What Can I Do With a School Counseling Degree? Career Paths and Opportunities
A school counseling degree equips you with a versatile skill set that extends far beyond the traditional K-12 school setting. While many graduates pursue careers as school counselors—helping students navigate academic challenges, social-emotional development, and college/career planning—the degree’s focus on human development, counseling techniques, assessment, and educational psychology creates opportunities across multiple sectors.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school counseling positions are projected to grow 8% through 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. However, this statistic only captures traditional roles, not the expanding opportunities in adjacent fields where your specialized training holds significant value.
This guide explores the diverse career paths available to school counseling degree holders, including both traditional and non-traditional options, salary potential, and more.
Traditional School Counseling Careers
Elementary School Counselor
Elementary school counselors focus on early intervention and developmental guidance. They help young students develop social skills, emotional regulation, and positive learning behaviors through:
- Classroom guidance lessons
- Small group counseling sessions
- Individual counseling
- Collaboration with teachers and parents
Salary range: $49,000-$75,000 annually
Required credentials: Master’s degree in school counseling and state school counselor certification/license
Middle School Counselor
Middle school counselors support adolescents through a period of significant transition. Their responsibilities include:
- Academic planning and support
- Social-emotional skill development
- Peer relationship guidance
- Early career exploration
- Bullying prevention programs
Salary range: $51,000-$78,000 annually
Required credentials: Master’s degree in school counseling and state certification
High School Counselor
High school counselors guide students through academic planning, college applications, and career exploration. Their role encompasses:
- Academic advising and course selection
- College admissions counseling
- Career assessment and planning
- Crisis intervention
- Social-emotional support
Salary range: $53,000-$82,000 annually
Required credentials: Master’s degree in school counseling and state certification
Higher Education Careers
College Admissions Counselor
Admissions counselors evaluate applications, recruit prospective students, and guide families through the college application process. School counseling graduates bring valuable insights into student development and educational planning to this role.
Salary range: $45,000-$70,000 annually
Required credentials: Bachelor’s degree minimum; master’s preferred
Academic Advisor
Academic advisors help college students select majors, plan course schedules, and connect with campus resources. A school counseling background provides strong foundations in developmental counseling approaches and educational planning.
Salary range: $38,000-$65,000 annually
Required credentials: Bachelor’s degree minimum; master’s preferred
Career Services Counselor
Career services professionals provide college students and alumni with career guidance, resume assistance, interview preparation, and job search strategies. School counseling graduates excel in this role thanks to their training in career development theory and counseling techniques.
Salary range: $42,000-$68,000 annually
Required credentials: Master’s degree preferred
Mental Health and Community Careers
Community Mental Health Counselor
With additional licensure, school counseling graduates can work in community mental health settings providing therapy services to diverse populations. Your school counseling background offers unique insights into developmental concerns and family dynamics.
Salary range: $44,000-$72,000 annually
Required credentials: Master’s degree and state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or similar credential
Youth Program Director
Youth program directors develop, implement, and oversee educational and recreational programs for children and adolescents in community centers, nonprofit organizations, and after-school programs.
Salary range: $42,000-$68,000 annually
Required credentials: Bachelor’s degree minimum; master’s preferred
Family Support Specialist
Family support specialists work with families facing challenges related to child development, education, and access to resources. They often serve as liaisons between families and schools, healthcare providers, and social services.
Salary range: $38,000-$60,000 annually
Required credentials: Bachelor’s or master’s degree
Emerging Fields for School Counseling Graduates
Online School Counselor
The growth of virtual education has created demand for counselors who can support online students’ academic and social-emotional needs through digital platforms.
Salary range: $50,000-$75,000 annually
Required credentials: Master’s degree in school counseling and state certification; experience with virtual counseling platforms preferred
College Access Coach
College access coaches work with underrepresented student populations to increase college enrollment and success rates through guidance on applications, financial aid, and college readiness.
Salary range: $45,000-$65,000 annually
Required credentials: Bachelor’s degree minimum; master’s preferred
SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) Curriculum Developer
As schools increasingly emphasize social-emotional learning, opportunities have emerged for professionals who can develop evidence-based SEL curricula and resources for K-12 schools.
Salary range: $60,000-$85,000 annually
Required credentials: Master’s degree and classroom/counseling experience
Your School Counseling Degree as a Foundation
A school counseling degree provides a solid foundation in human development, counseling techniques, and educational psychology that can launch careers across multiple sectors. Whether you choose to practice as a traditional school counselor or explore alternative paths, your training prepares you to make meaningful contributions to individual well-being and organizational success.
By strategically building on your degree with additional credentials, specialized training, and diverse experiences, you can create a fulfilling career path that aligns with your personal interests and professional goals. The skills you’ve developed as a school counseling student—empathy, communication, assessment, and intervention—remain valuable in virtually any people-focused profession.
