Post job

Educational psychologist vs school social worker

The differences between educational psychologists and school social workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an educational psychologist, becoming a school social worker takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an educational psychologist has an average salary of $79,777, which is higher than the $54,856 average annual salary of a school social worker.

The top three skills for an educational psychologist include K-12, professional development and IEP. The most important skills for a school social worker are social work, social emotional, and IEP.

Educational psychologist vs school social worker overview

Educational PsychologistSchool Social Worker
Yearly salary$79,777$54,856
Hourly rate$38.35$26.37
Growth rate14%9%
Number of jobs13,175122,376
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Master's Degree, 51%
Average age4342
Years of experience24

Educational psychologist vs school social worker salary

Educational psychologists and school social workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Educational PsychologistSchool Social Worker
Average salary$79,777$54,856
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $114,000Between $40,000 And $73,000
Highest paying CityTustin, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWashington
Best paying companyGeisinger Medical CenterBoston Public Schools
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between educational psychologist and school social worker education

There are a few differences between an educational psychologist and a school social worker in terms of educational background:

Educational PsychologistSchool Social Worker
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Master's Degree, 51%
Most common majorPsychologySocial Work
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityBoston College

Educational psychologist vs school social worker demographics

Here are the differences between educational psychologists' and school social workers' demographics:

Educational PsychologistSchool Social Worker
Average age4342
Gender ratioMale, 25.0% Female, 75.0%Male, 17.5% Female, 82.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 3.3% White, 76.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage12%10%

Differences between educational psychologist and school social worker duties and responsibilities

Educational psychologist example responsibilities.

  • Lead small student groups addressing social skills, friendship-making, divorce, ADHD, organizational skills and homework completion.
  • Administer a variety of standardize psychological measures to address cognitive functioning, academic achievement, social/behavioral issues, and adaptive functioning.
  • Provide consultation regarding appropriate placement/treatment of juveniles in the DJJ system.

School social worker example responsibilities.

  • Case manage in-district and out-of-district students with emotional disabilities, autism, other health impair and physical disabilities.
  • Provide individual, group and family therapy to patients suffering from substance abuse/dependence.
  • Prepare APS reports as needed and present them to the state.
  • Prepare IEP's, set goals, and objectives consistent with CSE standards.
  • Train college interns, new employees, and volunteers on APS policies and procedures.
  • Design school-wide and individual PBIS programs and incentives; as well as compiled data relate to PBIS.
  • Show more

Educational psychologist vs school social worker skills

Common educational psychologist skills
  • K-12, 24%
  • Professional Development, 22%
  • IEP, 16%
  • Psycho-Educational Evaluations, 16%
  • Group Therapy, 7%
  • Behavioral Management, 3%
Common school social worker skills
  • Social Work, 26%
  • Social Emotional, 6%
  • IEP, 6%
  • Community Resources, 5%
  • Professional Development, 5%
  • Behavioral Issues, 4%

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs