How much does a School Therapist make?
School therapists work with students to help them overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. This rewarding job comes with a decent salary. The average yearly salary for a school therapist stands at $61,529. This amount reflects the important role they play in students' lives.
Salary ranges from $38,000 to $110,000. Most school therapists fall within the mid-range of this spectrum, earning between $57,636 and $77,273 per year. These figures show that experience, location, and additional qualifications can affect earnings. For instance, those in larger cities or with more experience may earn more. School therapists at the higher end of the salary range often have advanced degrees or specialized certifications.
What are the highest paying cities for a School Therapist?

-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $97,134
In San Jose, a thriving tech hub, a therapist plays a key role in student well-being. With schools like the San Jose Unified School District, professionals can make a difference. Opportunities for collaboration with educators and specialists are abundant.
Find School Therapist jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Pittsburgh, PA
Average Salary: $87,428
Pittsburgh offers a unique blend of urban and suburban settings for therapists. Schools like Pittsburgh Public Schools provide diverse environments. Here, therapists often work closely with teachers and parents to support student success.
Find School Therapist jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
-
Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $81,751
Santa Maria provides a close-knit community feel with its schools. Therapists can foster strong relationships with students and staff. Opportunities in districts like the Santa Maria Joint Unified School District are plentiful.
Find School Therapist jobs in Santa Maria, CA
-
Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $78,006
Baltimore offers a vibrant city atmosphere with a strong emphasis on education. Therapists in the Baltimore City Public Schools often collaborate with a range of professionals. The city's diverse student population presents unique challenges and rewards.
Find School Therapist jobs in Baltimore, MD
-
Columbia, MO
Average Salary: $77,900
Columbia offers a balanced lifestyle with its schools such as the Columbia Public School District. Therapists here enjoy a supportive work environment. The city's academic focus provides many opportunities for professional growth.
Find School Therapist jobs in Columbia, MO
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $70,888
Los Angeles offers a dynamic and diverse educational setting. Therapists can work in large districts like the Los Angeles Unified School District. The city’s cultural richness provides a unique backdrop for student support.
Find School Therapist jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $69,724
Washington, DC, provides a unique opportunity to work with a diverse student body. Schools like the District of Columbia Public Schools offer many professional development opportunities. The city’s political and cultural influence adds an interesting dimension to the role.
Find School Therapist jobs in Washington, DC
-
Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $69,623
Philadelphia offers a rich history and diverse student population. Therapists in the Philadelphia School District collaborate with educators to support student well-being. The city's vibrant culture provides a dynamic work environment.
Find School Therapist jobs in Philadelphia, PA
-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $69,295
Santa Rosa provides a peaceful setting with excellent schools. Therapists in the Santa Rosa City Schools benefit from a supportive community. The city's focus on student success makes it a rewarding place to work.
Find School Therapist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
-
Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $65,567
Kansas City offers a welcoming atmosphere with its schools such as the Kansas City Public Schools. Therapists here enjoy a collaborative work environment. The city’s strong sense of community enhances the professional experience.
Find School Therapist jobs in Kansas City, MO
What are the best companies a School Therapist can work for?

-
Glade Run Lutheran Services
Average Salary: $86,438
Glade Run Lutheran Services offers School Therapist jobs with a strong focus on holistic care. They operate in Pennsylvania and provide services in various locations to support students with emotional and behavioral challenges.
-
CHILDREN'S HEALTH COUNCIL
Average Salary: $85,974
CHILDREN'S HEALTH COUNCIL provides rewarding School Therapist positions. They have locations in Northern California, where they work to improve children's mental health through comprehensive programs.
-
Seneca Family of Agencies
Average Salary: $81,299
Seneca Family of Agencies values School Therapists who are dedicated to making a difference. With locations in New York, they offer various programs to help children and families thrive.
-
InSite Health
Average Salary: $76,813
InSite Health offers School Therapist jobs with a focus on community wellness. Operating in Illinois, they provide mental health and substance abuse services to support students' well-being.
-
Compass Health Network
Average Salary: $75,580
Compass Health Network provides School Therapist positions with a commitment to excellence. They serve multiple locations in Missouri, offering integrated care to meet students' needs.
-
Advanced Behavioral Health
Average Salary: $74,250
Advanced Behavioral Health offers School Therapist jobs with a focus on personalized care. They operate in Maryland, providing various mental health services to support student success.
-
Arbour Counseling Services
Average Salary: $72,192
Arbour Counseling Services provides School Therapist positions with a dedication to student well-being. With locations in Massachusetts, they offer mental health services to support students' growth.
-
Washburn Center for Children
Average Salary: $66,672
Washburn Center for Children offers School Therapist jobs with a focus on comprehensive care. Operating in Minnesota, they provide services to help students overcome challenges and succeed.
-
Burrell Behavioral Health
Average Salary: $63,170
Burrell Behavioral Health provides School Therapist positions with a commitment to mental health. They serve multiple locations in Missouri, offering services to support students' emotional well-being.
-
Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
Average Salary: $61,852
Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch offers School Therapist jobs with a focus on healing and growth. They operate in Montana, providing residential and outpatient services to support students' development.
How to earn more as a School Therapist?
A School Therapist can improve their earnings by focusing on a few key areas. One major factor is gaining advanced certifications. These credentials can lead to higher pay and more job opportunities. Another way to earn more is to specialize in a niche area. For example, working with children who have autism or speech therapy can often command higher wages. Continuing education also plays a role. Attending workshops and seminars keeps skills sharp and knowledge current.
Networking within the profession can lead to more job offers and better positions. Building relationships with other professionals can open doors to higher-paying roles. Lastly, consider moving into administrative roles. These positions often come with a significant pay increase. School Therapists who take on these roles manage programs and supervise other therapists.
Factors to earn more as a School Therapist include:
- Gain advanced certifications
- Specialize in a niche area
- Attend continuing education
- Network with other professionals
- Move into administrative roles



