2 answers
Isabella
Student
Fairfield, California
1
Question
Updated
235 views
How much full-time job opportunity if available once I earn my MA in School Psychology??
I am planning to attend Sac State in the Fall of 2026 and earning my Bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Development with a Concentration in Educational Contexts. #fall25
Login to comment
2 answers
Diana Rodriguez Velasquez
Psychologist
54
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Isabella!
Great question — and it’s amazing that you’re already planning ahead for your career in School Psychology.
The short answer is: there are many full-time job opportunities for school psychologists, and the demand continues to grow across the U.S., including California.
Here’s what you can expect once you complete your master’s degree and credential:
1. Strong Job Demand (Especially in California)
School psychology is considered a high-need profession because:
• Many districts are understaffed
• Student mental health needs have increased
• Retirements create new openings every year
This means you will find full-time jobs more easily compared to many other psychology careers.
2. Common Full-Time Roles You Can Apply For
With a Master’s + PPS credential (or equivalent), you can work as a:
• School Psychologist (K–12)
• Early Intervention Specialist
• Educational Diagnostician
• Behavioral Intervention Specialist
• MTSS/RTI specialist
• Assessment & IEP coordinator
These roles are typically 35–40 hours/week and are offered by public schools, charter schools, and private schools.
3. Typical Employers in Your Area (Sacramento/Fairfield region)
You’ll likely find full-time positions in:
• Sacramento City Unified School District
• Elk Grove Unified
• Fairfield-Suisun Unified
• Solano County Office of Education
• Charter school networks (like Aspire or KIPP)
California also has large educational agencies that frequently hire.
4. Salary Expectations
School psychologists generally earn:
• $70k–$110k+ per year in California, depending on district & experience.
They also receive school benefits, holidays, and summers off or optional summer contracts.
5. Job Outlook
According to national data, school psychology has a projected job growth of ~10% or more, which is above average.
In short: if you want stability + meaningful work, this field is an excellent choice.
Final Advice
If you already love child and adolescent development, school psychology is a perfect path. Start building experience now through internships, tutoring, or volunteering in educational settings — it will make you even more competitive later.
If you want help planning your steps from undergrad → master’s → career, I’d be happy to help!
Great question — and it’s amazing that you’re already planning ahead for your career in School Psychology.
The short answer is: there are many full-time job opportunities for school psychologists, and the demand continues to grow across the U.S., including California.
Here’s what you can expect once you complete your master’s degree and credential:
1. Strong Job Demand (Especially in California)
School psychology is considered a high-need profession because:
• Many districts are understaffed
• Student mental health needs have increased
• Retirements create new openings every year
This means you will find full-time jobs more easily compared to many other psychology careers.
2. Common Full-Time Roles You Can Apply For
With a Master’s + PPS credential (or equivalent), you can work as a:
• School Psychologist (K–12)
• Early Intervention Specialist
• Educational Diagnostician
• Behavioral Intervention Specialist
• MTSS/RTI specialist
• Assessment & IEP coordinator
These roles are typically 35–40 hours/week and are offered by public schools, charter schools, and private schools.
3. Typical Employers in Your Area (Sacramento/Fairfield region)
You’ll likely find full-time positions in:
• Sacramento City Unified School District
• Elk Grove Unified
• Fairfield-Suisun Unified
• Solano County Office of Education
• Charter school networks (like Aspire or KIPP)
California also has large educational agencies that frequently hire.
4. Salary Expectations
School psychologists generally earn:
• $70k–$110k+ per year in California, depending on district & experience.
They also receive school benefits, holidays, and summers off or optional summer contracts.
5. Job Outlook
According to national data, school psychology has a projected job growth of ~10% or more, which is above average.
In short: if you want stability + meaningful work, this field is an excellent choice.
Final Advice
If you already love child and adolescent development, school psychology is a perfect path. Start building experience now through internships, tutoring, or volunteering in educational settings — it will make you even more competitive later.
If you want help planning your steps from undergrad → master’s → career, I’d be happy to help!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Isabella.
This is an excellent question, and it's wise that you're considering employment prospects now rather than after graduation. The simple answer is that there are plenty of full-time career possibilities for school psychologists, and this situation will probably continue for some time to come.
Most School Psychology MA (or EdS) graduates go straight into full-time positions in K–12 school districts. School districts are constantly searching and often competing for suitable applicants due to the recognized lack of school psychologists across the country, particularly in areas like California. Before they even complete their internship year, many students receive job offers.
Where you'll work, most jobs are full-time positions in county offices of education, charter schools, or public school districts. These positions usually stick to the academic calendar, which is an important advantage in terms of quality of life. Additionally, some professionals supplement their income through contract work, private assessments, or summer evaluations; nevertheless, this is not required for secure employment.
Your intended undergraduate course of study in Child and Adolescent Development with an emphasis on Educational Context is actually quite compatible. By providing you with relevant developmental, school-based, and systems-level exposure, it strategically places you for graduate school, exactly what employers and admissions committees want to see.
This is a high-demand, high-impact position with good placement rates, fulfilling work, and long-term stability from the perspective of workforce planning. School psychology is one of the most dependable options if you want a career in psychology with steady full-time work, benefits, and practical effects on kids and families.
You're taking a well-thought-out action, and you're early enough to make a strong impression. Continue.
Best wishes!
This is an excellent question, and it's wise that you're considering employment prospects now rather than after graduation. The simple answer is that there are plenty of full-time career possibilities for school psychologists, and this situation will probably continue for some time to come.
Most School Psychology MA (or EdS) graduates go straight into full-time positions in K–12 school districts. School districts are constantly searching and often competing for suitable applicants due to the recognized lack of school psychologists across the country, particularly in areas like California. Before they even complete their internship year, many students receive job offers.
Where you'll work, most jobs are full-time positions in county offices of education, charter schools, or public school districts. These positions usually stick to the academic calendar, which is an important advantage in terms of quality of life. Additionally, some professionals supplement their income through contract work, private assessments, or summer evaluations; nevertheless, this is not required for secure employment.
Your intended undergraduate course of study in Child and Adolescent Development with an emphasis on Educational Context is actually quite compatible. By providing you with relevant developmental, school-based, and systems-level exposure, it strategically places you for graduate school, exactly what employers and admissions committees want to see.
This is a high-demand, high-impact position with good placement rates, fulfilling work, and long-term stability from the perspective of workforce planning. School psychology is one of the most dependable options if you want a career in psychology with steady full-time work, benefits, and practical effects on kids and families.
You're taking a well-thought-out action, and you're early enough to make a strong impression. Continue.
Best wishes!