Considering a career in school or career counseling? School counselors help students develop the skills necessary for academic success. Career counselors do the same for professionals by providing the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in their job. This guide provides all the necessary information and resources to get started. Find out everything you need to know about these occupations, including qualifications, pay and standard duties.

2. 02
www.Hub.Careers
Acknowledgments and Disclaimers
Copyright 2016: Cover Page Illustration and the Hub.Careers Introduction
Reproduced courtesy of the Department of Labor, the Bureau of Labor Statistics
and the U.S. Copyright laws. Please see the Department of Labor for the latest
and most up to date information.
This source has been specifically reviewed, chosen and curated for relevance and
quality by Hub.Careers and reproduced in PDF format for the exclusive use of our
select Members and audience.
This Ebook is for informational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for
professional job and career counseling.
Hub.Careers does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for
any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such
errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. By using
this publication you are agreeing to assume sole responsibility for any errors
whatsoever, including in formatting, timeliness and accuracy.
Hub.Careers is a website and service owned, managed and operated by TriStone
Consulting Group, LLC.

3. 03
www.Hub.Careers
School and Career Counselors
Table of Contents
04 Summary
07 What School and Career Counselors Do
13 How to become a School and Career Counselor
14 Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
15 Important Qualities
16 Pay
17 Job Outlook
20 Similar Occupations
23 Contacts for More Information

4. 04
www.Hub.CareersJoin us for Free!
School and Career Counselors
Summary
School counselors help students develop social skills and succeed in school.
Quick Facts: School and Career Counselors
2014 Median Pay $53,370 per year
$25.66 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Master's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training None
Number of Jobs, 2014 273,400
Job Outlook, 2014-24 8% (As fast as average)
Employment Change, 2014-24 22,500

5. 05
www.Hub.Careers Free Career eBooks!
What School and Career Counselors Do
School counselors help students develop academic and social skills and suc-
ceed in school. Career counselors assist people with the process of making ca-
reer decisions by helping them develop skills or choose a career or educational
program.
Work Environment
School counselors work in public and private schools. Career counselors work
in colleges, government agencies, career centers, and private practices. Both
types of counselors generally work full time.
How to become a School and Career Counselors
Most school counselors have a master’s degree in school counseling or a relat-
ed field and have a state-issued credential. Some employers prefer that career
counselors have a master’s degree. Career counselors who work in private
practices may also need a license.
Pay
The median annual wage for school and career counselors was $53,370 in May
2014.
Job Outlook
Employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow 8 percent
from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Increasing
school enrollments should lead to employment growth of school and career
counselors.

6. 06
www.Hub.CareersFree Expert Career Advice!
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for school and
career counselors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of school and career
counselors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about school and career counselors by visiting additional resources,
including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

7. 07
www.Hub.Careers Free Groups and Forums!
What School and Career Counselors Do
Career counselors assist people with the process of making career decisions.
School counselors help students develop academic and social skills and suc-
ceed in school. Career counselors assist people with the process of making ca-
reer decisions by helping them develop skills or choose a career or educational
program.
Duties
School counselors typically do the following:
• Evaluate students’ abilities and interests through aptitude assessments,
interviews, and individual planning
• Identify issues that impact school performance, such as poor classroom
attendance rates
• Help students understand and overcome social or behavioral problems
through classroom guidance lessons and counseling

8. 08
www.Hub.CareersFree Job Postings!
• Counsel individuals and small groups on the basis of student and school
needs
• Work with students to develop skills, such as organizational and time man-
agement abilities and effective study habits
• Help students create a plan to achieve academic and career goals
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to help students
succeed
• Teach students and school staff about certain topics, such as bullying, drug
abuse, and planning for college or careers after graduation
• Report possible cases of neglect or abuse and refer students and parents
to resources outside the school for additional support
The specific duties of school counselors vary with the ages of their students.
Elementary school counselors focus on helping students develop certain
skills, such as those used in decisionmaking and studying, that they need in
order to be successful in their social and academic lives. They meet with par-
ents or guardians to discuss their child’s strengths and weaknesses, and any
possible special needs and behavioral issues. School counselors also work with
teachers and administrators to ensure that the curriculum addresses both the
developmental and academic needs of students.
Middle school counselors work with school staff, parents and the com-
munity to create a caring, supportive climate and atmosphere for students
to achieve academic success. They help the students develop the skills and
strategies necessary to succeed academically and socially.
High school counselors advise students in making academic and career
plans. Many help students overcome personal issues that interfere with their
academic development. They help students choose classes and plan for their

9. 09
www.Hub.Careers Free Career Blogging!
lives after graduation. Counselors provide information about choosing and
applying for colleges, training programs, financial aid, and internships and
apprenticeships. They may present career workshops to help students search
and apply for jobs, write résumés, and improve their interviewing skills.
Career counselors typically do the following:
• Use aptitude and achievement assessments to help clients evaluate their
interests, skills, and abilities
• Evaluate clients’ background, education, and training, to help them devel-
op realistic goals
• Guide clients through making decisions about their careers, such as
choosing a new profession and the type of degree to pursue
• Help clients learn job search skills, such as interviewing and networking
• Assist clients in locating and applying for jobs, by teaching them strate-
gies to find openings and how to write a résumé
• Advise clients on how to resolve problems in the workplace, such as con-
flicts with bosses or coworkers
• Help clients select and apply for educational programs, to obtain the nec-
essary degrees, credentials, and skills
Career counselors work with clients at various stages of their careers. Some
work in colleges. They may help students choose a major or help students
determine what jobs they are qualified for with their degrees.
Career counselors also work with people who have already entered the
workforce. These counselors develop plans to improve their client’s current
career. They also provide advice about entering a new profession.

10. 10
www.Hub.CareersFree Career Events!
Some career counselors work in outplacement firms and assist laid-off workers
with transitioning into new jobs or careers. Others work in corporate career
centers to assist employees in making decisions about their career path within
the company.
Career counselors who work in private practice must spend time marketing
their practice to prospective clients and working with clients to receive pay-
ments for their services.

11. 11
www.Hub.Careers Free Career Videos!
Work Environment
School counselors work in private and public schools where they have private
offices.
School and career counselors held about 273,400 jobs in 2014. The industries
that employed the most school and career counselors were as follows:
Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private 45%
Junior colleges, colleges, universities, and professional schools;
state, local, and private
33
Community and vocational rehabilitation services 5
State and local government, excluding education and hospitals 3

12. 12
www.Hub.CareersFree Career News!
School counselors work in private and public schools. They often have private
offices so that they can have confidential conversations with students. Career
counselors work in colleges, businesses, government agencies, and career
centers.
Work Schedules
Both school and career counselors generally work full time. Some school
counselors do not work during the summer when school is not in session.

13. 13
www.Hub.Careers Free Career Sites!
How to become a School and Career Counselor
Master’s programs in career counseling prepare students to teach career devel-
opment techniques and assess clients’ skills and interests.
Most school counselors must have a master’s degree in school counseling or a
related field and have a state-issued credential. Some employers prefer that ca-
reer counselors have a master’s degree. Career counselors who work in private
practices may also need a license.
Education
Most states require school counselors to have a master’s degree in school coun-
seling or a related field. Programs in school counseling teach students about
fostering academic development; conducting group and individual counseling;

14. 14
www.Hub.CareersFree Career Polls!
working with parents, school staff, and community organizations; and using data
to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school counseling pro-
grams for all students. These programs often require students to gain experience
through an internship or practicum.
Some employers prefer that career counselors have a master’s degree in coun-
seling with a focus on career development. Career counseling programs prepare
students to assess clients’ skills and interests and to teach career development
techniques. Many programs require students to have a period of supervised ex-
perience, such as an internship.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Public school counselors must have a state-issued credential to practice. This cre-
dential can be called a certification, a license, or an endorsement, depending on
the state. Licensure or certification typically requires a master’s degree in school
counseling and an internship or practicum completed under the supervision of a
licensed professional school counselor.
Some states require applicants to have 1 to 2 years of classroom teaching expe-
rience, or to hold a teaching license, prior to being certified. Most states require
a criminal background check as part of the credentialing process. Information
about requirements for each state is available from the American School Counsel-
or Association.
Although some employers prefer to hire licensed career counselors, licensure is
not required by all states. Contact information for state regulating boards is avail-
able from the National Board for Certified Counselors.

15. 15
www.Hub.Careers Free Career eBooks!
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Although most states do not require work experience in a related occupation,
some states require school counselors to have 1 to 2 years of classroom teach-
ing experience, or to hold a teaching license, prior to being certified. Please see
the Similar Occupations tab for more information on teaching occupations.
Important Qualities
Compassion. School and career counselors often work with people who are
dealing with stressful and difficult situations, so they must be compassionate
and empathize with their clients and students.
Interpersonal skills. School and career counselors must be able to work with
different types of people. They spend most of their time working directly with
clients, students, or other professionals and need to form and maintain good
working relationships.
Listening skills. Good listening skills are essential for school and career coun-
selors. They need to give their full attention to students and clients in order to
understand their problems.
Speaking skills. School and career counselors must communicate effectively
with clients and students. They should express ideas and information in a way
that their clients and students understand easily.

16. 16
www.Hub.CareersJoin us for Free!
Pay
School and Career Counselors
Median annual wages, May 2014
School and career counselors
$53,370
Counselors, social workers, and other
community and social service specialists
$41,290
Total, all occupations
$35,540
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
The median annual wage for school and career counselors was $53,370 in May
2014. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation
earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $31,960, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $86,610.
In May 2014, the median annual wages for school and career counselors in the
top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private $60,660
State and local government, excluding education and hos-
pitals
49,860
Junior colleges, colleges, universities, and professional
schools; state, local, and private
46,850
Community and vocational rehabilitation services 35,870
Both school and career counselors generally work full time. Some school counsel-
ors do not work in the summer when school is not in session.

17. 17
www.Hub.Careers Free Expert Career Advice!
Job Outlook
School and Career Counselors
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Counselors, social workers, and other community
and social service specialists
12%
School and career counselors
8%
Total, all occupations
7%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow 8 percent from
2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Rising student enrollments in elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as col-
leges and universities, may increase demand for school counselors. As enrollments
grow, schools will require more counselors to respond to the developmental and
academic needs of their students. Colleges will need to hire additional counselors
to meet the demand for career counseling services from their students.
However, any employment growth may be tempered by strained state and local
government budgets. When governments experience budget deficits, they may lay
off employees, including counselors.
Demand for career counseling is projected to increase in universities as an increas-
ing number of campuses open onsite career centers to help students develop skills
and prepare for transition to the workforce.
Career counselors also will be needed in vocational rehabilitation services to assist
those who change careers, to help laid-off workers find employment, and to help
military personnel transition into the civilian job market.

18. 18
www.Hub.CareersFree Groups and Forums!
Job Prospects
Employment projections data for School and Career Counselors, 2014-
24
Occupational
Title
SOC
Code
Employ-
ment,
2014
Projected
Employ-
ment, 2024
Change, 2014-
24
Employ-
ment by
Industry
Percent
Numeric
Education-
al, guidance,
school, and
vocational coun-
selors
21-1012 273,400 295,900 8 22,500 [XLSX]
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
State & Area Data
Occupational Employment Statistics (OES)
The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program produces employment
and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are
available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan
and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employ-
ment and wages by state and area.
• Educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors
Projections Central
Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor
Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All
state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com.
Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an

19. 19
www.Hub.Careers Free Job Postings!
occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In
addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s
websites where these data may be retrieved.
Career InfoNet
America’s Career InfoNet includes hundreds of occupational profiles with d
ata available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to
compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area
or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

20. 20
www.Hub.CareersFree Career Blogging!
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those
of School and Career Counselors.
Occupation Job Duties
ENTRY-LEVEL
EDUCATION
2014
MEDIAN
PAY
High School Teachers High school teachers help
prepare students for life after
graduation. They teach ac-
ademic lessons and various
skills that students will need to
attend college and to enter the
job market.
Bachelor's
degree
$56,310
Human Resources
Specialists
Human resources specialists
recruit, screen, interview, and
place workers. They often
handle other human resources
work, such as those related to
employee relations, compensa-
tion and benefits, and training.
Bachelor's
degree
$57,420
Kindergarten and
Elementary School
Teachers
Kindergarten and elementa-
ry school teachers prepare
younger students for future
schooling by teaching them
basic subjects such as math
and reading.
Bachelor's
degree
$53,760
Mental Health Coun-
selors and Marriage
and Family Therapists
Mental health counselors and
marriage and family therapists
help people manage and over-
come mental and emotional
disorders and problems with
family and other relationships.
They listen to clients and ask
questions to help the clients
understand their problems and
develop strategies to improve
their lives.
Master's degree $42,250

21. 21
www.Hub.Careers Free Career Events!
Middle School Teach-
ers
Middle school teachers edu-
cate students, typically in sixth
through eighth grades. Middle
school teachers help students
build on the fundamentals
they learned in elementary
school and prepare them for
the more difficult curriculum
they will face in high school.
Bachelor's
degree
$54,940
Psychologists Psychologists study cognitive,
emotional, and social process-
es and behavior by observing,
interpreting, and recording
how people relate to one an-
other and their environments.
See How to Be-
come One
$70,700
Rehabilitation Coun-
selors
Rehabilitation counselors help
people with physical, mental,
developmental, and emotional
disabilities live independently.
They work with clients to over-
come or manage the personal,
social, or psychological effects
of disabilities on employment
or independent living.
Master's degree $34,380
Social and Community
Service Managers
Social and community service
managers coordinate and su-
pervise social service programs
and community organizations.
They manage staff who provide
social services to the public.
Bachelor's
degree
$62,740
Social and Human
Service Assistants
Social and human service as-
sistants provide client services,
including support for families,
in a wide variety of fields, such
as psychology, rehabilitation,
and social work. They assist
other workers, such as social
workers, and they help clients
find benefits or community
services.
High school
diploma or
equivalent
$29,790
Social Workers Social workers help people
solve and cope with problems
in their everyday lives. One
group of social workers—clin-
ical social workers—also diag-
nose and treat mental, behav-
ioral, and emotional issues.
See How to
Become One
$45,500

22. 22
www.Hub.CareersFree Career Videos!
Substance Abuse and
Behavioral Disorder
Counselors
Substance abuse and behavior-
al disorder counselors advise
people who suffer from alco-
holism, drug addiction, eating
disorders, or other behavioral
problems. They provide treat-
ment and support to help the
client recover from addiction
or modify problem behaviors.
Bachelor's
degree
$39,270

23. 23
www.Hub.Careers Free Career News!
Contacts for More Information
For more information about counseling and information about counseling
specialties, visit
American Counseling Association
For more information about school counselors, visit
American School Counselor Association
For more information about career counselors, visit
National Career Development Association
For more information about state credentialing, visit
National Board for Certified Counselors
O*NET
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors