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School Counselor

Education

You'll help students navigate everything from college applications to anxiety to family crises — and you'll have 400 of them assigned to you. It's deeply meaningful work, constantly underfunded, and you'll carry stories home that keep you up at night.

Salary Range

Low

$42k

Median

$60k

High

$85k

10-Year Growth

5%

US Workers

355K

Education

Master's in School Counseling + state license

Environment

indoor

Tools & Technical Skills

  • ▸Student information systems (Naviance, PowerSchool)
  • ▸College application platforms (Common App)
  • ▸Crisis intervention protocols
  • ▸Standardized testing coordination
  • ▸IEP & 504 plan management
  • ▸Counseling assessment tools
  • ▸Career interest inventories

People & Mindset Skills

  • ▸Active listening
  • ▸Empathy
  • ▸Crisis management
  • ▸Communication
  • ▸Cultural sensitivity
  • ▸Advocacy
  • ▸Organization

What you'll actually do

  • 01Be the only adult some kids actually trust (no pressure)
  • 02Process college applications and write recommendation letters
  • 03Coordinate with teachers about struggling students
  • 04Lead group sessions on topics like stress and bullying
  • 05Handle crisis situations — suicidal ideation, abuse reports
  • 06Track 400+ students' academic progress simultaneously
  • 07Advocate for students who have no other advocate

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