Where Do Counselors Work? 16 Settings + Salaries (2025)
Counselors work in 20+ settings, including hospitals ($62,180 median), schools ($60,510), private practices ($45,000-$95,000+), telehealth platforms ($55,000-$75,000), mental health agencies ($59,190), VA facilities ($65,000-$85,000), and correctional institutions. Entry positions require a bachelor's degree, while clinical roles need a master's degree and state licensure. Work environments range from traditional offices to remote telehealth, with salaries varying by setting, specialization, and license level.
A graduate with a degree in counseling gains extensive training, knowledge and experience that allows them to help individuals in need of personal, emotional, behavioral and professional guidance. The kind of treatment and advice a professional can provide depends on their counseling specialization, which may include rehabilitation, mental health, career, school, substance abuse, behavioral disorders, marriage, and family issues.
Your workplace options expand significantly with advanced credentials. Bachelor's degree holders typically start in supervised roles like case management or residential counseling. Master's degree graduates can work in clinical settings under supervision during their pre-licensure period. Fully licensed counselors (LPC, LMFT, LCSW) have access to independent practice, insurance billing, and specialized treatment settings. Doctoral-level counselors qualify for leadership positions, teaching roles, and advanced clinical work.
Table of Contents
Workplace Settings:
- Educational Requirements
- Workplace Settings Comparison
- Hospitals and Medical Centers
- Inpatient and Outpatient Detoxification Centers
- Mental Health Facilities and Agencies
- Residential Care Facilities
- Halfway Houses and Transitional Housing
- Geriatric and Senior Care Facilities
- VA Medical Hospitals and Outpatient Clinics
- Correctional Facilities and Prisons
- Telehealth and Remote Counseling Platforms
- Retail Businesses and Corporate Settings
- The Educational System
- Career Centers and Vocational Services
- Rehabilitation Centers and Agencies
- Nonprofit and Social Service Agencies
- Religious Institutions
- Public and Private Practice
Additional Resources:
Educational Requirements to Work as a Counselor
The educational pathway to working as a counselor begins with earning a bachelor's degree and is then followed with a master's or doctorate level degree in counseling. A degree doesn't guarantee employment, but it greatly increases your chances of being hired in this competitive field.
Most clinical counseling positions require at least a master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field. You'll also need to complete supervised clinical hours (typically 2,000-4,000 hours, depending on your state) and pass a licensure exam before you can practice independently. Some specialized settings, like VA hospitals or correctional facilities, may require additional certifications or security clearances.
Counseling Workplace Settings Comparison
Different workplace settings offer varying salary ranges, work environments, and credential requirements. This table compares the most common counseling workplaces to help you make informed career decisions.
| Workplace Setting | Median Salary (2024) | Minimum Education | License Required | Work Environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | $62,180 | Master's | Often Required | Fast-paced, crisis-oriented |
| Schools (K-12) | $60,510 | Master's | State Certification | Structured, seasonal schedule |
| Mental Health Agencies | $59,190 | Master's | Yes | Clinic-based, regular hours |
| Substance Abuse Centers | $59,190 | Bachelor's/Master's | Varies | Intensive, emotionally demanding |
| VA Facilities | $65,000-$85,000 | Master's | Yes | Federal benefits, specialized |
| Telehealth Platforms | $55,000-$75,000 | Master's | Yes | Remote, flexible schedule |
| Private Practice | $45,000-$95,000 | Master's/Doctorate | Yes | Independent, variable income |
| Correctional Facilities | $58,000-$72,000 | Master's | Often Required | High-security, challenging |
| Residential Care | $48,000-$62,000 | Bachelor's/Master's | Varies | 24/7 rotation, hands-on |
| Colleges/Universities | $60,510-$75,000 | Master's/Doctorate | Often Preferred | Academic calendar, student-focused |
Hospitals and Medical Centers
From assuming the role of a family grief counselor to providing mental health evaluations, counseling professionals with master's degrees often find employment at hospitals. Some counselors are hired to assist patients in overcoming various psychological and behavioral issues, while others may specifically focus on the rehabilitation of hospital patients.
Hospital counselors earn a median salary of $62,180 annually, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2024, with salaries ranging from $41,090 at the 10th percentile to $89,210 at the 90th percentile. Your earning potential depends on your specialization, years of experience, and whether you work in a major metropolitan hospital or a rural facility.
With a Ph.D., counselors can assume the position of clinical supervisor at a hospital, as well as qualify for many other jobs in administration. Hospital settings offer exposure to diverse patient populations, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with medical professionals, and typically strong benefits packages. However, the work environment can be fast-paced and emotionally demanding, especially in emergency departments or crisis intervention units.
Inpatient and Outpatient Detoxification Centers
According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), millions of Americans need treatment for substance use disorders in specialized treatment settings. Substance abuse counselors are hired to assist in their road to recovery.
Counselors work in two primary detoxification settings. Inpatient facilities hire counselors to assist with 24-hour care of high-risk patients battling substance abuse. Outpatient facilities hire counselors to provide treatment during the day, while patients are allowed to return to their homes at night.
Substance abuse counselors earn a median salary of $59,190 annually (BLS May 2024), with earnings ranging from $39,090 to $98,210 depending on credentials and work setting. Substance abuse or addiction counselors may also serve as detox specialists or crisis workers within a detoxification center. Many positions require specialized certifications, such as Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), in addition to your counseling degree.
Mental Health Facilities and Agencies
Providing one-on-one treatment or holding group therapy sessions, professionals with graduate degrees in counseling are often employed at mental health facilities, oftentimes according to their specialty. For example, community counselors are hired at localized mental health agencies to assist a local population, interact with community leaders, and bridge the gap between support services found in surrounding areas.
A master's degree in counseling can lead to employment as a social worker, mental health counselor, or case manager at a mental health agency or facility. Mental health counselors at community agencies earn a median salary of $59,190 (BLS May 2024). A doctorate in counseling qualifies a professional to take a position as a coordinator or director of a mental health agency, with leadership roles typically earning $75,000-$95,000 annually.
Mental health agencies provide stable work environments with regular hours, opportunities for specialization in specific populations or treatment modalities, and often strong supervision and professional development opportunities. Many agencies also offer loan forgiveness programs for counselors working in underserved areas.
Residential Care Facilities
A residential care facility provides counseling services to people living in a temporary environment that requires continuous supervision. This may include facilities that house troubled or at-risk youths, autistic children, or people with mental or physical disabilities.
Minimum required education is an associate's degree in counseling, which prepares graduates to work at a residential care facility as a substance abuse or addictions counselor, where they may hold one-on-one counseling sessions or lead group discussions with people suffering from a chemical dependency. Entry-level residential counselors earn $35,000-$48,000 annually, while master's-level counselors in residential settings earn $48,000-$62,000, depending on the facility type and their level of responsibility.
Residential counseling often involves working with clients during evenings and weekends, as facilities operate 24/7. This can be ideal if you prefer non-traditional schedules or want intensive experience working with specific populations before pursuing licensure.
Halfway Houses and Transitional Housing
Halfway houses, also known as transitional housing facilities and recovery houses, hire rehabilitation and substance abuse counselors to guide patients or residents in need of help transitioning back to a societal environment, their family, their community, and entering the workforce.
Counselors may work in voluntary substance abuse halfway houses, which allow recovering addicts to transition from inpatient therapy to reentering society by living in a structured environment during outpatient therapy. Court-mandated halfway houses provide structure and support under strict supervision to formerly incarcerated juveniles and adults reentering society. Mental health-related halfway houses offer individuals mental health counseling in a residential setting, such as patients who require medical supervision or victims of domestic violence.
Counseling degree programs at the associate's level typically focus on training professionals as substance abuse or drug and alcohol counselors, but the majority of employers are looking to hire a licensed professional or someone with at least a bachelor's degree. Halfway house counselors typically earn $42,000-$58,000 annually, depending on the facility type and funding source.
Geriatric and Senior Care Facilities
Counselors, especially geriatric counselors, are often employed by facilities, agencies, and organizations that serve the elderly population, such as hospitals, assisted living communities, senior community centers, retirement homes, independent living communities, as well as long- and short-term care facilities.
The aging baby boomer population has created increasing demand for counselors specializing in geriatric mental health, grief counseling, dementia care support, and end-of-life counseling. Geriatric counselors earn median salaries of $52,000-$68,000, depending on the facility type and whether they're providing direct care or program coordination.
This specialty requires understanding the unique mental health challenges facing older adults, including depression related to health decline, anxiety about loss of independence, and grief over losing spouses and peers. Additional training in geriatric psychology or gerontology can enhance your employability in these settings.
VA Medical Hospitals and Outpatient Clinics
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there are more than 1,200 VA community-based outpatient clinics, VA hospitals, and VA vet centers across the United States providing mental health services to veterans and their families.
Counselors are hired to work with veterans, their spouses, and families to address issues such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), traumatic brain injury, anger management, substance abuse, and reintegration challenges. Usually, a master's degree is required for the majority of VA counseling positions, along with state licensure or eligibility for licensure.
VA counselors typically earn $65,000-$85,000 annually with excellent federal benefits, including retirement plans, loan forgiveness programs, generous paid time off, and opportunities for career advancement within the VA system. Many VA positions also offer flexible scheduling and telework options. Specialized training in trauma-focused therapies like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) or Prolonged Exposure (PE) is highly valued and often provided through VA training programs.
Correctional Facilities and Prisons
From mental health counseling to substance abuse counseling, the prison system employs counselors to provide individual and group therapy for individuals who are jailed or living in a correctional facility. Correctional counselors also help develop a plan of action to assist inmates in achieving rehabilitation goals and prepare them for transitioning back into society after being released from prison.
Correctional counselors earn between $58,000 and $72,000 annually, depending on whether they work in state, federal, or private correctional facilities. Federal positions typically offer higher salaries and better benefits. This career path requires a master's degree in counseling or a related field, state licensure, and often a background check and security clearance.
Working in correctional settings can be challenging but rewarding. You'll work with individuals facing complex trauma, addiction, and mental health issues. The work environment requires strong boundaries, cultural competence, and the ability to work effectively within a highly structured security environment. Many correctional counselors find the work meaningful as they help break cycles of incarceration through evidence-based treatment programs.
Telehealth and Remote Counseling Platforms
The telehealth revolution has transformed counseling practice since 2020, with 30-40% of counseling sessions now delivered remotely. Telehealth counselors work for established platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and MDLive, as well as through private telehealth practices serving clients across state lines.
Telehealth counselors earn between $55,000 and $75,000 annually, with earnings varying based on whether you work full-time for a platform, contract independently, or combine telehealth with in-person practice. Platform-based counselors typically earn $30-$50 per session, while independent practitioners can earn $75-$150 per session, depending on their specialization and licensure.
To work in telehealth, you must hold active licensure in the state where your client is located during the session. Some states participate in counseling compacts that allow multi-state practice, but many counselors need to obtain licenses in multiple states to serve a broader client base. Telehealth offers flexibility for work-from-home arrangements, reduced commute time, and the ability to serve clients in rural or underserved areas. However, it requires strong technology skills, an appropriate home office setup, and comfort in providing therapy through a screen rather than in person.
Retail Businesses and Corporate Settings
Assuming positions in the human resources or public relations departments of large retail organizations, counselors with as little as a bachelor's degree are hired in the retail and corporate sectors. Job duties typically include improving company-customer relationships, as well as designing and conducting training programs.
Corporate counselors and employee assistance program (EAP) professionals earn $58,000-$82,000 annually, depending on company size and location. Fortune 500 companies increasingly employ counselors to support employee wellness programs, manage workplace conflicts, provide crisis intervention, and develop mental health resources for staff.
This career path often doesn't require clinical licensure but benefits from counseling training and strong organizational psychology knowledge. You'll work regular business hours in professional office environments, and your counseling skills will be applied to organizational development, leadership coaching, and employee wellness rather than traditional clinical therapy.
The Educational System
Primarily helping students to better navigate the stresses of growing up and successfully completing their studies, counselors play an important role at all levels of the school system, such as providing crisis intervention following traumatic or violent occurrences like the death of a teacher, a gun violence incident, or peer suicide. Although a master's degree is often preferred, some counselors with a bachelor's degree are able to assume positions at a school.
Typically, the higher the degree a counselor possesses, the more job opportunities an individual will encounter regarding the following institutions within the school system.
Elementary and Middle Schools
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), elementary and secondary schools employed 47% of all educational, vocational, and school counselors working in 2024 at the state, local, and private levels. In an elementary school, a counselor often works with teachers and parents to evaluate a student's strengths and weaknesses, as well as identify any special needs.
Elementary and middle school counselors earn a median salary of $60,510 annually (BLS May 2024), with salaries ranging from $38,590 to $98,190 depending on the school district and cost of living in the area. Most states require school counselor certification in addition to a master's degree in school counseling or a related field.
High Schools
A graduate with experience in vocational or career counseling may find a fit at a high school, where they can advise students making future decisions regarding higher education and making career plans. Often called guidance counselors, they also assist students with various issues commonly associated with teenagers, which range from self-esteem to behavioral issues to college and career planning.
In high schools, a degree in counseling can also lead to job positions as academic adviser, career counselor, career services director, and guidance counselor. High school counselors earn similar salaries to elementary counselors ($60,510 median) but often have additional summer work opportunities running college prep programs or career camps.
Colleges and Universities
The BLS reports 31 percent of school and career counselors are employed at junior colleges, colleges, universities, and professional schools at the state, local, and private levels. College counselors address student mental health concerns, academic challenges, career planning, and crisis intervention.
Those with a doctoral degree in counseling can teach undergraduate or graduate level studies at a public or private college or university. A director of career counseling with a college or university often holds a Ph.D. related to the field. College counselors earn $60,510-$75,000 annually, with directors of counseling centers earning $80,000-$110,000 depending on institution size and location.
Additional work opportunities for counselors with an interest in higher education include developing curricula for various certificate and degree programs, evaluating counseling programs, mentoring aspiring counselors, writing textbooks, and pursuing original research.
Career Centers and Vocational Services
The majority of graduates with a vocational or career counseling degree work in career centers associated with high schools, colleges, as well as state government agencies. A bachelor's degree in vocational counseling is acceptable for some places of employment, but a master's degree is typically preferred, especially for counselors applying for a position at a college and university career center.
Career counselors earn median salaries of $60,510 annually (BLS May 2024). Outside of a career center, some counselors work as consultants who match candidates to corresponding employment opportunities, earning $50,000-$85,000 depending on their client base and expertise.
Career counseling has evolved to include digital career coaching, LinkedIn profile optimization, personal branding guidance, and helping mid-career professionals navigate career transitions. This specialty benefits from staying current with labor market trends, assessment tools, and emerging industries.
Rehabilitation Centers and Agencies
Graduates with a bachelor's or master's degree in counseling may assume a position with a rehabilitation agency at the state, private, and nonprofit levels. A professional with a doctorate in counseling qualifies to become a director of a rehab facility.
Rehabilitation counselors earn median salaries of $43,450 annually (BLS May 2024), with earnings ranging from $29,960 to $74,390 depending on specialization and work setting. Counselors also find work in other job settings that involve rehabilitation, such as colleges, elementary and secondary schools, prisons, and independent-living facilities.
Rehabilitation counseling focuses on helping people with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities achieve personal, career, and independent living goals. This specialty often requires additional certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and knowledge of disability law, assistive technology, and vocational assessment.
Nonprofit and Social Service Agencies
Providing an array of counseling services centered on mental health, rehabilitation, substance abuse, and other areas of social work, counselors with undergraduate and graduate degrees find work at nonprofit or social service agencies. Job candidates with a Ph.D. are qualified to oversee family counseling services for such agencies, including the governmental division of Child and Family Services.
Nonprofit counselors earn $45,000-$62,000 annually, depending on the organization's funding and geographic location. While nonprofit salaries are often lower than private sector positions, many organizations offer Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, strong mission-driven work cultures, and opportunities to serve underserved populations.
Nonprofit counseling work often involves community outreach, grant writing, program development, and building partnerships with other social service organizations. This career path suits counselors interested in systemic change and population-level mental health improvement.
Religious Institutions
Counselors who specialize in combining traditional mental health counseling with the Christian faith often work in private practice and religious work environments, such as a church. Professionals must obtain a certificate in Christian counseling before they are able to use the Bible and religious teachings to treat clients. This type of professional is also not limited to strictly working in a religious setting and may assist anyone in need of counseling.
Pastoral counselors and faith-based counselors earn $42,000-$65,000 annually, depending on the size of their congregation or practice and whether they serve as full-time church staff or maintain independent practices. Many pastoral counselors pursue dual credentials, maintaining both state licensure as a professional counselor and certification through organizations like the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.
This specialty allows integration of spiritual and psychological healing, serving clients who seek counseling that aligns with their religious values. However, ethical guidelines require respecting clients' spiritual autonomy and maintaining appropriate boundaries between spiritual guidance and clinical treatment.
Public and Private Practice
Those with a Ph.D. in counseling can become a licensed professional counselor who works in a public or private practice. Most often, this type of counselor concentrates on a particular area of specialization, such as mental health counseling, family and marriage counseling, or substance abuse counseling.
Private practice counselors earn widely varying incomes from $45,000 to $95,000+ annually, depending on their specialization, location, years in practice, and business acumen. Successful private practitioners in major metropolitan areas with specialized expertise (trauma therapy, eating disorders, high-conflict divorce mediation) can earn $100,000-$150,000 annually. However, private practice also involves business expenses, including malpractice insurance, office rent, billing software, marketing, and covering your own health insurance and retirement.
A bachelor's degree in counseling allows a graduate to assume the position of an administrative assistant or researcher who works under the direct supervision of a certified psychologist with his or her own practice or business, typically earning $35,000-$48,000 annually.
Starting a private practice requires not just clinical skills but also business management abilities. You'll need to handle billing and insurance, market your services, manage your schedule, maintain clinical records, and ensure compliance with HIPAA and state regulations. Many counselors start private practices part-time while maintaining agency employment, gradually transitioning to full-time private practice once their caseload is established.
Licensure Requirements by Workplace Type
Understanding which credentials you need for different counseling workplaces helps you plan your education and career path strategically. Here's what you can do at each level.
Bachelor's Degree Only (No License)
With a bachelor's degree in counseling or psychology, you can work in supervised roles that don't require independent clinical judgment. These positions include:
- Residential counselor at group homes or treatment facilities ($35,000-$48,000)
- Case manager at social service agencies ($38,000-$52,000)
- Behavioral health technician in hospitals ($32,000-$45,000)
- Substance abuse counselor assistant (with additional certification) ($35,000-$48,000)
- Career counselor assistant ($36,000-$48,000)
- Administrative roles in private practices or agencies ($35,000-$50,000)
Master's Degree (Pre-Licensure Period)
After earning your master's degree but before completing licensure requirements, you'll work under clinical supervision. Most states require 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised practice. During this period, you can work in:
- Community mental health agencies under supervision ($45,000-$58,000)
- Hospital counseling departments ($48,000-$62,000)
- Substance abuse treatment centers ($45,000-$60,000)
- School counseling with proper state certification ($52,000-$65,000)
- Group practice settings with licensed supervisors ($48,000-$62,000)
Fully Licensed (LPC, LMFT, LCSW, LCPC)
Once you've completed your supervised hours and passed your licensing exam, all workplace options become available. Fully licensed counselors can:
- Bill insurance companies directly for services
- Open independent private practices
- Provide telehealth services across state lines (with appropriate licenses)
- Supervise pre-licensed counselors
- Work in any clinical setting without supervision
- Diagnose and treat mental health conditions independently
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)
A doctorate in counseling or counseling psychology opens leadership and specialized opportunities:
- Director positions at mental health agencies, hospitals, or rehabilitation facilities ($85,000-$120,000)
- Professor at colleges and universities ($70,000-$110,000)
- Researcher conducting original studies ($75,000-$95,000)
- Clinical supervisor overseeing multiple counselors ($80,000-$105,000)
- Specialized assessment and treatment of complex cases ($90,000-$130,000 in private practice)
- Expert witness in legal cases ($150-$400 per hour)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest-paying counseling setting?
Private practice with specialized expertise typically offers the highest earning potential ($80,000-$150,000+), followed by VA facilities ($65,000-$85,000), hospitals ($60,000-$75,000), and college counseling centers ($60,000-$75,000). However, private practice income varies significantly based on your caseload, insurance panels, location, and business management skills.
Can you work as a counselor with just a bachelor's degree?
Yes, but your options are limited to supervised roles like residential counseling, case management, behavioral health technician positions, and substance abuse counselor assistant roles. Most clinical counseling positions that involve independent diagnosis and treatment require a master's degree and state licensure. Bachelor's-level counselors typically earn $35,000-$50,000 annually.
Do counselors need a license to work in schools?
Most states require school counselors to hold a master's degree in school counseling or a related field and obtain state certification as a school counselor, which is separate from clinical licensure as an LPC or LMFT. Requirements vary by state, but typically include completing a school counseling program, passing the Praxis School Counselor exam, and completing supervised school counseling experience.
What's the difference between working in hospitals vs. private practice?
Hospitals offer structured environments with regular salaries ($60,000-$75,000), benefits packages, diverse patient populations, interdisciplinary teams, and opportunities for specialization. However, the work is often fast-paced and crisis-oriented. Private practice offers independence, flexible scheduling, higher income potential ($45,000-$150,000+), and the ability to specialize in your areas of interest. However, you'll handle all business aspects, have variable income, and need to cover your own benefits and expenses.
Can licensed counselors work remotely from home?
Yes, licensed counselors can provide telehealth services from home, but you must hold active licensure in the state where your client is physically located during the session. Some states participate in counseling compacts, allowing multi-state practice. Telehealth counselors earn $55,000-$75,000 working for platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace, or can earn more inan independent telehealth private practice.
Which counseling settings have the best work-life balance?
School counseling offers the best work-life balance with school-year schedules, summers off (or summer program opportunities), and regular hours. Telehealth counseling provides flexibility in scheduling and eliminates commute time. Career counseling at colleges or community centers typically offers standard business hours without crisis intervention responsibilities. In contrast, residential facilities, hospitals, and crisis centers often require evening, weekend, or on-call work.
Do VA counselors make more than private practice counselors?
VA counselors earn competitive salaries ($65,000-$85,000) with excellent federal benefits, including retirement plans, loan forgiveness eligibility, and generous paid time off. Private practice counselors have higher earning potential ($80,000-$150,000+) but more variable income and must cover their own benefits and business expenses. For many counselors, VA positions offer better overall compensation when benefits are factored in, especially early in their careers.
What counseling jobs are in the highest demand in 2025?
Substance abuse counselors are in the highest demand due to the ongoing opioid crisis and increased recognition of addiction as a treatable condition. School counselors are needed due to student mental health concerns post-COVID-19. Telehealth counselors are increasingly sought as platforms expand services. VA counselors are in high demand to serve the veteran population. Geriatric mental health counselors are needed as the baby boomer population ages. Rural areas face counselor shortages across all specializations, often offering loan forgiveness and incentive programs.
How long does it take to become a fully licensed counselor?
The complete timeline typically takes 6-8 years: 4 years for a bachelor's degree, 2-3 years for a master's degree, and 2-3 years completing supervised clinical hours (2,000-4,000 hours depending on your state) while working as a pre-licensed counselor. Some counselors complete their supervised hours faster by working full-time in clinical settings. After completing supervised hours, you'll take your licensing exam and apply for your license, adding another 3-6 months to the process.
What's the job outlook for counselors through 2032?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 22% growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increased awareness of mental health importance, reduced stigma around seeking counseling, school-based mental health program expansion, greater insurance coverage for mental health services, and the ongoing opioid epidemic, creating demand for addiction counselors.
Key Takeaways
- Counselors work in 16+ diverse settings ranging from hospitals and schools to telehealth platforms and private practices, with median salaries from $43,450 (rehabilitation counselors) to $95,000+ (specialized private practice).
- Educational requirements vary by setting: bachelor's degrees suffice for supervised roles ($35,000-$50,000), master's degrees are needed for clinical work ($55,000-$75,000), and doctorates open leadership positions ($80,000-$120,000+).
- Licensure dramatically expands workplace options by allowing independent practice, insurance billing, telehealth services, and supervision of pre-licensed counselors across all clinical settings.
- Telehealth counseling has become a major employment sector since 2020, with 30-40% of counseling now delivered remotely, offering $55,000-$75,000 salaries with work-from-home flexibility.
- Specialized settings like VA facilities ($65,000-$85,000 with federal benefits), correctional institutions ($58,000-$72,000), and geriatric care facilities ($52,000-$68,000) require additional training but offer unique career paths.
- Work-life balance varies significantly by setting, with school counseling and career centers offering the most predictable schedules, while hospitals, residential facilities, and crisis centers require evening and weekend availability.
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In conclusion, the number of places that a graduate with a counseling degree can work is wide-ranging, and the above-mentioned employment opportunities are non-exhaustive. Depending on a professional's level of education, counselors are also hired at insurance companies, private government agencies, summer camps, law offices, and Fortune 500 corporations.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors; School and Career Counselors; and Rehabilitation Counselors are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
