Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
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 and advisors. PayThe median annual wage for school and career counselors and advisors was $64,330 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of school and career counselors and advisors is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 27,800 openings for school and career counselors and advisors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for school and career counselors and advisors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of school and career counselors and advisors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about school and career counselors and advisors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for school and career counselors and advisors was $64,330 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of school and career counselors and advisors is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 27,800 openings for school and career counselors and advisors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for school and career counselors and advisors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of school and career counselors and advisors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about school and career counselors and advisors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of school and career counselors and advisors is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 27,800 openings for school and career counselors and advisors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for school and career counselors and advisors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of school and career counselors and advisors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about school and career counselors and advisors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment.
Work Environment
School counselors work in public and private schools. Career counselors and advisors are employed primarily in colleges and universities but also work in career centers and private practice. Both types of counselors usually work full time.
How to Become a School or Career Counselor or Advisor
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 and advisors.
Pay
The median annual wage for school and career counselors and advisors was $64,330 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of school and career counselors and advisors is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 27,800 openings for school and career counselors and advisors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for school and career counselors and advisors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of school and career counselors and advisors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about school and career counselors and advisors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
School counselors work in public and private schools. Career counselors and advisors are employed primarily in colleges and universities but also work in career centers and private practice. Both types of counselors usually work full time.
How to Become a School or Career Counselor or Advisor
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 and advisors.
Pay
The median annual wage for school and career counselors and advisors was $64,330 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of school and career counselors and advisors is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 27,800 openings for school and career counselors and advisors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for school and career counselors and advisors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of school and career counselors and advisors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about school and career counselors and advisors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for school and career counselors and advisors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of school and career counselors and advisors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about school and career counselors and advisors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about school and career counselors and advisors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.