School Counselor – Career, Salary & State Licensure
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“New counselors should focus on their goals for students and families, lean on each other for support, and value mentorship. Whether it’s your first or twentieth year, continuous learning and growth are beneficial and essential.”
Stephanie D. Preston, NCC, IBCLC, School Counselor, Middle College at GTCC – High Point
The role of school counselors has grown to include teaching socio-emotional development, developing school-wide plans for academic achievement, assisting students with navigating how to pay for college, and conducting workshops for students and educators on pertinent issues such as bullying or substance abuse. Their entire purpose in a school is to help students succeed.
Not to be confused with college admissions counselors (who help students gain admission to a college or university and are not licensed), school counselors are licensed through state boards of education and have met stringent education and testing requirements. Graduate-level coursework is required in all states and many states require school counselors to have earned a master’s degree. Required tests can include the Praxis II School Counseling and Guidance exams, state content exams, or state jurisprudence exams.
Job prospects for school counselors are on an upward trend, with an estimated 4 percent increase in jobs in this field nationally between 2023 and 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024). The average annual salary for a school counselor is $66,990 per year (BLS May 2023).
Continue reading to learn what it takes to join this rewarding career, as well as to discover state licensure or certification requirements.
Meet the Expert: Stephanie Preston, NCC
Stephanie Preston is a dedicated school counselor at the Middle College at GTCC – High Point, where she has been serving students, families, and the community for 19 years. With a deep commitment to fostering student well-being, Preston believes in educating the whole child through comprehensive support systems that include authentic caring connections and inclusive safe spaces tailored to individual needs. She emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility and accountability among all stakeholders in the educational process.
Preston is a proud three-time graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, where she earned her bachelor of science in psychology, master of science in counselor education, and an additional professional certificate. Her academic background and extensive experience uniquely position her as a vital liaison between school and home, ensuring that students receive the holistic support they need to thrive. Her passion for education and family underscores her belief in the power of nurturing environments both at school and at home.
CounselingSchools.com: How has graduating with a master’s in counseling enhanced your career?
Preston: My journey to psychology at North Carolina A&T State University was a transformative one. The nurturing environment and strong connections I made with peers and faculty set the stage for my graduation and led me to pursue a master’s in counselor education—a field that, inspired by my student-centered high school counselor, Mr. Wells, felt like my true calling.
I spent 15 fulfilling years as a middle school counselor, despite its challenges, but the Covid-19 pandemic prompted a need for renewal, leading me to transition to Guilford County Schools and then to high school counseling. Now in my 19th year, this new chapter offers fresh challenges and learning experiences. As a parent, the dual perspective of supporting both my students and my own children enriches my professional and personal life.
CounselingSchools.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective counseling student?
Preston: Entering the field of education today presents unique challenges. My heart goes out to new counselors, as I recall the struggle to secure jobs during my own program, where opportunities were scarce. Now, there are more job openings, but the broader issues within education can hinder newcomers’ ability to thrive.
Incoming counselors must stay current with developments in counseling and advocate not just for students and families, but also for themselves. Advocacy includes showcasing the true scope of a counselor’s role, which extends beyond pushing students to graduate; it involves forming meaningful connections and providing comprehensive support.
For instance, at my cooperative innovative high school, we saw 40 graduates this year, 26 of whom earned their associate degrees—an achievement made possible through solid bonds and wraparound services. New counselors should focus on their goals for students and families, lean on each other for support, and value mentorship. Whether it’s your first or twentieth year, continuous learning and growth are beneficial and essential.
How to Become a School Counselor
Step 1: Graduate from High School or Obtain a GED (Four Years)
Completing high school or obtaining a GED is the first step towards becoming a school counselor. Students who wish to pursue this career should focus on classes such as psychology, child development, leadership, English, and social science.
If there are opportunities to volunteer in school counseling centers, students should take advantage of them to gain valuable insight into this career.
Step 2: Complete a Bachelors’ Degree (Four Years)
Earning a bachelor’s degree is the next step to becoming a school counselor. Typical majors for prospective school counselors include education, counseling, psychology, social work, and sociology. Many states require students to complete approved or accredited programs, so students should research their state standards early on to make sure their program meets the requirements.
Step 3: Obtain a Graduate Credits or an Advanced Degree (One to Three years)
Most states require prospective school counselors to complete a master’s degree or obtain some graduate-level credits. It is typical for states to require students to complete approved school counselor programs in order to obtain certification or licensure, so students should check that their program meets the requirements.
Often. a practicum or internship is included as part of a program, which gives students valuable work experience. Students should ensure the program they attend is at least regionally accredited, as that is a requirement in most states.
Step 4: Pass Required Examinations (Timeline Varies)
Passing an exam for a school counselor certification or licenses is common in most states. The most common exam required is the Praxis II School Counseling and Guidance. Each state has its own cut-off score for the exam Some states require applicants to pass basic knowledge exams, state-issued subject matter exams, or a jurisprudence exam, as well.
Step 5: Apply for a Certification or License (Timeline Varies)
Once testing and education requirements are met, prospective school counselors can apply for a license or certification from their state board of education. Typically there are extensive documentation requirements, including official transcripts, notarized applications, letters of recommendation, and official test scores. Many states charge application, licensing, or certification fees. It can take several weeks to a month or more to process an application, so prospective counselors should plan accordingly when it comes to seeking employment.
Step 6: Maintain (or Advance) Professional Certification or License (Ongoing)
Most school counselor licenses or certifications issued are initial, interim, or provisional. Some of these licenses may be renewed, although there are many that require school counselors to advance to a professional or permanent credential prior to expiration. Advancing a certification or license often requires proof of work experience. Sometimes advancement requires testing or obtaining a national certification. There are continuing education requirements for license and certificate renewal in most states.
The steps toward becoming a school counselor vary by state. All state school counselor license and certification requirements are listed below.
Licensing & Certification Requirements By State for School Counselors
| State | Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | Ohio Department of Education |
The Ohio Department of Education issues Pupil Services Licenses to school counselors. The requirements for this license are:
Those who have completed an out-of-state degree will need to provide additional documentation, such as a recommendation from the dean. | Pupil Services Licenses for school counselors are valid for five years. To renew, school counselors must submit an application and pay a renewal fee. Continuing education requirements for school counselors are six semester hours of coursework, or 18 continuing education units (180 hours). Other activities may be approved by the Local Professional Development Committee. Please note that proof of current licensure from the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board waives continuing education requirements. |
What Do School Counselors Do?
School counselors work predominantly in public or private schools and are employed at all grade levels. Some school counselors are self-employed and act as consultants to families and schools. Others might work at government agencies or in district offices.
While job duties vary based on place of employment, typical day to day responsibilities include:
- Providing lessons, guidance, and counseling to help students develop socio-emotional skills
- Offering workshops to teachers, administrators, and students about bullying, planning for college, substance abuse, choosing a career, or other topics
- Assembling resources for students, including social services, scholarships, vocational training, and more
- Teaching skills such as study habits, organization, and time management
- Developing a comprehensive school-wide program that addresses the unique school’s population needs
- Evaluating issues that affect student’s school performance and developing plans to help students succeed such as improving attendance or providing access to basic necessities such as food, laundry, and showers
- Helping students set college or career goals
- Acting as a mandatory reporter
- Referring students to outside resources if they need additional support
- Maintaining student records
How Much Do School Counselors Make?
Wages for school counselors vary based on education completed, employer, and location of employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023), education, guidance, and career counselors earn $66,990 per year on average. The percentiles for wages were:
- 10th percentile: $40,140
- 25th percentile: $48,760
- 50th percentile (median): $61,710
- 75th percentile: $78,780
- 90th percentile: $100,050
School Counselor Professional Associations & Resources
- American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
- The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)
- The College Board
- International School Counselor Association (ISCA)
- School Counselor Connection from the American Counseling Association (ACA)
- Center for School Counseling Outcome Research & Evaluation (CSCORE)
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAt CounselingSchools.com, Kimmy Gustafson’s expertly crafted articles delve into the world of counseling and mental health, providing valuable insights and guidance to readers since 2020. In addition to feature pieces and interviews, she keeps the state licensing tables current. Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterRachel Drummond has used her expertise in education and mindfulness to guide aspiring counselors since 2020. Her work emphasizes the importance of integrating reflective mindfulness into counseling techniques, helping readers understand how mental and physical well-being can enhance their professional practice and personal development in counseling.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.