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The differences between school psychologists and school psychology specialists 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 psychology specialist. Additionally, a school psychologist has an average salary of $78,431, which is higher than the $41,695 average annual salary of a school psychology specialist.
The top three skills for a school psychologist include professional development, mental health and psychological services. The most important skills for a school psychology specialist are professional development, school administration, and K-12.
| School Psychologist | School Psychology Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $78,431 | $41,695 |
| Hourly rate | $37.71 | $20.05 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 14% |
| Number of jobs | 25,457 | 21,246 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| 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.
School Psychology Specialists support a students' ability to find out and teachers' ability to show. These specialists apply their expertise in learning mental health and behavior, as well as emotions. They partner with teachers, school administrators, and family to create a safe learning environment for everyone. School psychology specialists must have the skills and knowledge of family-school-community collaboration, school-wide practices to promote learning, and diversity in development and learning. They may provide services in preschools, school-based health and mental health centers, and universities.
School psychologists and school psychology specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| School Psychologist | School Psychology Specialist | |
| Average salary | $78,431 | $41,695 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $110,000 | Between $28,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Juneau, AK |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | CORA Services | Boston Public Schools |
| Best paying industry | Education | Professional |
There are a few differences between a school psychologist and a school psychology specialist in terms of educational background:
| School Psychologist | School Psychology Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between school psychologists' and school psychology specialists' demographics:
| School Psychologist | School Psychology Specialist | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 26.8% Female, 73.2% | Male, 31.5% Female, 68.5% |
| 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% |