Setting Your Fees as an Independent Contractor for School Districts: Are You Charging Enough?
By Juliana Ramirez, EdS NCSP
Owner and Founder of PERA Services®
Independent School Psychology
School Psychology Contracting
Education Consulting Business
Private Practice for School Psychologists
As an independent school psychologist contracting with school districts, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is setting your fees. But here’s the thing—most school psychologists tend to undercharge for their services. It’s a common scenario, and one that often leads to frustration and burnout down the line. So, how do you ensure you’re charging what you’re worth? Let’s dive into some key strategies to help you set your fees confidently and competitively.
The Common Struggle: Undercharging for Your Expertise
I recently had a conversation with a fellow school psychologist who was second-guessing her fee structure. She wondered if she was charging enough for the services she was providing. My response? “Likely you are undercharging, because most school psychs do.”
This got me thinking—how many of you are in the same boat? Setting your fees as an independent contractor is a critical step in building a sustainable practice, yet it’s one that many struggle with. If you’re in the process of rethinking your fee structure, here are three tips to ensure you’re not selling yourself short.
1. Consider the Market: Know Your Worth
The first step in setting your fees is understanding what the market is willing to pay for your level of expertise.
Don’t guess—do your research. Talk to your peers, look up rates online, and understand the going rates in your area. Location matters—California school psychologists, for example, typically charge more than those in the Midwest. But don’t let this discourage you. Position yourself toward the higher end of the spectrum. You’re providing a valuable service, and your fees should reflect that.
2. Evaluate Your Services: The Value You Provide
What makes your services stand out? Are you offering tailored reports, fast turnaround times, or specialized expertise in a niche area? These are all factors that should influence your pricing. Remember, setting your fees isn’t just about the time you spend on a task—it’s about the value you bring to the table. High-quality, specialized services demand higher fees, so don’t hesitate to adjust your rates upwards to reflect the exceptional value you offer.
3. Use District IEE Rates as a Baseline: A Practical Approach
Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) paid by districts can be a great benchmark for setting your fees. Districts often pay premium rates for quality assessments, and if you’re providing similar services, why not align your rates with these? Using IEE rates as a baseline ensures that your fees are in line with what schools are already willing to pay for independent expertise. It’s a practical approach that can help you set competitive and fair pricing for your services.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Sell Yourself Short
As you navigate the process of setting your fees, remember that your expertise, experience, and the value you provide are worth charging for. Don’t fall into the trap of undercharging just because you’re unsure of what’s standard. Do your research, evaluate your unique offerings, and use established rates as a guide. By doing so, you’ll not only ensure that you’re compensated fairly but also build a sustainable, thriving practice as an independent contractor.
Here's how it works: You set up your own business or LLC, effectively becoming an independent contractor. Your business serves as a third-party agency to the schools, securing independent contracts directly with school districts. This means your business becomes a vendor or 1099 contractor for the district, and you, as the owner, are an employee of your own business.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to start your journey to independent practice, I’ve got just the thing for you. Download my free guidebook, The Guidebook: Action Steps to Starting Your Independent Business in School Psychology, which provides a step-by-step plan to help you get started.
And if you’re looking for more in-depth support, schedule a 1:1 coaching call with me. Together, we can dive deeper into your unique situation and tailor a plan specifically for you. Trust me, this could be the start of something amazing!
If you want all the answers to all your school psych business questions, and want community, mentorship, feel that you would benefit from an entire course on how to start your very own school psychology business, then check out the course Increasing your Independence: making the big LEAP from public to independent school psychologist.
Other Resources
Discounted Legal Contracts: Ready to get your business paperwork in order? Use my affiliate link to Your Legal Era and get exclusive discounts on contracts tailored for independent school psychologists. Don’t let legal jargon slow you down; get it right from the start! Grab your discounted contracts here. *this is an affiliate link, if the link is clicked and a purchase is made, I will receive a commission*
Master Contract Work: If you’re serious about enhancing your skills as a contractor with school districts, don't miss out on The School Contract Code. As a subscriber, you get a special discount on this workshop that could redefine how you pitch and price your services. Elevate your game and secure those contracts! Enroll in the workshop here.
Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from you and connect with you. Let’s break the cycle of undercharging and start valuing our services as we should. You’ve worked hard to develop your skills and expertise—now it’s time to ensure your fees reflect that!
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About Juliana
Juliana is a bilingual school psychologist in Independent Practice and the owner and founder of PERA Services Inc. Her business supports school districts in the state of Ohio with the evaluation of bilingual learners for Special Education. She also coaches and mentors school psychologists wanting to become independent and start a business. To learn more about her business and Juliana visit www.peraserivcesinc.com
