Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor

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Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor

O
* NET-SOC: 21-1012.00

Education

Advises and assists students and other individuals on educational issues such as course and program selection, class scheduling, school adjustment, and career planning through individual and group counseling sessions.

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$65K

Median Salary

+5%

Stable

Master's Degree

Min. Education

Good Balance

Work-Life Balance

An Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor helps students and adults navigate academic choices, personal challenges, and career pathways by providing structured conversations, assessments, and resources. They often begin by meeting one-on-one with individuals to understand their interests, strengths, and obstacles, then help them map out course selections, study strategies, or job-search plans. They may also lead small group sessions on topics like study skills, college applications, or career options, and they collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to address attendance, behavior, or emotional issues that affect learning.

7:30 AM

Morning building check-in

Walk through the school or advising center, catch up with staff on any urgent issues, and review the day’s schedule of student appointments.

8:00 AM

Individual student counseling

Meet with a high school senior to discuss college applications, helping them narrow program choices and align them with their academic performance and interests.

9:30 AM

Classroom guidance session

Lead a classroom session on study skills or time management, using interactive activities and real-world examples to engage students.

10:45 AM

Parent consultation

Meet with a parent or guardian to discuss a student’s academic progress, behavior, or attendance, and collaboratively develop a support plan.

12:00 PM

Lunch and break

Take a short break in a staff area, often used for informal check‑ins with colleagues or quick paper catches‑up.

1:00 PM

College and career planning session

Sit with a group of juniors to explore career clusters, labor‑market information, and potential training pathways beyond high school.

2:30 PM

Crisis or urgent student meeting

Respond to a same‑day request from a teacher or administrator to meet with a student experiencing emotional distress or a sudden life change.

4:00 PM

Documentation and follow‑up planning

Update case notes, track referrals, and prepare materials for the next day’s meetings, including letters of recommendation or scheduling for assessments.

• Word Processing
• Google Docs
• Microsoft Word
• Presentations
• Microsoft Power Point
• Blackboard Wimba
• Prezi
• Spreadsheets
• Microsoft Excel
• EZAnalyze
• Email
• Microsoft Outlook
• Yahoo! Email
• Office Suites
• Microsoft Office
• Databases & Data Tools
• Microsoft Access
• ACT Discover
• Career Cruising
• Career decision‑making programs
• CMS

Salary Distribution

Salary distribution for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor: 10th percentile $44K, 25th $52K, median $65K, 75th $83K, 90th $106K Median $44K $52K $65K $83K $106K

Most professionals earn between $52K and $83K

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor salary percentile distribution Percentile Salary 10th $44K 25th $52K 50th (Median) $65K 75th $83K 90th $106K

Salary by State

• California $94K $51K - $149K
• Washington $84K $56K - $128K
• District of Columbia $80K $51K - $113K
• Alaska $80K $50K - $98K
• Massachusetts $79K $55K - $112K
• New Jersey $78K $59K - $113K
• New Mexico $76K $46K - $114K
• Maryland $75K $46K - $120K
• Oregon $74K $48K - $126K
• Delaware $72K $46K - $95K
• Rhode Island $72K $48K - $102K
• Connecticut $70K $43K - $110K
• New York $70K $45K - $131K
• New Hampshire $68K $49K - $101K
• Virginia $67K $43K - $100K
• Louisiana $67K $49K - $87K
• Hawaii $67K $48K - $95K
• Nebraska $67K $44K - $100K
• Texas $66K $41K - $86K
• Wyoming $65K $47K - $90K
• Nevada $65K $47K - $88K
• Kentucky $64K $40K - $88K
• Georgia $64K $43K - $105K
• Colorado $64K $48K - $97K
• Wisconsin $64K $47K - $90K
• Michigan $63K $43K - $94K
• Minnesota $63K $47K - $94K
• Utah $63K $39K - $101K
• Ohio $62K $43K - $101K
• Pennsylvania $61K $45K - $100K
• Illinois $61K $45K - $109K
• Vermont $61K $49K - $88K
• Alabama $61K $38K - $87K
• Idaho $60K $44K - $87K
• North Dakota $60K $46K - $84K
• Ar…