Educational Psychologist

Assess and support children and young people with learning, behavioural or emotional needs.

This UK educational psychologist career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£42,000 - £50,000
Mid-career salary
£55,000 - £70,000
Senior salary
£75,000 - £95,000
Work environment
Hospital, clinic or community setting
Time to entry
6 - 7 years (DEdPsy)
Degree required
Required (DEdPsy)
Category
Healthcare and Care

What a Educational Psychologist does

Assess and support children and young people with learning, behavioural or emotional needs.

  • Local Authority EP - Statutory assessment work for LA SEND teams.
  • Independent EP - Private assessments for tribunal and parent referrals.
  • Early Years Specialist - EP work focused on under-5s.
  • Specialist Schools EP - EP work embedded in special schools.

How to become a Educational Psychologist

  1. Look up Educational Psychologist roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Educational Psychologist - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • Child development
  • Assessment
  • Report writing
  • Empathy
  • Multi-agency working