Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors: A Comprehensive Guide
Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors are professionals that help individuals pursue their education and career goals. They work in a variety of settings, such as schools, colleges, universities, career centers, and private organizations.
Examples of Jobs in Educational, Guidance, and Career Counseling
There are many different jobs within the field of educational, guidance, and career counseling. Here are a few examples:
- Career Counselor
- Academic Advisor
- Guidance Counselor
- Admissions Counselor
- Student Services Coordinator
- Testing Coordinator
Education and Training
Most positions in educational, guidance, and career counseling require a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. Some positions may require a state-specific credential, such as a counseling or school psychologist license.
Bachelor’s degree holders may be able to secure entry-level positions in the field, such as working as a career counselor assistant or admissions specialist. However, in order to progress to higher-level positions, a master’s degree is typically required.
Progression in the Field
As in many fields, progression in educational, guidance, and career counseling depends on education, experience, and performance. Entry-level positions may include career counselor assistant or testing coordinator. As professionals gain experience, they may progress to roles such as academic advisor, student services coordinator, or guidance counselor. Some professionals may even advance to director-level positions or become self-employed.
How to Get into the Field
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in educational, guidance, and career counseling, it’s important to start by getting involved in the field. You can start by volunteering at career centers or schools to gain experience, or by pursing an undergraduate degree in counseling or a related field.
Once you’ve gained some experience and established a foundational understanding of the field, you can pursue a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. After completing your education, you may be eligible for entry-level positions in the field.
It’s important to research specific requirements and credentialing in your state, as well as gaining an understanding of local job markets, to ensure a successful career in educational, guidance, and career counseling.
| Occupation | Job Level | Salary (National Average) | Salary (Best Paid Area) | Salary (Least Paid Area) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors | All workers | $53,768.00 – $93,329.60 | Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT – $100,526.40 | Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area – $45,323.20 |
| Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors | Entry | $54,600.00 | N/A | N/A |
| Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors | Experienced | $81,827.20 | N/A | N/A |
| Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors | Union | $85,820.80 | N/A | N/A |
| Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors | Nonunion | $56,576.00 | N/A | N/A |
| Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors | Full-time | $64,979.20 – $93,329.60 | N/A | N/A |
| Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors | Part-time | $52,062.40 – $52,499.20 | N/A | N/A |
Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors have a national average salary range of $53,768.00 to $93,329.60. The salary range of this occupation varies depending on the job level, experience, and whether or not the counselor is part of a union. Based on the data, unionized educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors have a higher average salary than non-unionized ones.
There is also a significant difference in the salary range of this occupation depending on the area. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT has the highest average salary for this occupation at $100,526.40, while the Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area has the lowest at $45,323.20.
In conclusion, educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors have a decent salary range with the potential for higher salaries in certain areas and with unionization. However, the salary range can also be affected by the counselor’s experience and job level.
