To become a school counselor in the US, you'll earn a bachelor's degree, then a master's degree in school counseling or a related field such as psychology, complete a supervised internship or practicum, pass a test and get a state-issued credential. Nearly all states and the District of Columbia require the master's degree.
The credential has different names depending on the state, a certification, a license or an endorsement, but the steps to earn it are similar. Here's the route and what the job pays.
Figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, read on 26 October 2026.
How to become a school counselor, step by step
- Earn a bachelor's degree. Education, psychology or a related field gives you a strong base for graduate study.
- Complete a master's in school counseling. Programs teach individual and group counseling, child development, working with parents and staff, and using data to run a counseling program.
- Do your supervised internship. It must be supervised by a licensed professional school counselor.
- Pass your state's test. Most states also run a criminal background check.
- Apply for your state credential. Public school counselors must hold one to practice.
Some states want teaching experience first
This is the requirement people miss. BLS says some employers prefer or require classroom teaching experience, or a teaching license, before you can be certified as a school counselor. If you're coming from outside education, check your state's rules before you enroll so you don't finish a master's and then discover a teaching requirement.
Career counselors are different. Some states license them, and those in private practice may need a license, but many career and academic advisor roles accept a bachelor's degree plus work experience.
Public vs private school pay
| Employer | Median pay, May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Elementary and secondary schools, local (public) | $77,800 |
| Elementary and secondary schools, private | $62,190 |
| Colleges and universities, state and local | $58,870 |
| Colleges and universities, private | $58,720 |
Those figures are as of October 2026. Public schools paid noticeably more than private ones. Across all school and career counselors and advisors, the median was $64,330, with the lowest 10% earning less than $45,020 and the highest 10% more than $104,770.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of school and career counselors and advisors to grow 3% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average, with about 27,800 openings each year. There were 389,500 jobs in 2025, so there's steady turnover even without fast growth.
What the work is like
School counselors work in public and private schools, usually full time, helping students with academic, social and career development. The role sits alongside teachers and other support staff, so if you're starting from the classroom, our guide on becoming an elementary school teacher covers that first step.
If you're more drawn to longer-term therapy than school-based support, compare this route with becoming a therapist, which needs licensed supervised hours rather than a school credential.
What school counselors do
BLS lists these typical duties:
- Helping students understand and overcome social or behavioral challenges
- Analyzing data, such as attendance, to spot what's hurting academic performance
- Advising individual students and small groups
- Teaching skills like time management and study habits
- Working with teachers and families on academic, career and social goals
- Presenting options for education or work after graduation
- Reporting possible neglect or abuse and referring families to resources
The skills BLS highlights are analytical skills for reading student records and data, compassion for students in difficult situations, and strong listening and speaking skills. You'll also need to keep good records, because documentation is part of the role.
Questions to ask before you apply
- Does my state need teaching experience first? Check before you enroll, not after you graduate.
- Is the master's program built for school counseling? Your credential usually depends on a program and internship your state recognizes.
- Who will supervise my internship? It must be a licensed professional school counselor.
- Public or private school? Public schools need the state credential and, on BLS figures, paid a higher median.
Answering these early turns a two-year master's into a straight line to your first job, rather than a detour.
School counselor or career counselor?
They're grouped together in the BLS data but they're different jobs. School counselors work in public and private schools and need the state credential. Career counselors and advisors work mainly in colleges and universities, and also in career centers and private practice. For career or academic advisor roles, employers may prefer a bachelor's degree plus work experience, and some prefer a master's in counseling with a focus on career development.
So if you're not sure you want to work in a K-12 school, a career counseling path can be a quicker way to start helping people plan their futures.
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My verdict
Becoming a school counselor takes a master's degree and a state credential, and the smartest move is checking your state's rules before you choose a program, especially on teaching experience. Aim for public schools if pay matters, since they paid well above private schools. It's steady, meaningful work with reliable demand.
Frequently asked questions
What degree do you need to be a school counselor?
Nearly all states require a master's degree, typically in school counseling, counseling or psychology.
How long does it take to become a school counselor?
A four-year bachelor's degree, then a master's program with a supervised internship, followed by a state test and credential.
Do school counselors need teaching experience?
Some employers and states prefer or require classroom teaching experience or a teaching license before certification.
How much do school counselors make?
BLS reports a median of $77,800 in local public schools and $62,190 in private schools in May 2025.
Is a school counselor license the same in every state?
No. Depending on the state, it's called a certification, a license or an endorsement, and requirements vary.
Is there demand for school counselors?
BLS projects 3% growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 27,800 openings a year.
Do career counselors need a license?
Some states require one, and career counselors in private practice may need a license.
What does a school counselor do?
Helps students with social, behavioral and academic challenges, uses data such as attendance, and plans education or career options after graduation.
Where do career counselors work?
Mainly in colleges and universities, but also in career centers and private practice.
Do school counselors work full time?
Both school and career counselors usually work full time, according to BLS.
