10 Best States for School Counselors to Work In
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School counselors serve a critical role in preparing students for postsecondary achievement as well as monitoring students for signs of behavioral issues or abuse.
School counselors help students achieve standardized benchmarks, set goals, plan classes, and explore college and career options. They can also help students address behavioral issues and serve as an intermediary between students and mental health professionals or state child protective services.
Pay and employment rates for school counselors largely depend on the state in which they work. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommends a ratio of 250 students to one school counselor, but the U.S. had an average of 376 students per school counselor at the end of the 2023-24 school year. This is primarily due to a critical shortage of school counselors.
Job Outlook for School Counselors
The job outlook for school counselors is projected to be the same as the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects employment for school counselors to grow by 4% from 2023 to 2033, which is as fast as the national average rate for all jobs. A more detailed picture of the demand for school counselors will depend on where you live.
BestColleges interviewed Rayelle Davis, a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), on how to find a job as a school counselor. Here are a few resources that she recommends:
- Major hiring websites
- School websites
- Your state counseling association
- The organization you interned for
Start Your Counseling Journey Today / Featured Online Programs
The Best States for School Counselors
BestColleges’ list of the best states for school counselors to work in was determined based on the average wages, number of job listings, and projected job growth in each state. The better the wages and the more counselors employed, the higher the state is on our list.
“Location has a strong influence on the salary and career ladder for school counselors, because many school counselors work in the public school system,” says Davis. “These salaries are determined by local, state, and federal tax regulations, so they can vary.”
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Florida
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- Louisiana
- Washington
5 States with the Highest Employment Level for School Counselors
California has the highest employment level for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors, with 41,380 employed across the state, according to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to the ASCA, California has a ratio of 443 students per counselor, which is higher than their recommended ratio of 250 students per counselor.
The other top states for the highest employment of educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors include Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois.
| State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage (May 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| California | 41,380 | $85,820 |
| Texas | 31,680 | $63,770 |
| New York | 22,700 | $72,930 |
| Florida | 21,560 | $56,920 |
| Illinois | 12,770 | $65,480 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
5 Highest-Paying States for School Counseling Careers
According to 2023 BLS data, the West Coast, Northeast, and Alaska have the highest annual mean wages for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors. You’ll make the most as a counselor in Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington, or California. California offers the highest annual mean wage at $85,820.
According to Davis, ” … some counselors have to take additional coursework or pass specific exams if they move to a new state. It’s important to look beyond the average salary given for any state if it’s one you don’t already live in, because other considerations may not justify moving.”
| State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage (May 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| California | 41,380 | $85,820 |
| Washington | 6,020 | $81,280 |
| Massachusetts | 9,990 | $79,670 |
| New Jersey | 7,350 | $79,030 |
| Maryland | 5,830 | $76,250 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Top Paying Industries for Counselors
While many counselors work in public elementary and secondary schools, many others find employment through healthcare offices, insurance agencies, and the government.
The highest-paying industries for counselors include insurance agencies or brokerages, employee benefit funds, and federal, state, or local governments. However, the highest-paying setting for counselors is working within the offices of other health practitioners, where the annual mean wage for these professionals is $104,640, according to 2023 data from the BLS.
It’s worth noting, however, that some of these roles may require additional education or training. If you want to work in a health office, for instance, you will likely need additional certification or education in a relevant field of healthcare.
| Industry | Annual Mean Wage (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $104,640 |
| Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance-Related Activities | $85,630 |
| Insurance and Employee Benefit Funds | $84,900 |
| Federal, State, and Local Government | $81,130 |
| Insurance Carriers | $77,560 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
How Much Do School Counselors Make?
As a school counselor, you will help students develop and pursue academic, social, and professional goals. How much you make will depend on your industry and the state in which you work.
As of May 2023, educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors earn a median annual salary of $61,710, or $29.67 per hour, according to the BLS. The organization also projects employment for this group of professionals to grow by 4% from 2023 to 2033, which is on par with the national average across all occupations.
Top Skills for School Counselors
Counselors need to be able to help students from a variety of backgrounds with differing needs and goals. To do this successfully, they will need to possess the skills of empathy, data analysis, communication, detail-oriented organization, and cultural knowledge.
Empathy
Counselors need to understand and be empathetic to the various challenges and hurdles students face. This will help counselors be better listeners and provide helpful guidance.
Data Analysis
Counselors analyze student data to determine what affects student outcomes. They must routinely evaluate student data in order to provide optimal counsel.
Communication
Counselors communicate with students, parents, teachers, and college admissions officers. Counselors have to be able to communicate clearly to each group.
Organization
Counselors will have to maintain the records of many students. Organization and being detail-oriented will help counselors keep these records straight and up to date.
Cultural Knowledge
Counselors may work in diverse school districts, so they need to understand students’ values, beliefs, customs, and practices in order to successfully support them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Careers
To become a school counselor, you typically need a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and a state-issued credential or license.
To apply for a master’s program, you will likely need a bachelor’s degree, which you can earn in person or online. Most jobs also require relevant work experience.
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