person that works in primary schools and/or secondary schools to provide academic, career, college access/affordability/admission, and social-emotional competencies to all students through a school counseling program
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
bls.gov › ooh › community-and-social-service › school-and-career-counselors.htm
School and Career Counselors and Advisors : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
High school counselors advise students in making academic and career plans. Many help students overcome personal issues that interfere with their academic development. They help students choose classes and plan for their lives after graduation. Counselors provide information about choosing and applying for colleges, training programs, financial aid, and internships and apprenticeships.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/schoolcounseling › alternative careers for school counselors
r/schoolcounseling on Reddit: Alternative Careers for School Counselors
October 16, 2022 -
I feel like a need a school counselor to help me!
I'm trying to determine what else I can do with my Master's in Guidance and Counseling aside from school counselor (because where I am in Florida the pay is a huge drop from my current salary).
Background: I was a school counselor for 8 years (mostly middle school in Oklahoma and Florida) — left 9 years ago for a digital marketing position that allowed me to work from home (I had little kids at the time and the marketing job was a bit of a passion type thing). I'm pretty burnt out with this job that feels like it adds no value to people or my community.
I have a BS in Exercise Science, MS in Guidance and just trying to figure out what I could possibly do that pays better than the current school system in Florida and provides satisfaction that I'm adding value to society.
It doesn't seem like our degree lends itself well to things that require certification, but I think it gives us tons of soft skills that are valuable but hard to figure out how to position myself for positions other than school counseling.
Top answer 1 of 5
34
I recently left the school counseling profession and now work as a mental health consultant for my state's department of education. I get to work from home except 2-3 days a month when I'm presenting at conferences/leading workshops in person. I provide support to schools on topics like school mental health systems, bullying prevention, and trauma sensitive work. It's been a wonderful change!
2 of 5
14
I just left the profession and now work in graduate medical education at a local hospital as an instructional design consultant. You'd be surprised what careers you qualify for with a masters.
Merrimack College |
merrimack.edu › content
What Types of School Counseling Careers Can I Pursue? | Merrimack College
September 29, 2023 - School counselors are commonly called upon to provide various kinds of support, including: Help students develop problem-solving, conflict-resolution and self-advocacy skills ... Make referrals to professionals in special education, mental health, family counseling and other adjacent fields · Promote time management, self-discipline and self-advocacy ... School counseling careers at all levels involve the same essential skills, including sensitive listening, cultural competence, interdisciplinary collaboration and a strong grasp of pedagogy.
Are school counselors in demand?
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 5% from 2022-2032, while employment in other counseling specialties will increase by 18% in the same period.
thebestschools.org
thebestschools.org › careers › career-guide › school-counselor-overview
School Counselors Careers
Where do guidance counselors make the most money?
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.
thebestschools.org
thebestschools.org › careers › career-guide › school-counselor-overview
School Counselors Careers
How long does it take to become a school counselor?
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.
thebestschools.org
thebestschools.org › careers › career-guide › school-counselor-overview
School Counselors Careers
U.S. News
money.usnews.com › home › careers › best jobs › school counselor
School Counselor - Career Rankings, Salary, Reviews and Advice ...
High school counselors have similar responsibilities, but they also help teens transition from secondary school into the workforce or collegiate life. They could assist students with college application materials, coordinate study trips, proctor entrance tests and chaperone college visits. They may also help a young person pick a career path and help him or her enter an apprenticeship.
William & Mary
counseling.education.wm.edu › blog › masters-in-counseling-jobs-exploring-career-paths-for-school-counselors
Master’s in Counseling Jobs: Exploring Career Paths for School Counselors
Serving as a guide in identifying student interests, career clusters and postsecondary plans · Assisting in transitioning to postsecondary education or employment · Advising on diverse postsecondary pathways, including apprenticeships, military programs and college options · Collaborating with administrators, teachers and other stakeholders to create a college-going culture · School counselors address students’ social and emotional needs through counseling services, crisis intervention, mental health support and referrals when needed.
TheBestSchools.org
thebestschools.org › careers › career-guide › school-counselor-overview
School Counselors Careers
September 26, 2024 - 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.
Zippia
zippia.com › colleges and majors › majors
What Can You Do With a School Counseling Degree In School Counseling? - Zippia
November 17, 2023 - Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists help people manage and overcome mental and emotional disorders and problems with family and other relationships. They listen to clients and ask questions to help the clients understand their problems and develop strategies to improve their lives. ... Kindergarten and elementary school teachers prepare younger students for future schooling by teaching them basic subjects such as math and reading.
American School Counselor Association
schoolcounselor.org › Standards-Positions › Position-Statements › ASCA-Position-Statements › The-School-Counselor-and-Career-Development
The School Counselor and Career Development - American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
By including culturally responsive practices within career development strategies, school counselors help historically marginalized populations create pathways for their future (Chan, 2019). Collaborating with students, families, educational staff and the community, school counselors work to ensure each and every student selects select a postsecondary path to productive citizenry (e.g., military, career technical certificate or two-/four-year degree program) appropriate for the student.
Mega Career Guides
megacareerguides.com › home › career options for school counselors in california
Career Options for School Counselors in California - Mega Career Guides
June 5, 2023 - Individual and Group Counseling: Counselors provide one-on-one and group counseling sessions to help students navigate personal and social issues, manage stress, build problem-solving skills, and enhance their overall well-being. Academic and Career Planning: Public school counselors support students in establishing academic and career objectives, improving study skills, and making informed decisions about course selection, higher education, and career paths.
Teacher Career Coach
teachercareercoach.com › home › blog › what can a school counselor do? alternative career options
What Can A School Counselor Do? Alternative Career Options
June 28, 2024 - Therefore, school counselors and social workers can apply for the same types of roles we recommend for classroom teachers. As a school counselor, however, you have an additional set of skills to bring to a new position as well.
AllPsychologySchools.com
allpsychologyschools.com › home › school counseling › duties
What Does a School Counselor Do? (Job Description)
June 2, 2016 - You can refer them to a psychologist or mental health counselor for further treatment if necessary. In addition, you’ll evaluate students’ abilities, interests and personalities to help them develop realistic academic and career goals.
Psychology.org
psychology.org › counseling › school-counseling › career-overview
School Counselor Career Overview | Psychology.org
January 28, 2025 - 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.
UniversityHQ
universityhq.org › home › what career or job are you interested in? › become a school counselor – careers & outlook
How to Become a School Counselor - Career Path and Job Description | UniversityHQ
January 30, 2025 - Counselors have responsibilities for important social policies such as those aimed at bullying, detecting neglect, and identifying potential physical and emotional abuse in student populations. As society opens to more effective action on gender equity, diversity, and inclusion, the roles of school counselors expand to meet these new priorities. Salary estimates show increased pay for school counselors as they gain experience and seniority. Mid-career, late career, and experienced counselors show significantly higher income that entry-level and early-career levels.
AllPsychologySchools.com
allpsychologyschools.com › home › school counseling
School Counseling Career Guide | All Psychology Schools
July 21, 2025 - Licensing and certification guidelines for school counselors vary by state. Make sure to check the guidelines in your state before you start your studies. ... Earn an undergraduate degree in teacher ed or psychology. You’ll also need a master’s degree in school counseling or a related degree. ... A master’s degree in counseling will teach you about academic and career development, counseling, and working with parents, teachers and school staff.
Teacher Certification Degrees
teachercertificationdegrees.com › home › teaching career center › school counselor career guide
How to Become a School Counselor: Career and Salary Information
March 26, 2024 - In middle schools and high schools, the school counselor introduces students to possible colleges and universities, career opportunities, and scholarships and grants that may be available to them. They also might counsel students on choosing classes that will support their long-term goals.
Gwynedd Mercy University
gmercyu.edu › academics › learn › school-counselor-career-info
School Counselor Careers: Education Requirements, Role, Salary Info
School counselors (once called "school guidance counselors") are one of the most important members of the educational team and are essential to the academic and emotional success of many students. With this guide you will learn what a school counselor is, the different types of school counseling degrees (including a master's in school counseling), the careers that can be obtained, the roles and responsibilities that they take on, as well as tips on how to become a school counselor.
Psychology.org
psychology.org › counseling › school-counseling
What Is School Counseling? Roles, Careers & Program Info
July 25, 2025 - High school counselors advise students on formulating career goals, choosing a college or training program, and accessing funding to pay for higher education. They also offer information on securing internships or apprenticeships and how to search and apply for jobs.
U.S. News
money.usnews.com › home › careers › best jobs › school counselor
School Counselor Reviews and Advice | US News Best Jobs
This might be a fast-growing profession, but competition to land jobs is still intense, particularly in some school districts. That's one reason Smith recommends prospective counselors begin thinking about job placement early on. "I always recommend that candidates become involved in a national counseling organization while they're still in their graduate program," she says.
American School Counselor Association
schoolcounselor.org › About-School-Counseling › Careers-in-School-Counseling
Become a School Counselor - American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
Starting as vocation guidance in ... outcomes for each and every student. Today, school counselors are highly educated, professionally certified individuals who help students succeed in school and plan their career....
College Consensus
collegeconsensus.com › careers › alternative-careers-for-school-counselors
Alternative Careers for School Counselors
April 15, 2025 - If you’re working as a school counselor, now is a good time to explore your options. Although being a school counselor is a rewarding profession, you may…