How to Become a School Counselor
Help students develop academic and social skills and plan for college and career readiness. It typically requires a master's degree, with a median salary of $64,330 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$64,330/yr
Typical range
$45,020 to $104,770
Job growth
3%
Openings / yr
31,000
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Counseling
- College and Career Advising
- Crisis Intervention
- Communication
- Cultural Competency
Helpful certifications
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- State School Counselor License
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
15/100
Work-life balance
60/100
Stress level
52/100
Satisfaction
74/100
Related careers
- School Principal (K-12 Administrator)$105,870 median
- College Administrator (Postsecondary)$104,590 median
- School Psychologist$95,990 median
- Instructional Coordinator$77,440 median
- Teacher (Secondary Education)$72,040 median
- Librarian$68,270 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a School Counselor make?
The median pay for a School Counselor is $64,330 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The typical range runs from $45,020 to $104,770, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a School Counselor?
The usual entry point is a master's degree. Common majors are School Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Education, and Psychology.
Is School Counselor a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about 3% over the decade, with roughly 31,000 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a School Counselor use most?
Common skills for this role are Counseling, College and Career Advising, Crisis Intervention, Communication, and Cultural Competency.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.