School Counselor FAQ

Yes, in most states.

No. They also support academics, social and emotional needs and careers.

A national framework for school counseling programs.

The median annual wage for school counselors was $64,330 ($30.93 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $45,020 and the highest 10% earned more than $104,770.

Most people need about Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s of training. School counselors need a master’s degree in school counseling and a state certification or license. Many states require supervised internship hours.

Yes. Most states require school counselors to have a master’s degree in school counseling and a state certification. College advisors may need a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +2.9% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 27,800 openings each year. Upsides include help students in meaningful ways; a common challenge is that large caseloads.

Key technical skills include counseling techniques, academic planning, college and career guidance, and crisis intervention. Employers also value empathy, listening, and confidentiality.

Common credentials include State school counselor certification, National Certified Counselor (NCC), Global Career Development Facilitator, and Crisis intervention training. Public school counselors must be certified by their state, usually requiring a master’s degree and internship hours.