What does a school counselor do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
School counselors help students develop academic and social skills, and career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment. A master's degree is typical. BLS reports a median pay of $64,330 per year (May 2025). Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 21-1012 |
| O*NET code | 21-1012.00 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree |
| Median annual wage | $64,330 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 3 percent (as fast as average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 389,500 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a school counselor do?
BLS says school counselors help students with social or behavioral challenges, analyze data that affects academic performance, advise individuals and small groups, teach skills such as time management, work with teachers and families, and present options for education or work after graduation. Career counselors use aptitude assessments, guide decisions about careers and degrees, and teach job-search skills such as interviewing, networking and resume writing.
Work environment
School counselors work in public and private schools, and career counselors mainly work at colleges and universities and in career centers. Both usually work full time. Local elementary and secondary schools employ 38 percent, state and local colleges and universities 25 percent and private colleges and universities 15 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says nearly all states and D.C. require school counselors to have a master's degree, usually in counseling or psychology, and most programs include an internship. Public school counselors need a state-issued credential, and most states require a criminal background check. Career and academic advisors may need only a bachelor's degree plus work experience.
Skills that matter
BLS lists analytical, interpersonal, listening and speaking skills, plus compassion as important qualities for this work.
How much does a school counselor make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $64,330 for school and career counselors and advisors (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of school and career counselors and advisors to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels as fast as average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 27,800 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Check your state education department for the school counselor credential and background check steps.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Social workers, High school teachers, Elementary school teachers, Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors, Human resources specialists.
Frequently asked questions
What degree do school counselors need? BLS says nearly all states and D.C. require school counselors to have a master's degree, usually in counseling or psychology.
Do career counselors need a master's degree? Not always. BLS says some employers prefer a master's in career counseling, while career and academic advisors may need only a bachelor's degree plus work experience.
How much do school and career counselors and advisors make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $64,330 for school and career counselors and advisors (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is school counselor a good career? BLS projects 3 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (as fast as average). About 27,800 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Social Worker Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
- High School Teacher: Duties, Pay, Education, Outlook
- What Does an Elementary School Teacher Do? Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Mental Health Counselor Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, School and career counselors and advisors: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 21-1012.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/21-1012.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.