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How Much Do School Counselors Make?

Learn what you may be able to earn as a school counselor.

Median Annual School Counselor Salary

School counselors help and encourage students develop the skills they’ll need to succeed in school and in life. They also assist students in selecting careers and programs that best fit their skills and ambitions. Here are some statistics on salaries, job growth, and employer types for school counselors.

What is my earning potential?

School counselors could earn over $105,870 per year according to the BLS, which reports that this is the median salary for the top 10% of professionals in the field.

How does a school counselor’s salary compare to other counseling careers?

School counselor salaries by highest paying metro area of the U.S.:

_{Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics}

Is there demand for this career?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for school counselors is faster than average for all occupations. Much of this is attributable to rising student enrollment in elementary, middle and high school. And the BLS predicts colleges and universities will need to hire more counselors to meet the demands of the growing college-age population. Vocational and career services center’s need for counselors will also surge, creating demand in this area as well.

What is the job growth for the field?

Employment of school counselors is expected to grow 3.5% through 2034, which is faster than the national average for all occupations (5%). Take a look at how some of the other counseling occupations compare as far as job growth through 2034:

• Mental health counselors—16.8%
• Marriage and family therapists—12.6%
• Social workers—5.5%
• Rehabilitation counselors—1.4%

National long-term projections of employment growth may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.

How much competition will I face for a job?

Despite promising job growth reports and the vital role that school counselors’ play in maximizing student success, competition may be strong for school counselor jobs as growth may be offset by school budgets. Counseling programs are often some of the first programs that are reduced when school budgets are cut, and counselors are often tasked with roles other than helping students, according to the U.S. News and World Report article, “A Numbers Game for High School Counselors.”

How do I advance in my school counselor career?

With advanced degrees and continuing education and experience, some school counselors may advance to positions such as head counselor, director of pupil services or school psychologist. College-level school counselors may advance to dean of students, dean of placement or personnel, financial aid director or supervisor of testing.

Professional development is an important factor for advancement in a school counseling career. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is the authorized provider for continuing education units (CEUs), and the ASCA stresses the importance of professional development to advance your career and stay effective in the field.

Another way to advance is to get certified. There are two certification organizations available:

• The National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates Inc. (NBCC)
• The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)

These boards recognize accomplished school counselors and assess knowledge, skills and abilities considered vital to provide effective counseling services. Earning these certificates shows potential employers that you are a qualified and accomplished professional in your chosen career, and may play a role in employment decisions or promotions.