School Counselor
School counselors address students' academic, career, and social-emotional development needs through individual counseling, group sessions, and classroom guidance. They help with college applications, career exploration, crisis intervention, and mental health referrals. The BLS reports a median salary of $61,710 with 5% projected growth. A master's degree in school counseling and state licensure are required.
A Day in the Life
A typical day starts with checking in on a student who had a rough day yesterday. Mid-morning involves leading a classroom lesson on study skills for eighth graders. After lunch, the counselor meets with a junior about college application essays and financial aid. Late afternoon includes a parent conference about a student's anxiety, followed by updating student plans and documenting session notes.
Key Stats
Education
Master's Degree
Salary Range
Entry: $42,000
Median: $61,710
Senior: $88,000
Job Growth