Find an Online Psychology Program for You

Featured Online Psychology & Counseling Programs

What Is Career Counseling?

Close up of business handshake in the office

While growing up, some people want to be astronauts, police officers, race car drivers, teachers, doctors, nurses, or even cowboys. Me? I wanted to be an FBI profiler. Of course, our first career choices don’t always work out. We either grow out of them or later find that they aren’t suitable for us. The career tests that I took in high school pinned me as the brainy, quiet, creative type - perfect for a writer, but not so much for an FBI agent. While what I do may not be as exciting as chasing down scary, crazy bad guys every day, it really is the perfect career for me.

Of course, I’m one of the lucky ones. Some aren’t so lucky. You’ve probably heard it a thousand times or more…

Career counseling offers a way to change this. This is a type of counseling that focuses on helping people make the best of their careers, whether they’re just starting out in the work force or they’ve been in it longer than they care to admit.

Today, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is still widely used for the same purpose, along with a number of other tests. In recent years, many people have finally started to realize the importance of being satisfied with their careers. This realization will most likely make for more opportunities for career counselors.

Why Do We Need Career Counselors?

People work in order to be able to afford to live the lives that they desire. Careers and working are essential necessities in life for the majority of adults in the world. Most people will spend at least a quarter of their adult lives working.

Career counseling can help point people in the right direction when it comes to choosing careers that they will excel at and be happy with. Being happy with a career can lead to a happier home life and a greater sense of accomplishment.

What Does a Career Counselor Do?

Career counselors work with all sorts of people, from all walks of life, of all ages, with all different education and experience levels. These professionals might offer guidance and advice, for instance, to powerful businessmen or even just high school kids just starting out in the world.

The main goal of a career counselor is to help their clients find careers that suit them and careers that they are suitable for. There are a number of things that career counselors might want to consider when trying to accomplish this task.

To determine some of these factors, career counselors will often ask their clients to take a number of tests and surveys. For instance, clients might take IQ and aptitude tests, as well as fill out questionnaires on their interests and skills. S mentioned above, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is still one of the most common tests that career counselors use. This test reveals a person’s personality traits, which can be used to determine that might be a good fit for them.

Career counselors will also usually help their clients research and get started in their new careers. This might involve helping them search for jobs along with writing resumes and cover letters.

Along with helping some clients find the right careers, career counselors will also help others improve their existing careers. They may offer advice and guidance on how to get a promotion, for instance, or just how to have a more enjoyable experience while at work.

Where Do Career Counselors Work?

Career counselors work in high schools and colleges to help students get ready for their chosen careers. They might also work in social services offices, employment and staffing agencies, and private practices.

What Are the Education Requirements to Become a Career Counselor?

Counseling Educational TrackEducation RequirementsEducation LengthAvailable ProgramsUndergraduate WorkEarn a Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling4 YearsOnlineorCampusGraduate WorkEarn a Master’s Degree in Counseling5-6 YearsOnlineorCampusPHD or Doctoral WorkEarn a Doctorate in Counseling7-8 YearsOnlineorCampus

Most career counseling careers start withbachelor’s degreesin areas such as psychology, counseling, or vocational psychology. Many schools also offergraduate degree programs in career counseling, which can lead to more job opportunities with higher salaries.

Generally, career counselors should also be licensed, particularly if they choose to open private practice. Along with completing several strict education requirements, you will also usually need to complete about 3,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, depending on what state you choose to practice in. Be sure to check with your state’s licensing board.

Find additional information about programs that offer psychology degrees in your area at theFind a School Page.

What Is the Annual Average Salary of a Career Counselor?

As of May 2022, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) puts the national median salary for career counselors at$60,140.The top 10 percent earn more than $98,000. As would be expected, elementary and secondary schools along with colleges, universities and professional schools are the largest employers of career counselors. A considerably smaller group works for federal government agencies and earns a median salary of $78,170. This segment was identified as one of the highest-paying industries for career counseling professionals.

Employment Outlook & Career Guidance for Career Counselors

Where Are Career Counselors Most Likely to Find Employment?

Career Counselors: Elementary Schools

Typically referred to as “school counselors,” elementary career counselors are concerned primarily with assisting children to expand their abilities with regards to making decisions as well as implementing into their routine essential and productive study habits. Most importantly, elementary school counselors are responsible for aiding children acquire a comprehensive understanding of how present behaviors directly affect future goals and aspirations. The counselor works with the child’s parents, other teachers and administrators to effectively incorporate the abilities of the child with the school’s curriculum.

After 35 years as an elementary school counselor/teacher, I would have to say that one of the most rewarding aspects of the job was witnessing a child have the experience of knowing they could control their behaviors; that they were indeed responsible. Once they realized they could change certain things about themselves with help and support, they progressed to taking charge and changing their lives. This was an amazing process of which to be a part.Darlene Houston M.A, M.S.Sacramento, California

After 35 years as an elementary school counselor/teacher, I would have to say that one of the most rewarding aspects of the job was witnessing a child have the experience of knowing they could control their behaviors; that they were indeed responsible. Once they realized they could change certain things about themselves with help and support, they progressed to taking charge and changing their lives. This was an amazing process of which to be a part.

Darlene Houston M.A, M.S.Sacramento, California

Career Counselors: Middle Schools

In the middle school setting, career counselors (often referred to as “guidance counselors”) work with students on a one-to-one basis for the purpose of helping students discover their strengths, weaknesses, talents and goals. An integral part of this process is assessing the child’s sense of self-esteem/self-confidence and their ability to function in the school, at home or within an extracurricular context. Guidance counselors assist school administrators in scheduling the student in appropriate classes as well as coordinate communications between parents and school officials.

Career Counselors: High School

At the high school level, career counselors have a pivotal role in assessing a student’s academic strengths, weaknesses, and how they relate to any career toward which the student has shown interest. If the student is preparing for college, the counselor assists with the entire process; from obtaining admission to financial aid concerns. The main role the career counselor plays is to fully prepare the student for life after graduation; whatever that would entail.

For today’s career counselor it is imperative to act as a “bridge” connecting the high school student with the outside world. The job requires that the counselor have a broad knowledge of existing professions and their potentials relative to the socio-economic climate. It’s a forward looking position that mandates strong skills in communication; a holistic approach to the child’s well-being and the ability to assimilate the child’s present skills with the future in terms of opportunity.” -Marilyn Smith M.Ed, M.A  Rhode Island Educator

Career Counselors: Junior College

Career Counselors: University / College

At the university-level, the role of the career counselor varies greatly from that of counselors working at the primary and secondary levels. Career counselors who deal with the student in the earlier years of their development have the responsibility of both academic counseling and career counseling. At the university-level the two are divided. Dr. Jennifer Bloom (University of Illinois) compiled a series of seven articles regarding university-level career counseling entitled; “Developmental Academic Advising in Higher Education.”The gravamen of the compilation was the need for further clarification as to how the career counseling paradigm differs from that which is present in the academic counseling sphere. The working definition they utilized was:

“Career counselors help students find careers that fit their values and goals.”

Career Counselor in the Field of Vocational Rehabilitation

The career counselor in a vocational rehabilitation setting is working with persons who suffer from various mental and physical challenges. According to Dayna Chochran, director of a vocational rehabilitation center in Poteau, Oklahoma; the job of the career counselor in this capacity is as follows:

What Characteristics and Personality Traits Assist the Career Counselor in Being Successful?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor there are four traits a career counselor has or must acquire in order to be successful. They are:

Nurturing of the abovementioned four skills will ensure that a career counselor is in the right field. The qualities apply to all forms of career counseling: school counselor, guidance counselor, college career counselor and those counselors in vocational rehabilitation services.

How Can I Increase My Earnings as a Career Counselor?

Traditionally, an increase in salary for a career counselor will be based on the number of years the counselor has been working in the field and what degrees they hold. Each year the counselor is given a raise (amounts vary according to location.) If a career counselor seeks to advance to another pay grade, they must acquire additional credentials.

The American Federation of Teachers publishes a report periodically that outlines the industry standard for salary steps based on tenure. The report defines the appropriate salaries for each state based on the cost of living index. Counselors use this guide to assess whether their salaries are on par with the industry norm in their area. Some natural variations can be seen in different parts of the country; a career counselor in New York City would be advancing on an entirely different pay scale than that of one working in a small town school in Arkansas.

The standards for Junior College Career Counselors; University/College Career Counselors and Vocational Rehabilitation Career Counselors vary according to the ownership nature of the institution (public or private) and all other above mentioned factors; cost of living in the geographical location, years employed and educational merits.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections forcareer counselorsis based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.

Related Articles7 Quick & Easy Mental Health Exercises to Help You Through Your DaySigns of an Excellent Counseling Degree ProgramEmployment Outlook & Career Guidance for Grief CounselorsEmployment Outlook & Career Guidance for Domestic Abuse CounselorsMode of Therapy - Pastoral CounselingEmployment Outlook & Career Guidance for Depression CounselorsMode of Therapy - Marriage CounselingDo I Need a PhD in Counseling?Undergraduate vs. Graduate Counseling DegreesCan a Counseling Degree Make Me Rich?Top 3 Social Service Jobs of 2025Mode of Therapy - School CounselingEmployment Outlook & Career Guidance for Child Abuse CounselorsWhat You Might Pay in Student Loans in Order to Become a CounselorPreparing for a Private Counseling PracticeEmployment Outlook & Career Guidance for Community CounselorsEmployment Outlook & Career Guidance for Geriatric CounselorsWhy Virtual Reality Is Set to Transform Mental Health TreatmentHolistic Counseling on the RiseEmployment Outlook & Career Guidance for Army Mental Health SpecialistsHow Your Counseling Degree Opens Doors in the Real WorldThe Ten Worst Habits for Your Mental HealthEmployment Outlook & Career Guidance for Rehabilitation CounselorsEmployment Outlook & Career Guidance for Mental Health CounselorsTop Places to Work as a CounselorEmployment Outlook & Career Guidance for Substance Abuse CounselorWorking While in a Counseling Master’s ProgramEmployment Outlook & Career Guidance for Transformational CounselorsEmployment Outlook & Career Guidance for Suicide Intervention CounselorsHow To Help Those Considering SuicideMode of Therapy - Premarital CounselingInternships in Counseling: Shedding Light on the Explosive “Match”

Related CareersMental Health Counselor CareersDepression Counselor CareersDomestic Violence Counselor CareersChild Abuse Counseling CareerGuidance Counselor CareersVeterans Counselor CareersGeriatric Counseling CareerSuicide Counselor CareersGrief Counselor CareersSubstance Abuse Counselor CareerHow to Become a Marriage and Family CounselorLicensed Professional Counseling CareersSchool Counselor CareersRehabilitation Counselor CareersSpiritual Counselor CareersChild Counselor CareerCareers in Couples CounselingCommunity Counselor CareersHow to Become an Army Mental Health SpecialistMulti-Cultural Counselor CareersCareers in Vocational Rehabilitation CounselingConflict Resolution CareersCrisis Intervention Specialist CareersPastoral Counseling Careers