How to Become a School Counselor: Education, Salary & Career Guide 2025
School counselors are licensed professionals who help students develop academically, socially, and emotionally from elementary through high school. They assist with course selection, college planning, behavior management, and mental health support. The career requires a master's degree in school counseling or a related field, state licensure, and typically 600-700 clinical hours. The median salary is $65,140 as of May 2024, with job growth projected at 4% through 2034.
Table of Contents
- What Is School Counseling?
- Why School Counselors Matter
- A Day in the Life of a School Counselor
- How to Become a School Counselor
- Education Requirements Explained
- Licensing and Certification
- Salary and Job Outlook
- School Counseling Specializations
- School Counselor vs. School Psychologist
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
A person's school years shape who they'll become. During this time, students face academic pressure, social challenges, identity development, and major life decisions about their futures. They need guidance to navigate these complex years successfully.
School counselors serve as essential advocates and mentors in educational settings. These professionals work directly with students to address academic concerns, social-emotional needs, college planning, and career exploration. They're trained to recognize signs of mental health struggles, intervene in crisis situations, and connect students with appropriate resources.
If you're considering a career helping young people reach their potential, school counseling offers a rewarding path. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a school counselor, from education requirements and licensure to salary expectations and career advancement opportunities.
What Is School Counseling?
School counseling is a specialized mental health profession focused on supporting students' academic achievement, personal development, and career readiness. School counselors work in elementary, middle, and high schools to create comprehensive programs that address the needs of all students.
Unlike therapists who provide ongoing mental health treatment, school counselors focus on developmental guidance and short-term intervention. They help students build skills in three main domains: academic development, career planning, and social-emotional learning. To understand more about what school counseling involves, it's helpful to know that counselors take a preventive, whole-school approach.
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommends a student-to-counselor ratio of 250 to 1. Unfortunately, the national average currently sits at 376 to 1 for the 2025 school year. This gap means school counselors often manage large caseloads while coordinating with teachers, administrators, parents, and community resources.
School counselors create safe spaces where students can discuss challenges ranging from friendship conflicts to family problems. They don't diagnose mental health conditions or prescribe medication, but they recognize when students need outside mental health services and make appropriate referrals.
Why School Counselors Matter
School counselors play a critical role in student success and school climate. Research consistently shows that students with access to school counseling services demonstrate better academic outcomes, improved attendance, and higher graduation rates.
These professionals serve as early intervention specialists. They identify students who are struggling academically or emotionally before problems escalate. By addressing issues early, school counselors prevent students from falling through the cracks and help them stay on track toward graduation.
School counselors also bridge the gap between home and school. They communicate regularly with parents about student progress, behavior concerns, and academic planning. For students facing challenges at home, including poverty, abuse, or family instability, school counselors provide crucial support and connect families with community resources.
In today's schools, mental health concerns among students are rising. School counselors are often the first professionals to recognize signs of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or trauma. They provide immediate support and crisis intervention while connecting students to long-term mental health services when needed.
Career and college planning represents another vital function. School counselors help students explore career options, understand college admission requirements, complete financial aid applications, and make informed decisions about their post-secondary paths. For many first-generation college students, school counselors provide guidance that families cannot offer.
A Day in the Life of a School Counselor
No two days look exactly alike for school counselors, but certain activities form the core of their daily work. Understanding what school counselors actually do helps prospective students determine if the career aligns with their interests and strengths.
Morning Routine
Most school counselors start their day reviewing emails, checking referrals from teachers, and preparing for scheduled student meetings. They might review a student's attendance records, check in with teachers about a student's progress, or prepare materials for a classroom guidance lesson.
Individual Counseling Sessions
School counselors typically conduct several individual counseling sessions throughout the day. These short-term meetings address specific concerns like academic struggles, peer conflicts, family issues, or college planning. Sessions usually last 20-30 minutes and focus on problem-solving and skill-building rather than long-term therapy.
Classroom Guidance
Many school counselors teach classroom lessons on topics like study skills, conflict resolution, bullying prevention, career exploration, and social-emotional learning. Elementary counselors might teach lessons on friendship skills, while high school counselors often focus on college and career readiness.
Administrative Duties
School counselors spend considerable time on paperwork and administrative tasks. They maintain student records, complete assessment paperwork, coordinate testing accommodations, write college recommendation letters, and document interventions. At the high school level, they review transcripts, process schedule changes, and ensure students meet graduation requirements.
Crisis Response
When crises occur, school counselors respond immediately. They might support a student experiencing a mental health emergency, facilitate conflict resolution between students, or coordinate with outside agencies during child welfare concerns. Crisis situations take priority over scheduled activities.
Collaboration and Consultation
School counselors regularly meet with teachers, administrators, parents, and outside professionals. They might attend child study team meetings, consult with teachers about student behavior, participate in IEP meetings for special education students, or coordinate with community mental health providers.
College and Career Planning
High school counselors dedicate significant time to college planning activities. They meet with students and families to discuss post-secondary options, review college applications, coordinate college visits, and help students navigate financial aid processes. They also arrange career exploration activities and connect students with internship opportunities.
How to Become a School Counselor
The path to becoming a school counselor requires careful planning and significant educational commitment. Here's a step-by-step overview of the process:
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Start by completing a four-year bachelor's degree. While some states require specific undergraduate majors, most accept degrees in psychology, education, sociology, or related fields. During your undergraduate years, maintain a strong GPA and gain experience working with children or adolescents through volunteering, tutoring, or youth programs.
Step 2: Complete a Master's Degree in School Counseling
All states require school counselors to hold a master's degree. Most professionals earn a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) in School Counseling. These programs typically take two to three years to complete and include both coursework and supervised clinical experiences.
Look for programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP accreditation ensures programs meet rigorous quality standards and may make licensure easier in some states.
Step 3: Complete Clinical Hours
Master's programs require extensive supervised clinical experience, typically 600-700 hours total. This includes practicum experiences (usually 100 hours) and a longer internship (usually 600 hours). You'll work directly with students under supervision while developing counseling skills and applying classroom learning.
Step 4: Pass Required Examinations
Most states require school counselors to pass the Praxis School Counselor exam or a similar state-specific assessment. Some states also require the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or other professional exams. Check your state's requirements early to plan accordingly.
Step 5: Obtain State Licensure or Certification
Requirements vary significantly by state. Most states issue a school counselor license or certificate through the state department of education. The process typically involves submitting transcripts, verification of clinical hours, exam scores, and an application fee. Some states require teaching experience before granting school counselor licensure.
Step 6: Pursue Professional Development
After obtaining initial licensure, you'll need continuing education to maintain your credential. Join professional organizations like the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) to stay current on best practices. Many school counselors also pursue additional certifications in specialized areas.
Education Requirements Explained
Understanding the educational pathway helps you plan your career timeline and select appropriate programs.
Bachelor's Degree Requirements
Your undergraduate degree lays the foundation for graduate study. While specific major requirements vary by state and program, most school counseling graduate programs accept applicants from diverse academic backgrounds.
Common undergraduate majors include psychology, education, social work, sociology, and human services. Some students major in specific education fields like elementary education or special education. Choose a major that interests you and provides relevant knowledge about human development, learning, and behavior.
During your bachelor's program, take courses in developmental psychology, educational psychology, abnormal psychology, and research methods. These classes provide valuable background knowledge for graduate study. Aim for a GPA of 3.0 or higher, as most graduate programs use GPA as a key admission criterion.
Master's Degree Programs
Master's programs in school counseling typically require 48-60 credit hours and take two to three years to complete. Full-time students often finish in two years, while part-time students may need three or more years.
Core coursework typically includes:
- Counseling theories and techniques
- Human growth and development across the lifespan
- Social and cultural diversity in counseling
- Career development and planning
- Group counseling methods
- Assessment and testing in schools
- School counseling program development
- Legal and ethical issues in counseling
- Research methods and program evaluation
- Crisis intervention and trauma-informed practices
Programs also include specialized courses focused on working with specific age groups (elementary, middle, or high school) and addressing particular student needs (special education, English language learners, and college planning).
CACREP Accreditation
CACREP accreditation represents the gold standard in counselor education. Accredited programs meet strict standards for curriculum content, faculty qualifications, and clinical training.
Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program offers several advantages. Some states grant expedited licensure to CACREP graduates. Many school districts prefer or require CACREP credentials. Professional counseling licenses often have streamlined processes for CACREP graduates.
Check whether your state requires or prefers CACREP accreditation. Even if not required, CACREP accreditation generally indicates a quality program. You can explore accredited school counseling programs to find options that meet your needs.
Clinical Training
Supervised clinical experience forms a critical component of school counseling preparation. Programs require two main clinical components:
Practicum: This initial supervised experience typically requires 100 hours of work in a school setting, including at least 40 hours of direct service to students. Practicum students observe experienced counselors, conduct supervised counseling sessions, and begin applying classroom learning in real-world settings.
Internship: The internship represents the most intensive clinical experience, requiring 600 hours over one or two semesters. Interns function more independently while still receiving regular supervision. They develop comprehensive school counseling skills, including individual and group counseling, classroom guidance, consultation, program coordination, and crisis intervention.
Clinical placements allow you to work with diverse student populations and experience different school settings (elementary, middle,and high school). Many students complete placements at multiple sites to gain broad experience.
Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Options
Some programs offer both thesis and non-thesis tracks. Thesis tracks require the completion of an original research project and may better prepare students for doctoral study. Non-thesis tracks typically require additional coursework or a comprehensive exam instead of a thesis.
For students planning to work as school counselors rather than pursue doctoral degrees, non-thesis tracks often make more sense. They require less time and allow more focus on practical clinical skills.
| Education Level | Degree Type | Typical Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Bachelor's in Psychology, Education, or Related Field | 4 years full-time | Foundation for graduate study |
| Graduate | Master's in School Counseling (M.Ed. or M.A.) | 2-3 years | Required for school counselor licensure |
| Clinical Training | Practicum (100 hours) + Internship (600 hours) | 1-2 semesters | Supervised experience in schools |
| Doctoral (Optional) | Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Counselor Education | 3-5 years | University teaching, research, leadership positions |
Online vs. Campus Programs
Many universities now offer online or hybrid school counseling programs. These programs allow working professionals to earn degrees while maintaining employment. Online programs must still meet the same accreditation standards as campus programs, including supervised clinical requirements.
Online students typically complete coursework remotely but must arrange local clinical placements for practicum and internship experiences. This format works well for students who live far from university campuses or have family and work commitments.
Consider factors like program reputation, accreditation status, clinical placement support, and your learning style when choosing between online and campus options.
Licensing and Certification
Licensure requirements for school counselors vary significantly by state. Understanding your state's specific requirements is essential for career planning.
State Licensure
Most states issue school counselor credentials through the state department of education rather than professional licensing boards. These credentials may be called licenses, certificates, or endorsements, depending on the state.
Common requirements include:
- Master's degree in school counseling ora related field from an accredited institution
- Completion of required clinical hours (typically 600-700 hours)
- Passing scores on required examinations
- Background check and fingerprinting
- Application and fees
Some states require teaching experience before granting school counselor licensure. Requirements typically range from one to three years of teaching. This requirement is becoming less common, but check your state's specific policies. For more details about counselor licensure requirements across different states, consult comprehensive licensure guides.
Required Examinations
The Praxis School Counselor exam (5421) is the most commonly required assessment. This exam evaluates knowledge of school counseling theories, practices, and ethics. Other states use their own assessments or accept alternative credentials.
Some states also require the National Counselor Examination (NCE) for professional counselor licensure in addition to school counselor credentials. If you plan to work as both a school counselor and licensed professional counselor, research which exams your state requires.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
School counselor licenses typically require renewal every few years. Renewal requirements usually include continuing education credits. States typically require 6-12 continuing education hours annually or 30-60 hours per renewal period.
Continuing education helps counselors stay current on best practices, new interventions, and emerging issues in schools. Professional conferences, workshops, online courses, and graduate coursework all count toward continuing education requirements.
National Certification
The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) offers the National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential. While not required for employment, national certification demonstrates professional commitment and expertise. Requirements include graduation from a CACREP-accredited program, passing the National Counselor Examination, and completing supervised experience.
Additional Credentials
Some school counselors pursue additional certifications to expand their expertise:
- Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - allows private practice
- Registered Play Therapist (RPT) - for elementary counselors
- Career Development Facilitator (CDF)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
Additional credentials can enhance your career options and allow you to provide specialized services.
School Counselor Salary and Job Outlook
School counseling offers competitive salaries and strong job security. Understanding compensation helps you make informed career decisions.
National Salary Data
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, school and career counselors earned a median annual wage of $65,140 as of May 2024. This means half of the school counselors earned more than this amount, and half earned less.
Salary varies considerably based on experience, location, education level, and school setting. Here's the salary distribution by percentile:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $43,580 | Entry-level positions in lower-paying regions |
| 25th Percentile | $51,890 | Early career counselors with 1-3 years experience |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $65,140 | Mid-career counselors with several years experience |
| 75th Percentile | $81,150 | Experienced counselors in well-funded districts |
| 90th Percentile | $105,870 | Senior counselors, coordinators, or high-cost areas |
Factors Affecting Salary
Several factors influence school counselor compensation:
Geographic Location: School counselors in high-cost-of-living areas and states with strong education funding typically earn higher salaries. California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and New York consistently report above-average salaries for school counselors.
School Level: High school counselors often earn slightly more than elementary and middle school counselors. This reflects the additional responsibilities around college planning and career counseling.
School District Type: Larger, suburban districts typically offer higher salaries than small rural districts. Private schools may pay more or less than public schools, depending on the institution.
Experience Level: Like most education positions, school counselor salaries increase with experience. Many districts use salary schedules that provide regular raises based on years of service.
Education Level: Some districts offer salary increases for counselors who earn doctoral degrees or complete additional graduate coursework beyond the master's degree.
Additional Responsibilities: Counselors who take on leadership roles, coach sports, sponsor clubs, or work extended contracts (summer programs) earn additional compensation.
Employment Outlook
The job outlook for school counselors remains positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4% employment growth for school and career counselors from 2024 to 2034, which aligns with the average growth rate for all occupations.
This growth translates to approximately 31,000 job openings annually over the decade. Openings result from both new positions and the need to replace counselors who retire or leave the field.
Several factors drive demand for school counselors:
Rising Student Enrollment: Growing school-age populations in many regions create demand for additional counselors.
Mental Health Awareness: Increased recognition of student mental health needs has prompted schools to hire more counselors and reduce student-to-counselor ratios.
College Preparation Focus: Greater emphasis on college and career readiness, particularly for first-generation college students, increases demand for counseling services.
Federal and State Initiatives: Some states and districts have implemented initiatives to reduce counselor-to-student ratios, creating new positions.
Job prospects are typically strongest in urban and suburban areas, though rural districts often face recruitment challenges that can create opportunities for candidates willing to work in these settings.
Benefits and Work Schedule
Beyond salary, school counselors typically receive comprehensive benefits packages including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development funding. Many counselors also receive tenure or continuing contract status after a probationary period, providing job security.
School counselors typically work traditional school hours, Monday through Friday, following the school calendar. This means summers off, winter and spring breaks, and holidays when school is not in session. Some counselors choose to work summer programs for additional compensation.
The work schedule offers a strong work-life balance compared to many counseling positions. There's minimal evening or weekend work, making the career attractive for professionals with families.
Featured School Counselor Master's Programs
School Counseling Specializations
School counselors can specialize in working with specific age groups or populations. Understanding these specializations helps you target your training and career path.
Elementary School Counselors
Elementary counselors work with students in kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade. They focus on developmental guidance and building foundational social-emotional skills.
Key responsibilities include teaching classroom lessons on topics like friendship skills, emotion regulation, conflict resolution, and respect for diversity. Elementary counselors address common concerns including separation anxiety, peer conflicts, family changes, and behavior problems.
Elementary counselors use play-based and creative interventions appropriate for young children. They work closely with teachers and parents to support students' adjustment to school and academic success.
Middle School Counselors
Middle school counselors support students during the challenging adolescent years. They address academic planning, social difficulties, identity development, and the transition to high school.
This age group faces unique challenges, including peer pressure, bullying, family conflicts, and emerging mental health concerns. Middle school counselors provide support during this vulnerable developmental period while helping students explore interests and abilities.
Course selection becomes more important at this level. Counselors help students choose appropriate classes and understand how middle school choices affect high school opportunities.
High School Counselors
High school counselors focus heavily on college and career readiness. They help students plan their high school coursework, explore post-secondary options, and navigate the college application process.
Responsibilities include monitoring academic progress toward graduation, coordinating standardized testing, writing college recommendation letters, helping students complete college and financial aid applications, and connecting students with scholarship opportunities.
High school counselors also address mental health concerns, family problems, substance abuse, and other issues affecting adolescents. They provide crisis intervention and connect students with community mental health resources when needed.
Post-Secondary Counselors
Some school counselors work in colleges, universities, and career centers. Post-secondary counselors focus on career exploration, major selection, academic planning, and transition to the workforce.
These counselors help students identify career interests, develop job search skills, connect with internships, and prepare for graduate school applications. They may specialize in serving specific populations like student athletes, international students, or students with disabilities.
Special Populations
School counselors may develop expertise working with particular student groups:
Special Education: Counselors with special education backgrounds support students with disabilities, participate in IEP meetings, and advocate for appropriate accommodations.
English Language Learners: Counselors serving diverse communities need cultural competence and may provide specialized support for students learning English.
Gifted Students: Some counselors specialize in supporting intellectually gifted students with their unique social-emotional and academic needs.
At-Risk Youth: Counselors in alternative schools or programs work with students who've struggled in traditional settings due to behavior problems, truancy, or other challenges.
School Counselor vs. School Psychologist
Many people confuse school counselors and school psychologists, often referred to as educational psychologists. While both professionals support students, their roles, training, and functions differ significantly.
| Aspect | School Counselor | School Psychologist |
|---|---|---|
| Education Required | Master's degree in school counseling (48-60 credits) | Specialist degree (Ed.S.) or doctoral degree (60-90+ credits) |
| Primary Focus | Academic, career, and social-emotional development for all students | Psychological assessment, intervention, and consultation |
| Key Responsibilities | College planning, career counseling, classroom guidance, crisis intervention | Psychological testing, special education evaluation, behavior intervention plans |
| Assessment | Career assessments, academic screeners | Intelligence testing, achievement testing, emotional/behavioral assessments |
| Counseling Approach | Short-term, solution-focused, developmental | May provide longer-term therapy and intensive interventions |
| Special Education Role | Support services, consultation, advocacy | Required team member for eligibility determination |
| Typical Caseload | 250-376+ students (entire grade level or school) | Often serve multiple schools or district-wide |
| Median Salary (2024) | $65,140 | $87,350 |
Both roles are essential to student success. School counselors provide universal support to all students, while school psychologists typically work more intensively with students who have significant learning, behavioral, or emotional needs.
School counselors looking to focus more on learning processes and cognitive development may actually consider becoming educational psychologists.
The training pathways differ substantially. School counseling requires a master's degree, while school psychology requires an educational specialist (Ed.S.) degree or a doctorate. The additional education and specialized assessment skills account for higher salaries for school psychologists.
Some professionals hold credentials in both areas, though this requires completing separate degree programs or significant additional coursework.
Career Advancement Opportunities
School counselors can advance their careers through various pathways. Understanding advancement options helps with long-term career planning.
Lead Counselor or Department Chair
In schools with multiple counselors, one typically serves as the lead counselor or department chair. This role involves coordinating the counseling program, supervising other counselors, managing schedules, and serving as a liaison to the administration.
Lead counselors typically receive a small stipend or salary increase. The role provides leadership experience and can position counselors for administrative positions.
District Counseling Coordinator
Larger school districts employ counseling coordinators who oversee counseling services across all schools. Coordinators develop district-wide counseling programs, provide professional development for school counselors, ensure compliance with state standards, and coordinate special initiatives.
This role requires several years of successful school counseling experience and typically requires an administrative license or certification. Compensation is higher than in classroom counseling positions.
School Administration
Some school counselors transition into school administration as assistant principals or principals. This path requires earning an administrative license, which typically involves completing a master's degree or certificate program in educational leadership.
Administrators earn higher salaries than counselors but have different responsibilities focused on school operations, teacher evaluation, discipline, and instructional leadership rather than direct student counseling.
College/University Counseling
Experienced school counselors sometimes move into higher education settings. College counselors work with undergraduate and graduate students on academic planning, career development, and personal concerns.
University positions may require additional credentials, such as a doctoral degree or a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license. Salaries vary widely depending on institution type and location.
Private Practice
School counselors who also hold LPC licenses can open private counseling practices or work in community mental health settings. This requires completing additional clinical hours and meeting state licensure requirements beyond school counselor credentials.
Private practice offers flexibility and potentially higher income but lacks the job security, benefits, and schedule of school positions.
Counselor Education
School counselors with doctoral degrees can become university professors, training the next generation of school counselors. This path requires earning a Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision.
University faculty conduct research, teach graduate courses, supervise clinical students, and provide service to the profession. This career path suits counselors interested in research, teaching, and advancing the field through scholarship.
Specialized Roles
Other advancement opportunities include:
- Testing Coordinator: Manage standardized testing programs for the school or district
- College and Career Center Director: Lead comprehensive college and career readiness programs
- School-Based Mental Health Supervisor: Oversee school mental health services and coordinate with community providers
- Grant Writer: Develop proposals to secure funding for counseling programs and student support services
- Consultant: Provide training and technical assistance to schools and districts
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a school counselor?
The typical timeline is six to seven years after high school. This includes four years for a bachelor's degree and two to three years for a master's degree in school counseling. Some states require teaching experience before granting school counselor licensure, which would add one to three additional years. If you attend part-time, the process takes longer.
Can I become a school counselor with a psychology degree?
Yes, a bachelor's degree in psychology provides excellent preparation for school counseling graduate programs. You'll still need to complete a master's degree specifically in school counseling or a closely related field. A psychology background provides foundational knowledge in human development, learning, and behavior, which transfers well to counseling work.
Do school counselors work during the summer?
Most school counselors follow the school calendar and have summers off. However, some counselors choose to work summer programs like summer school, enrichment camps, or college prep programs for additional compensation. High school counselors sometimes work a few weeks in the summer to handle schedule changes and new student orientation. The summer break is one of the major benefits of school counseling careers.
What's the difference between a school counselor and a school social worker?
School counselors focus on academic achievement, career development, and social-emotional learning for all students. School social workers typically address more intensive family and community issues, work primarily with at-risk students, and connect families with community resources. Social workers have training in systems theory and case management, while counselors emphasize developmental guidance and counseling interventions. Many schools employ both professionals who collaborate on student support.
Do I need teaching experience to become a school counselor?
Requirements vary by state. Some states require one to three years of teaching experience before granting school counselor licensure. However, this requirement is becoming less common as the field recognizes that effective school counseling requires different skills than classroom teaching. Check your state's specific requirements through the state department of education.
Can school counselors diagnose mental health conditions?
No, school counselors cannot diagnose mental health disorders. They don't have the clinical training required for diagnosis, and diagnosis falls outside their professional scope of practice. However, school counselors are trained to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health concerns and make appropriate referrals to qualified mental health professionals like psychologists, psychiatrists, or licensed clinical counselors.
What's the student-to-counselor ratio in schools?
The American School Counselor Association recommends a ratio of 250 students per counselor. Unfortunately, the national average currently sits at 376 to 1 for the 2025 school year. Ratios vary significantly by state and district. Some well-funded districts maintain ratios below 250:1, while others exceed 500:1. Higher ratios make it challenging for counselors to provide adequate services to all students.
Is school counseling a stressful job?
School counseling can be emotionally demanding. Counselors regularly encounter students experiencing trauma, mental health crises, abuse, and other serious issues. Large caseloads and administrative responsibilities add stress. However, many counselors find the work deeply rewarding and appreciate the structured schedule, summer breaks, and job security. Self-care, supervision, and strong professional boundaries help manage the emotional demands.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Education Requirements: School counselors need a master's degree in school counseling (48-60 credits), completion of 600-700 supervised clinical hours, and state licensure or certification.
- CACREP Matters: Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program offers advantages for licensure and employment, though not all states require it.
- Strong Career Outlook: The field projects 4% growth through 2034 with approximately 31,000 annual job openings and a median salary of $65,140 as of May 2024.
- Diverse Responsibilities: School counselors provide individual and group counseling, teach classroom guidance lessons, coordinate college and career planning, respond to crises, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and community resources.
- Specialization Options: Counselors can specialize by school level (elementary, middle, or high school) or population (special education, English language learners, gifted students, at-risk youth).
- Work-Life Balance: School counselors typically work traditional school hours with summers off, providing better work-life balance than many counseling positions.
Ready to Start Your School Counseling Career?
School counseling offers a meaningful way to make a lasting difference in young people's lives. You'll help students navigate academic challenges, prepare for their futures, and develop the skills they need to succeed. If you're interested in exploring other counseling specializations, there are many rewarding paths in the counseling field.
Ready to Start Your School Psychology Career?
Explore accredited psychology programs that match your career goals and prepare you for licensure in your state.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other; Psychiatric Techs; Psychiatrists; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Marriage & Family Therapists; and Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
