Career Counselor Salary

Career counselors help their clients find appropriate career paths and available positions. Their duties include administering personality, interest and aptitude tests; advising students and other clients on particular courses and educational requirements for different jobs; discuss options with clients who want a career change; and evaluate clients' educational and work backgrounds. These counselors also help clients find the right schools and programs for their needs, help find financial resources and training programs, teach and practice job skills, and perform other duties related to aiding clients in their job search.

Career counselors usually work in an office environment, and they may work for a variety of employers. For example, they may work in high schools to help students select appropriate post-secondary education, or they may work in a college setting to aid students in finding a major and post-graduation employment. These counselors may also be employed by the government or a private company to help adults who want to change careers.

The educational requirements for career counselors include a master's degree in counseling or a related field, as well as relevant licensing and documented time in supervised practice. These requirements vary from company to company. Some personal skill are beneficial in this position include the ability to multitask, efficiently research information for clients, and explain research and information to clients. Career counselors usually work during regular business hours, and they may work part time or full time depending on the employer. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

Career Counselor Tasks

• Counsel students on career planning and job search strategies while facilitating the creation of viable long-term career goals.
• Arrange job fairs, seminars, and lectures that will connect students to companies and provide valuable information regarding future career options.
• Maintain relationships with local employers in order to create links between students and companies that can lead to eventual employment or internship opportunities.
• Conduct mock interviews and assist students with the creation of resumes and cover letters.

Career Counselors will find that San Francisco offers an impressive pay rate, one which exceeds the national average by 50 percent. Career Counselors can also look forward to large paychecks in cities like Los Angeles (+25 percent), New York (+20 percent), Seattle (+16 percent), and Denver (+12 percent). Location significantly influences compensation, with Lynchburg Career Counselors earning much less — 26 percent less — than the national average. Workers in Minneapolis and Boston earn salaries that trail the national average for those in this profession (9 percent less and 3 percent less, respectively).