School Counselors Careers
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School counselors help learners strengthen their academic and social skills. They work closely with students, teachers, and families to address student challenges.
This in-demand, fulfilling career path also reports above-average salaries. Learn more about school counselor careers with this helpful guide.
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What Do School Counselors Do?
Many school professionals provide career, health, and life guidance all at once. These counselors work with students, families, teachers, and staff to ensure each child receives the individualized support and education they need to succeed. School counselors help students manage and overcome issues by developing academic improvement plans and assisting with social or behavioral problems. School counselors use:
- Assessment skills to identify student needs
- Development skills to help learners progress
- Counseling skills to evaluate and resolve behavioral issues
Where Do School Counselors Work?
Most of these professionals work in schools as career or guidance counselors. According to May 2023 employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 46% of trained school counselors work in elementary and secondary schools, and 38% work in higher education institutions. Six percent work in healthcare and social assistance, 4% find employment in other educational services, and 1% are self-employed.
School counselors can find work in all types of institutions, including private, public, and professional schools. They usually provide office hours for students to drop in whenever they need to. These professionals also schedule meetings with students, host group sessions, and meet with families and school visitors. Counselors typically work traditional full-time hours with time off during the summer.
Skills
School counselors need many skills to effectively connect with and help students. They must understand the behavioral and academic development of various age groups and have the psychological skills to properly assess them. School counselors may also implement and run student development or outreach programs.
Most importantly, counseling in schools requires strong interpersonal skills, including individual and group counseling abilities. School counseling degrees help learners build and strengthen these skills, often including internships to help aspiring counselors develop their craft.
How to Become a School Counselor
Students can take different pathways to the school counseling profession. The most direct route requires a master’s degree in guidance and counseling. Some states and schools may accept candidates with related degrees or only bachelor’s degrees, but it’s less common. Depending on the state, aspiring counselors may also need teaching or counseling licensure to practice.
Learn typical career requirements for school counselors, including degrees and certifications.
Education
Most school counselors earn master’s degrees in school counseling, but degrees in psychology or behavioral sciences may also qualify. Typically, an aspiring counselor will earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related social science. Then, they complete a graduate degree in counseling, often specializing in a particular area, like early childhood development.
Applicants typically must submit high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores for admission into bachelor’s programs. In-person and online master’s in school counseling typically require a behavioral or social science bachelor’s degree to qualify. Competitive programs may set minimum GPA requirements.
Enrollees can often choose courses or specializations that match their desired professional focus within these programs. The school counseling field relies on practical experience, so programs often feature internships.
After graduating, most states require school counselors to complete post-master’s supervised clinical work for licensure. Once licensed, school counselors need to meet continuing education requirements to renew their licenses. Some even pursue doctorates in the field, particularly if they’re interested in policy, research, and influencing statewide or national programming.
Certification and Licensure
While requirement details vary by state and school, counselors need licensure to work in the public school system. According to the American School Counselor Association, every state has distinct requirements, with differences in required education level, grade minimums, and certification exams.
In addition to state licensure, school counselors can pursue voluntary certification through the National Board for School Counselors. This credential demonstrates that candidates meet high industry standards.
Depending on the state, school counselors must renew their licenses every 2-10 years. Renewal requirements vary considerably by state, with some even using point-based systems. Typically, however, a school counselor must complete approximately six continuing education credits every five years. Their licenses must remain in good standing to qualify for renewal.
What to Look For In a Program
When choosing a school counselor degree, there are a few considerations students should consider for both on-campus and online programs. For example, prospective enrollees should ensure their school holds institutional accreditation, which can affect access to financial aid, transfer credits, and employment opportunities.
Programmatic accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs can also affect licensure access after graduation. Students should check that their program’s curriculum meets state licensure standards in their area, including practicum requirements.
Salary and Career Outlook for School Counselors
16,200
Projected New Openings for School and Career Counselors between 2023-2033
$61,710
Median Annual Salary for School and Career Counselors
Source: BLS, May 2023
School counselors benefit from faster-than-average career growth and above-average salaries, according to May 2023 BLS data.
Most school counselors work at the K-12 level, reporting the highest average salary of nearly $75,000 annually. These school counselors also must meet higher job requirements, which include a master’s degree and a school counselor license for public school jobs.
| Work Setting | Employment | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 162,610 | $74,910 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 85,280 | $58,390 |
| Junior Colleges | 25,790 | $67,420 |
| Vocational Rehabilitation Services | 8,180 | $45,270 |
| Individual and Family Services | 6,640 | $46,400 |
Similar Careers
School Psychologist
School psychologists perform many of the same tasks as school counselors but with more of a focus on mental and behavioral health, often extending beyond the confines of the school. School psychologists are the only school professionals licensed to conduct emotional and cognitive testing and assessments.
To practice, a professional needs a graduate degree in school psychology, a nationally certified school psychologist credential, and state licensure. Some states may require a doctoral degree.
School Social Worker
School social workers often perform many of the same tasks as school counselors, with the added skills and authority to reach out to clients’ families and work with other social service agencies on behalf of their clients or students.
Requirements vary by state, but an aspiring social worker typically needs a master’s degree in social work and two years of supervised clinical practice. Then, they need to apply for licensure in their state and pass the ASWB licensure exam.
Career Counselor
A career counselor may conduct aptitude tests and evaluations to help clients make career decisions. These counselors may also help clients develop job-search skills and identify professional opportunities. Unlike a school counselor, who needs a master’s degree, most career and guidance counselors need to complete bachelor’s programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Counselors Careers
“School counselor” is the more contemporary professional name for a guidance counselor, as it better describes their role in educational settings. Traditionally, guidance counselors focus on post-high-school career trajectories. Still, these professionals now support students of all ages in areas such as academic success, career prospects, and well-being.
The school counseling profession can be very fulfilling for people who like working with others to improve their mental health, career prospects, and academic success. In addition to the strong growth and salary rates for school counselors at elementary and secondary schools, these professionals can also find jobs in community counseling or at colleges and universities.
Yes — the counseling fields, including school counseling, are projected to grow at faster-than-average rates. The BLS projects that the school counseling profession will grow by 4% from 2023-2033.
Typically, school counselors need six years of education to become licensed. First, they complete a four-year bachelor’s degree and a two-year master’s degree. Some states require up to two years of supervised clinical experience, bringing the total timeline to 6-8 years.
Guidance counselors report the highest salaries in K-12 schools, according to May 2023 BLS data. Guidance counselors in these settings make a median of $74,910 annually. The states that report the highest pay for guidance and school counselors include California, Washington, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Maryland.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by TheBestSchools. Page last reviewed May 12, 2024.
