Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.
SOC: 21-1012.00
Common Job Titles
Academic AdvisorCareer CounselorGuidance CounselorSchool Counselor
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- MindsetIntegrate student concerns with institutional resources and support services when establishing therapeutic relationships in educational or career counseling settings.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate student academic performance, career interests, and personal circumstances to determine appropriate educational pathways and intervention strategies.Proficient
- MindsetEngage diverse student populations through active listening and social perceptiveness during one-on-one and group counseling sessions.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze student assessment data and career inventories using computerized diagnostic and career guidance systems to inform counseling recommendations.Proficient
- KnowledgeDevelop individualized academic and career action plans by synthesizing student goals with labor market information and educational requirements.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for student needs and accommodations when collaborating with administrators, faculty, and external service providers.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret psychological assessments, standardized test results, and career exploration tools to communicate meaningful insights to students and stakeholders.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply counseling theories and behavioral intervention strategies when addressing student academic challenges, personal crises, and career indecision.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate student information systems, case management software, and digital collaboration platforms to document counseling sessions and track student progress independently.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate compliance with educational standards, legal requirements, and ethical guidelines when delivering counseling services and maintaining confidential student records.Proficient
- MindsetReconcile conflicting stakeholder perspectives on student development and academic progress during mediation and crisis intervention with students, families, and school personnel.Proficient
- KnowledgeDesign group workshops and outreach programming on academic success, career readiness, and personal development topics using presentation technology and interactive learning strategies.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
342,350
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $43,580 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $105,870 |
| Workers on average earn | $71,520 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Therapy and Counseling3.6/5
- Education and Training3.4/5
- Psychology3.1/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Adobe PhotoshopFacebookGoogle DocsMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft DynamicsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRSMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordOracle PeopleSoft
Technology Skills
ACT DiscoverACT WorkKeysAdobe ActionScriptAthena Software Penelope Case ManagementBlackbaud The Raiser's EdgeBlackboard WimbaBlackboard softwareBloomz
Tools & Equipment
Audio recordersDesktop computersDigital video disk DVD playersLaptop computersLiquid crystal display LCD projectorsOverhead display projectorsPersonal computersPersonal digital assistants PDA