Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor
O*NET-SOC: 21-1012.00
Advises and assists students and other individuals on educational issues such as course and program selection, class scheduling, school adjustment, and career planning through individual and group counseling sessions.
About this Role
An Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor helps students and adults navigate academic choices, personal challenges, and career pathways by providing structured conversations, assessments, and resources. They often begin by meeting one-on-one with individuals to understand their interests, strengths, and obstacles, then help them map out course selections, study strategies, or job-search plans. They may also lead small group sessions on topics like study skills, college applications, or career options, and they collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to address attendance, behavior, or emotional issues that affect learning.
A Day in the Life
7:30 AM
Morning building check-in
Walk through the school or advising center, catch up with staff on any urgent issues, and review the day’s schedule of student appointments.
8:00 AM
Individual student counseling
Meet with a high school senior to discuss college applications, helping them narrow program choices and align them with their academic performance and interests.
9:30 AM
Classroom guidance session
Lead a classroom session on study skills or time management, using interactive activities and real-world examples to engage students.
10:45 AM
Parent consultation
Meet with a parent or guardian to discuss a student’s academic progress, behavior, or attendance, and collaboratively develop a support plan.
12:00 PM
Lunch and break
Take a short break in a staff area, often used for informal check-ins with colleagues or quick paper catches-up.
1:00 PM
College and career planning session
Sit with a group of juniors to explore career clusters, labor-market information, and potential training pathways beyond high school.
2:30 PM
Crisis or urgent student meeting
Respond to a same-day request from a teacher or administrator to meet with a student experiencing emotional distress or a sudden life change.
4:00 PM
Documentation and follow-up planning
Update case notes, track referrals, and prepare materials for the next day’s meetings, including letters of recommendation or scheduling for assessments.
Tools & Technologies
Word Processing
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Word
Presentations
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Blackboard Wimba
- Prezi
Spreadsheets
- Microsoft Excel
- EZAnalyze
Email
- Microsoft Outlook
- Yahoo! Email
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
Databases & Data Tools
- Microsoft Access
- ACT Discover
- Career Cruising
- Career decision-making programs
- CMS
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $52K and $83K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $44K |
| 25th | $52K |
| 50th (Median) | $65K |
| 75th | $83K |
| 90th | $106K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
State school counseling licensure or certification
State Department of Education
Requires a master’s in counseling or a related field, supervised experience, and an exam, and is typically essential for practicing as a school counselor in public education.
Master’s in Counseling or School Counseling
Accredited universities
Provides core training in counseling theories, assessment, ethics, and career development, forming the foundation for most educational and career counseling roles.
Recommended
Certified Career Counselor (CCC)
National Career Development Association
Recognizes advanced training in career counseling, including assessment, career development theories, and ethical practice, usually for those with a master’s in counseling.
Certified School Counselor (CSC) or similar credential
State credentialing boards
Validates competency in school-based counseling, including individual and group counseling, academic planning, and crisis intervention.
Professional Memberships
National Career Development Association (NCDA) membership
National Career Development Association
Offers access to conferences, journals, and professional development resources focused on career counseling and guidance.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- Mostly On-site
- Work Setting
- Traditional office / indoor
- Physical Activity
- Mostly sedentary
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (45)
- Learning StrategiesGood Match
- MonitoringGood Match
- Problem SensitivityGood Match
- Information OrderingModerate Match
- Near VisionModerate Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor a good career?
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $65K and job outlook is stable (5% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor?
The typical education requirement for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor is a Master's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor?
Becoming a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor typically requires about 6 years of higher education (including a bachelor's degree). Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor?
The work-life balance for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor is generally considered good, with reasonable hours and manageable workloads. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor?
The job outlook for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 5% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.
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