible positions, but they are also faced with the challenge of potentially working in virtual spaces. Recent graduates may need additional support in navigating their roles and responsibilities, so looking at organizations that provide training and opportunities for performance feedback may be beneficial for any new graduate. The onboarding processes for new hires is critical as it provides objectives and goals for the organization and its employees. However, a training manual or video cannot entirely replicate the "real world" environment. As such actual employees can help new hires adjust to their role and provide scenarios from their personal experiences that may take place at work. The opportunity for growth and professional development is not just whether people are promoted, but also whether employees feel valued in the organization when the organization is investing in their training and providing opportunities to grow within the organization.
What technical skills for a School Psychologist stand out to employers?
Dr. Cecy Brooks: Due to the pandemic, many graduates had to finish their classes online, meaning that for most, that required more independent learning and virtual team work. Employers will definitely look at how well you function in a virtual environment, especially whether you can conduct and host virtual meetings. Being aware of how multiple systems such as Microsoft Teams, Skype, Go-to-Meeting, and Zoom work can help distinguish a potential candidate. Written skills are also important as email communication may be the primary way to communicate with those within and outside of the organization. Understanding how to write in a clear and concise manner can help boost your resume to the top. Additionally, in some work settings, in-person meetings may not be possible, so you may be writing more messages when you are unable to "see" or call someone on the phone.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for School Psychologists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Cecy Brooks: For graduates in Human Development and Family Sciences, the pandemic and the virtual environment is changing some of the ways in which people communicate, but also how care is provided. For example, in the health care industry, technology such as Telehealth and Virtual care has become more relevant during the pandemic. As more people become more comfortable and experience the benefits of using this technology versus conventional in-person assistance, students will also need to prepare for more virtual contact.
Dr. Joey Collins
Assistant Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Founder of Collins AllianceSeattle Pacific University
School of Psychology, Family & Community
What general advice would you give to a School Psychologist?
Dr. Joey Collins: Network, network, and then more of that - there is no shortage of advice on networking. Scroll through fifteen to twenty sources on the internet, select 2-3 practices you feel could work for you, and then use them for two weeks. After two weeks, reflect on the techniques, keep the ones that work, and repeat. In a month or two, you will become a networking expert for people like you.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for School Psychologists?
Dr. Joey Collins: Depends on the job.
What's a day at work look like for a School Psychologist?
Dr. Joey Collins: Your first days and weeks will likely be from home. Before the first day, you will have received a laptop, headsets, and in some cases, an internet hotspot. Your day will begin in MS Teams, Zoom, or some other digital platform. First impressions are always significant, so be intentional in how you show up. I suggest you curate your video background thoughtfully and ensure you have enough capacity to maintain video and audio fidelity throughout the day. As often as possible, try to get into work to connect with your peers and begin building your organizational network.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the School Psychologist job market given the pandemic?
Dé Bryant Ph.D.: As the job market begins to stabilize after the pandemic I believe we will see a great need for innovators. We clearly cannot just "go back to normal." Existing businesses, and business practices, have been devastated and will not return in the same shape. The market will need problem solvers and project designers and risk management professionals. People who are able to think around corners and past the obvious will be in high demand. That means a liberal arts education will give students the range of skills they need to respond in the new work environment.
What School Psychologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dé Bryant Ph.D.: Grads should not think of that year as a throw-away period between serious work on degrees. Instead, they should use this as a time to redefine their own vision. They should ask themselves, "After I have considered everything that I could do with my life, what one things must I do?". Students shouldn't just think about a career in terms of skills acquisition. They should also think about how that time in between degrees could be used to find meaning, adjust their attitudes, build relationships. Among the many things this Era of COVID has taught us, the most important is that none of us is an island. We all live within the society; our task is to find out what that means for our individual lives.
What general advice would you give to a School Psychologist?
Dé Bryant Ph.D.: New graduates at the beginning of their career should find out what gives them joy. Yes, student loans are coming up fast on their heels. Yes, they feel society's pressure to "make something of themselves." Yes, they may have others who depend on their earning power. Despite all those realities -- or more accurately, because of them -- start a career by asking what about this path makes me feel all the work of my undergraduate years was worth it. Build from that foundation even if it only makes sense to you.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the School Psychologist job market given the pandemic?
Glenn Valdez Ph.D.: I think one of the biggest trends given the pandemic is a possible shift towards more resources going towards understanding neurological and psychological issues related to COVID. One of the issues that is not very well understood, mainly because the research is still in its infancy, is the effects of "long haul" COVID. There seems to be wide range of cognitive and neurological issues that a certain population of people are experiencing after recovering from their initial symptoms. I would envision that many scientific fields would want to gain a better understanding of the long-term effects of the pandemic once things are more under control.
What skills stand out on School Psychologist resumes?
Glenn Valdez Ph.D.: The most obvious skills would be having a good technical background in the area, analytical skills, and research experience. Another important one is communication skills. I think one of the most important things that the pandemic has brought to light is that being able to convey both scientific concepts and the process of science in a clear and understandable way to the general public is critical.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for School Psychologists to find work opportunities?
Glenn Valdez Ph.D.: There are many good places around the United States for opportunities in this area. These are usually places that have large research communities nearby. Areas like California, Boston, and Washington, D.C. are ones that really stand out, but it is possible to find opportunities all over the place.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on School Psychologists?
Michelle Ceynar Ph.D.: How could there not? The pandemic will likely result in lasting changes to all facets of our lives. I think the pandemic will likely change the way that employers function and their expectations for employees. This might have some positive effects in that we know that people can be productive working remotely so more people may have access to that flexibility. On the other hand, we've learned that people really do need to have some in-person connection with others. Young graduates who are starting their careers will have the opportunity to reshape their working environment in meaningful ways, bringing the best of both worlds together.
What type of skills will young School Psychologists need?
Michelle Ceynar Ph.D.: I'm sure that, as a result of the pandemic, employers will be looking for employees who have the ability to effectively use remote work technology. Otherwise, I think young graduates will need the same set of general skills as employers have looked for in past years. They need to have excellent communication skills-both oral and written. They need to show initiative and a desire to learn; have effective time management and organizational skills; and they need to work well in team settings. For current students, these are skills that can be developed and demonstrated in both in-person and remote coursework. I think one skill that new graduates can demonstrate with the shift from in-person to remote learning is that they are able to adapt to challenging circumstances and continue to learn and grow as individuals.
What experience really stands out on School Psychologist resumes?
Michelle Ceynar Ph.D.: Experiential learning experiences such as internships, research projects or service learning have the potential to make a student stand out from other applicants. Taking advantage of those opportunities can show a potential employee is willing to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real world situations.