Career Counselor

Your Fit

Income

$65K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

5.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Career Counselor?

Career Counselors guide individuals in making informed educational and occupational choices. They assist clients in understanding their abilities, interests, and available opportunities to achieve career goals.

Sample job titles:

Academic Advisor, Career Counselor, Guidance Counselor, School Counselor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Career Counselor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Career Counselor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$44K per year	$52K per year	$65K per year	$84K per year	$106K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $16K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Career Counselor do?

Work environment

Career Counselors typically work in educational institutions, career centers, government agencies, and private practices. Their work environment is generally office-based, involving one-on-one counseling sessions, group workshops, and occasionally attending or hosting career fairs.

Quick task list

Assesses clients' skills, interests, and career aspirations through interviews and assessments.
Develops individualized career plans and strategies.
Provides guidance on job search techniques, resume writing, and interview preparation.
Conducts workshops on career development topics.
Keeps up to date with labor market trends and educational programs.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Educational Counseling: Assisting students in choosing courses and educational paths.
Corporate Career Counseling: Advising professionals within a corporate setting.
Vocational Rehabilitation: Working with individuals with disabilities to find suitable employment.
Career Transition Counseling: Helping clients navigate career changes and transitions.
Youth Career Counseling: Specializing in counseling adolescents and young adults.

Description

Career Counselors play a vital role in helping individuals navigate the complex world of careers and education. They utilize a variety of tools, including personality assessments and interest inventories, to help clients understand their strengths and how these align with different career paths. Effective communication skills are essential, as career counselors must be adept at listening to and interpreting clients' aspirations and concerns.

In addition to one-on-one counseling, career counselors often deliver workshops and seminars on topics such as resume writing, job search strategies, and interview skills. They must stay informed about trends in the job market, changes in education and training programs, and emerging career fields to provide accurate and current advice.

The role of a career counselor is not only to guide clients towards a career but also to empower them with the skills and confidence needed to pursue their goals. This involves supporting clients through challenges and setbacks and celebrating their successes as they progress towards their career objectives.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Positively impacting individuals' lives by guiding them towards fulfilling careers.
Continuous learning and staying updated with career trends and educational opportunities.
The diversity of clients and their unique career journeys.

You might make a good Career Counselor if you are...

Empathetic, with a genuine interest in helping others achieve their goals.
A good listener and communicator, able to provide clear and effective guidance.
Organized and detail-oriented, capable of developing structured career plans.
Adaptable and resourceful, with a knack for problem-solving.
Passionate about education, careers, and personal development.

Pros:

The rewarding experience of helping others find their career path.
Diverse working environments and client demographics.
Opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Cons:

Emotional demands of dealing with clients in stressful situations.
The need to continuously adapt to changing job markets and career trends.
Potential for non-standard work hours, especially in private practice or when attending events.

How to become a Career Counselor

Typical education

The role usually requires a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field, which typically entails 2-3 years of graduate study following a 4-year undergraduate degree. Additionally, state licensure or certification may be required.

High school preparation

Courses:

Psychology to understand human behavior and counseling basics.
Sociology to learn about social factors affecting career choices.
Communication Studies for effective interaction and counseling skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering as a peer mentor or tutor.
Joining career-focused clubs or organizations.
Participating in workshops or seminars related to career development.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology, education, or a related field.
Gain experience through internships or part-time work in counseling or career services.
Complete a master's degree in counseling, with a focus on career development.
Obtain required certifications or licensure for your state or region.
Attend workshops and training in career counseling methods and tools.

More resources

National Career Development Association (NCDA) - Offers professional development, publications, standards, and certification.
American Counseling Association (ACA) - Provides resources and education for counseling professionals.
O*NET Online - A tool for career exploration and job analysis.
CareerOneStop - Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, it offers a wealth of career, training, and job search resources.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.