School Psychologists in California
Want to work as a School Psychologists in California? Here’s what you need to know. Diagnose and implement individual or schoolwide interventions or strategies to address educational, behavioral, or developmental issues that adversely impact educational functioning in a school. May address student learning and behavioral problems and counsel students or families. May design and implement performance plans, and evaluate performance. May consult with other school-based personnel.
What do School Psychologists Make in California?
For school psychologists working in California, wages run about $118,310 per year (or roughly $56.88/hour).Pay can range from $81,170 at the 10th percentile to $154,100 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,170 | $39.02 |
| 25th percentile | $101,930 | $49.01 |
| Median (50th) | $118,310 | $56.88 |
| 75th percentile | $133,280 | $64.08 |
| 90th percentile | $154,100 | $74.09 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in California compared to the national average — is 1.25, suggesting that school psychologists are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, school psychologists earn a median of $108,275 per year ($52.06/hour), higher than the California median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 170,241 school psychologists in the U.S.. In California alone, around 9,350 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 680 school psychologists.
Top California Metros for School Psychologists
These are the California metros with the most school psychologists in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 3,170 | $108,130 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 940 | $127,730 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 920 | $108,010 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 790 | $124,200 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 510 | $123,960 |
| Fresno, CA | 470 | $125,450 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 280 | $127,940 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 240 | $110,760 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 220 | $122,970 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 180 | $123,410 |
| Visalia, CA | 150 | $125,680 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 130 | $127,030 |
| Salinas, CA | 110 | $126,730 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 90 | $106,050 |
| Merced, CA | 80 | $125,660 |
| Modesto, CA | 80 | $116,550 |
| El Centro, CA | 70 | $140,350 |
| Vallejo, CA | 70 | $109,430 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | 50 | $103,010 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | 50 | $110,330 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 40 | $121,540 |
| Yuba City, CA | 40 | $120,090 |
Top States for School Psychologists Employment
View the states that employ the most school psychologists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 9,350 |
| New York | 7,250 |
| Texas | 5,140 |
| Illinois | 3,440 |
| Massachusetts | 2,730 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,240 |
| Ohio | 2,110 |
| North Carolina | 2,100 |
| New Jersey | 2,090 |
| Maryland | 2,010 |
| Florida | 1,960 |
| Georgia | 1,670 |
| Michigan | 1,510 |
| Colorado | 1,370 |
| Washington | 1,290 |
| Wisconsin | 1,280 |
| Virginia | 1,170 |
| Connecticut | 1,100 |
| Minnesota | 1,070 |
| Arizona | 1,050 |
Highest-Paying States for School Psychologists
Where school psychologists earn the most: school psychologists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $118,310 |
| Oregon | $113,180 |
| Colorado | $111,060 |
| Maryland | $108,710 |
| Washington | $106,440 |
| District of Columbia | $100,720 |
| New Mexico | $100,100 |
| New York | $99,310 |
| Massachusetts | $98,150 |
| Connecticut | $98,080 |
Skills
The most important school psychologists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for school psychologists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, school psychologists typically:
- Compile and interpret students' test results, along with information from teachers and parents, to diagnose conditions and to help assess eligibility for special services.
- Maintain student records, including special education reports, confidential records, records of services provided, and behavioral data.
- Report any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse.
- Select, administer, and score psychological tests.
- Interpret test results and prepare psychological reports for teachers, administrators, and parents.
- Assess an individual child's needs, limitations, and potential, using observation, review of school records, and consultation with parents and school personnel.
- Develop individualized educational plans in collaboration with teachers and other staff members.
- Counsel children and families to help solve conflicts and problems in learning and adjustment.
- Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs and other services, such as behavioral management systems.
- Provide consultation to parents, teachers, administrators, and others on topics such as learning styles and behavior modification techniques.
- Collaborate with other educational professionals to develop teaching strategies and school programs.
- Design classes and programs to meet the needs of special students.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Assisting and Caring for Others
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Clinical & Counseling Psychology
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Related Careers
Related occupations to school psychologists include:
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Neuropsychologists
- Clinical Neuropsychologists
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
Also Known As
Area School Psychologist, Assessment Specialist, Autism Consultant, Behavior Specialist, Behavioral Analyst, Behavioral Specialist, Bilingual School Psychologist, Certified School Psychologist, Challenging Behavior Consultant, Child Psychologist, Child Psychometrist, Consulting Psychologist, Contract School Psychologist, Counseling Psychologist, Early Intervention School Psychologist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-3034.00
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