School Psychologist vs. School Counselor: Understanding Each Role
Written by:
East Carolina University®
• Nov 19, 2025
School Psychologist vs. School Counselor: Understanding Each Role
While many careers support the well-being of students, two of the most critical are school psychologist and school counselor, roles with similarities and differences that prospective professionals should consider.
These careers prioritize mental health, advocate for supportive learning, and provide counseling services, but they do so in different ways. While school psychologists focus on clinical interventionist approaches, school counselors employ a more dynamic and less formal method of guidance and support.
Individuals who can’t decide between these careers should consider factors such as how soon they’d like to enter the workforce, duties, job outlook, and responsibilities. For both options, a bachelor’s degree in psychology is a common first step and often a prerequisite for the graduate degrees that the positions require.
What Is a School Psychologist?
School psychologists are licensed professionals who specialize in working with children primarily in K-12 educational settings. One of their main responsibilities is to evaluate children for mental health issues and create treatment plans that accommodate students’ academic or behavioral needs. They conduct one-on-one counseling with students with developmental delays and disabilities and children with behavioral challenges. When indicated, school psychologists collaborate with parents, teachers, and other administrators to establish Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) based on each child’s needs.
What Is a School Counselor?
School counselors are credentialed or licensed specialists who guide K-12 students in career planning, academic goal setting, and conflict resolution. Counselors may provide one-on-one or group sessions. They may also help students develop stress management techniques, establish study tips, and identify learning difficulties. Since they support various stages of child development, some of the informal duties of school counselors involve working with students with mental health issues. However, unlike school psychologists, counselors don’t manage or treat their conditions.
Similarities Between a School Psychologist and a School Counselor
Among the key similarities between a school psychologist and a school counselor is the educational background required to begin working in the field.
Education Requirements
Prospective school counselors and psychologists should earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology or another relevant field. Many psychology careers , including school counseling and school psychology, require an advanced degree. School psychologists usually have a master’s or doctoral degree in school psychology, while school counselors are typically required to hold a master’s degree in school counseling. In addition, state-issued licenses or certifications are generally needed for both careers. In the credentialing process, candidates must meet education and experience standards and pass an exam.
Scope of Practice
Both careers help students by working with them individually, whether through mental health support or academic support. Both types of professionals collaborate with administrators, teachers, and families; advocate for a safe environment; and provide counseling services. Most school psychologists and school counselors work in K-12 settings.
Skills
School counselors and psychologists draw on relevant psychology skills to understand students, so the two careers rely on many similar competencies when interacting with their students. Both types of professionals need to have superb communication skills, excellent analytical abilities, compassion, and a strong sense of integrity to keep their work confidential.
Differences Between a School Psychologist and a School Counselor
While the two careers share a similar foundation, there are differences in depth of study and salary figures.
Depth of Study
The primary difference between these careers is the duration of specialty education. While both require a master’s degree, school psychologists require postgraduate study that includes practicums and more psychological assessment-focused coursework. While programs and state requirements vary, psychology students often need to complete a supervised, nine-to-12-month internship.
Salary
The median school psychologist salary was $86,930 as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
On the other hand, school counselors’ salaries depend on their educational setting.
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Public K-12 institutions: $76,960
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Private K-12 institutions: $62,090
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State and local higher education (including community colleges): $60,170
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Private higher education (including community colleges): $57,800
Job Outlook
School psychologists and school counselors also differ in their projected career outlook. The BLS projects that school psychologists will experience a 1% increase in job openings between 2024 and 2034. Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors, on the other hand, are projected to experience a more promising 4% increase in positions between 2024 and 2034, which equates to around 31,000 new openings each year on average.
Launch Your Counseling Career With a Bachelor’s Degree
Students deciding on a career to pursue should explore why studying psychology provides a solid foundation for understanding human behavior. Earning a bachelor’s degree is the prerequisite to becoming a school psychologist or a school counselor. While both also require a master’s degree for individuals who want a quicker entry into the workforce, a school counselor career typically requires shorter advanced study.
East Carolina University® offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology that provides a strong foundation for individuals who want to earn a master’s degree and pursue school counseling. Students learn how to manage high-stress situations, decipher data, think critically, maintain professionalism, and understand behavioral science. The program allows students to choose a capstone course, such as a senior thesis or project, advanced psychology, or an advanced topics seminar.
Find out how ECU’s psychology degree program can prepare you for a career as a school counselor.
Recommended Readings
11 Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Career Paths
Sources:
Indeed, “School Psychologist vs. School Counselor: Key Differences”
National Association of School Psychologists, School Psychology: A Career That Makes a Difference
Sunbelt Staffing, “School Psychologist vs. School Counselor”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, School and Career Counselors and Advisors
