Quick Facts: School & Career Counselors

The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes some quick facts about Counselors that should be of interest:

What School and Career Counselors Do

School counselors help students develop the academic and social skills needed to succeed in school. Career counselors help people choose careers and follow a path to employment. As of 2016 it is estimated there were 291,700 Counselors nationwide.

Work Environment

School counselors work in public and private schools. Career counselors work in colleges, career centers, and private practices. Both types of counselors generally work full time.

How to Become a School or Career Counselor

Most school counselors need a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field and have a state-issued credential. Some states require licensure for career counselors. 

Pay

The median annual wage for school and career counselors was $56,310 in May 2018.

Job Outlook

Employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Increasing school enrollments is expected to lead to employment growth of these workers.