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The differences between research psychologists and school psychologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a research psychologist and a school psychologist. Additionally, a research psychologist has an average salary of $90,440, which is higher than the $78,431 average annual salary of a school psychologist.
The top three skills for a research psychologist include research projects, research studies and technical reports. The most important skills for a school psychologist are professional development, mental health, and psychological services.
| Research Psychologist | School Psychologist | |
| Yearly salary | $90,440 | $78,431 |
| Hourly rate | $43.48 | $37.71 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 14% |
| Number of jobs | 58,163 | 25,457 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Research psychologists are psychology professionals who examine questions and test hypotheses by using scientific methods to understand human thought and behavior. These psychologists must conduct experiments in controlled lab settings as well as out in the field to examine the social behavior of people living in a rural town. They must analyze data and prepare reports to be presented professionally to program managers and administrators. Research psychologists must also supervise staff and interns who are involved in treating and diagnosing mental health.
School psychologists are knowledgeable professionals whose responsibilities include identifying, addressing, and overcoming the educational and behavioral needs of school-aged children. They generally work in schools and focus their observations on children and youth who often face issues related to education, social relationships, decision-making, as well as managing emotions. They help families, counselors, and members of the community understand and solve these issues the children may encounter. Additionally, they provide comprehensive psychological services to help students achieve academic, behavioral, social, and emotional success.
Research psychologists and school psychologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Psychologist | School Psychologist | |
| Average salary | $90,440 | $78,431 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $128,000 | Between $55,000 And $110,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Parexel International | CORA Services |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Education |
There are a few differences between a research psychologist and a school psychologist in terms of educational background:
| Research Psychologist | School Psychologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between research psychologists' and school psychologists' demographics:
| Research Psychologist | School Psychologist | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 50.7% Female, 49.3% | Male, 26.8% Female, 73.2% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 6.2% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 3.3% White, 76.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |