What Does a School Counselor Do?
Want to become a school counselor? Learn about the job duties, education requirements, and salary outlook for school counseling careers.
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School counselors support learners and help schools meet the needs of their students. But what does a school counselor do? How much can you expect to make? And what are the job requirements?
Our guide walks through everything you need to know to decide if this is the career path for you.
What Is a School Counselor?
School counselors help students develop learning skills, collaborate with families to address behavioral issues, and identify issues that impact school performance. They may also administer aptitude tests and evaluations and teach social and emotional skills.
School counselors need strong interpersonal and communication skills, as they work with students of all ages, educators, and families. They also draw on analytical skills to evaluate student data.
School counselors work in educational settings, which require specialized training and a state-issued credential or license.
How Much Do School Counselors Make?
School counselors earn a median annual salary of $61,710, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Their earning potential varies depending on work setting, experience, and location. While the lowest-paid school counselors earn under $40,000, the highest-paid earn more than $100,000.
School counselors who work in public school districts report the highest median salaries for their field, while those in private and postsecondary education earn less.
| School Type | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Public Elementary and Secondary | $73,520 |
| Private Elementary and Secondary | $60,700 |
| Other Private Educational Services | $56,670 |
| State and Local Postsecondary | $55,070 |
| Private Postsecondary | $51,760 |
Where Do School Counselors Work?
Most school counselors work in public K-12 schools. At the elementary, middle, and high school levels, these school counselors work directly with students. The work setting shapes their duties, with elementary school counselors emphasizing social and emotional skills, and high school counselors advising students on their post-graduation plans.
A similar number of counselors work at public and private colleges. These counselors may hold titles such as career counselor or academic advisor.
The BLS projects school counselor jobs to grow 4% from 2023-2033, which is about as fast as the average growth for all U.S. occupations. That translates into over 29,000 job openings annually. A growing need for developmental, academic, and career support will drive the number of counselor and advisor jobs.
| Employer Type | Percent of School Counselors Employed |
|---|---|
| Public Elementary and Secondary | 39% |
| State and Local Postsecondary | 24% |
| Private Postsecondary | 14% |
| Private Elementary and Secondary | 6% |
| Other Private Educational Services | 5% |
Requirements to Become a School Counselor
Like many other counseling careers, counselors typically need a master’s degree in their field. While a master’s in counseling may meet the requirements, earning a school counseling master’s degree provides more focused preparation.
Some states also require a state-issued license or certification, particularly for counselors working in public schools. School counselors may also need a background in classroom teaching to enter their field.
A CACREP-accredited master’s in school counseling prepares graduates through coursework and a supervised internship. Because the licensure and certification requirements vary by state, you should research your state’s rules before applying to graduate programs.
Is Becoming a School Counselor Right for You?
If you’re comparing school counseling careers with other roles, think about the following pros and cons.
Pros
Support students of different ages to succeed- Schedule that follows school hours with the possibility of summers off
- Public school counselors earn higher median salaries than many other counselors
Cons
Potential for burnout due to high caseloads- Additional licensure and certification requirements
- Budget shortages at school districts could impact hiring
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a School Counselor
Most school counselors hold a master’s degree. In particular, school counselors working at public K-12 schools typically need a master’s degree to meet the educational requirements for licensure.
