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The differences between school psychologists and school psychological examiners can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a school psychologist and a school psychological examiner. Additionally, a school psychological examiner has an average salary of $86,900, which is higher than the $78,431 average annual salary of a school psychologist.
The top three skills for a school psychologist include professional development, mental health and psychological services. The most important skills for a school psychological examiner are K-12, adaptive, and assessment measures.
| School Psychologist | School Psychological Examiner | |
| Yearly salary | $78,431 | $86,900 |
| Hourly rate | $37.71 | $41.78 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 14% |
| Number of jobs | 25,457 | 21,474 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
A school psychological examiner specializes in assessing the students' and faculty's psychological health. Among their responsibilities include conducting interviews and evaluations, performing background checks, addressing concerns, answering inquiries, and providing psychological support to students, faculty, and school staff. They may also respond to crises, conduct interventions, maintain records, and refer clients to other services as necessary. Moreover, a school psychological examiner must coordinate with other professionals in addressing psychological issues and concerns, resolving situations to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for everyone.
School psychologists and school psychological examiners have different pay scales, as shown below.
| School Psychologist | School Psychological Examiner | |
| Average salary | $78,431 | $86,900 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $110,000 | Between $58,000 And $128,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Modesto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | CORA Services | Miriam Foundation |
| Best paying industry | Education | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a school psychologist and a school psychological examiner in terms of educational background:
| School Psychologist | School Psychological Examiner | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between school psychologists' and school psychological examiners' demographics:
| School Psychologist | School Psychological Examiner | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 26.8% Female, 73.2% | Male, 33.1% Female, 66.9% |
| 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% |