How Can You Make More Money as a School Counselor

As a school counselor, your primary role is to guide and support students. While the job can be incredibly rewarding, it’s no secret that school counselors often earn less than other professionals with similar levels of education and experience.

If you’re looking for ways to make more money as a school counselor, there are several strategies you can employ. In this Guide, we’ll explore some of the most effective ways to make more money as a school counselor, from pursuing advanced degrees and certifications to exploring alternative job opportunities within the education system.

With creativity and dedication, you can take your career as a school counselor to the next level and increase your income.

Who Is A School Counselor
What Is The Salary Range For School Counselors In 2023?
How to Make More Money as a School Counselor with Advanced Degrees and Certifications?
What Leadership Roles Can School Counselors Pursue To Make More Money?
Are there any Emerging Trends in School Counseling that Offer New Opportunities to Make More Money?
What Are Some Alternative Job Opportunities Within The Education System That Offer Higher Salaries For School Counselors?
Are Any Specific Skills Or Specialties That Can Help A School Counselor Make More Money?
How Can You Make More Money As A School Counselor?
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
References
Recommendation

Who Is A School Counselor

A school counselor is a trained professional who works in an educational setting, such as a primary or secondary school, to help students develop the academic, social, and personal skills they need to be successful.

School counselors provide a range of services to students, including academic counseling, career counseling, and personal counseling. They often work with teachers and administrators to create a supportive learning environment for all students. They may also work with parents and families to help them support their children’s educational and personal growth.

What Is The Salary Range For School Counselors In 2023?

It’s difficult to predict the exact salary range for school counselors in 2023, as it can vary based on location, years of experience, and level of education.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for school and career counselors was $58,120 in May 2020, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $34,380 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $97,910.

The salary range for school counselors may increase or decrease slightly in 2023 based on various economic and educational factors. Still, it’s only possible to predict the exact salary range with additional information.

How to Make More Money as a School Counselor with Advanced Degrees and Certifications?

Advanced degrees and certifications can positively impact a school counselor’s earning potential. School counselors with a master’s degree or higher may be eligible for higher-paying positions, such as counseling department chairs or directors, which can offer higher salaries than entry-level counseling positions.

Additionally, counselors with specialized certifications, such as the National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential, can negotiate higher salaries or be more competitive for higher-paying positions.

These certifications can demonstrate a counselor’s expertise and commitment to the field and may make them more valuable to employers. However, it’s important to note that additional education and certifications may also come with additional costs, such as tuition and fees, which should be considered when deciding to pursue higher education or certifications.

Check out: How To Make Money On Steam In 2023 | 10 Legit Ways

What Leadership Roles Can School Counselors Pursue To Make More Money?

School counselors can pursue several leadership roles to increase their income. Some examples include:

Counseling department chair

In some schools, the counseling department is overseen by a department chair responsible for managing the department and its staff. This can be a higher-paying position that offers additional responsibilities and leadership opportunities.

Counseling program director

Some schools or districts have counseling program directors who oversee all counseling services in the community or school. This can be a high-level leadership position that offers increased pay and responsibility.

College and career counselor

School counselors who specialize in college and career counseling can negotiate higher salaries, as this specialized area of expertise is in high demand.

Counseling supervisor

Some school districts have counseling supervisors who oversee multiple counseling departments or programs. This can be a higher-paying leadership role that requires strong management and leadership skills.

Assistant principal or principal

School counselors with advanced degrees and experience can transition into administrative roles such as assistant principal or principal, offering higher salaries and additional leadership responsibilities.

Read this related content: How To Get My Car Towed For Free: 5 Simple Ways.

Are there any Emerging Trends in School Counseling that Offer New Opportunities to Make More Money?

A few emerging trends in the school counseling field offer new opportunities for income growth. Some of these trends include:

Telehealth and online counseling

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated telehealth and online counseling use in school counseling. School counselors who provide counseling services online can expand their client base beyond their local area and offer more flexible scheduling options, potentially increasing their income.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training

There is a growing demand for DEI training in schools, and school counselors with expertise in this area can offer workshops and training sessions for schools and school districts, potentially increasing their income.

Mental health support

With mental health issues on the rise among students, there is a growing need for mental health support in schools. School counselors who can provide mental health services, such as assessments, individual and group counseling, and crisis intervention, maybe in high demand, potentially increasing their income.

College and career counseling

With the rising cost of college and the increasing complexity of the college application process, there is a growing demand for college and career counseling services. School counselors with expertise in this area can offer individual and group counseling services, workshops, and other resources to help students navigate the college application process and plan their careers, potentially increasing their income.

It’s important to note, however, that income growth in the field of school counseling is likely to vary depending on factors such as geographic location, level of experience, and level of education. Additionally, school counseling is a helping profession driven by a desire to support students. While there may be opportunities for income growth, this should not be the primary motivation for pursuing a career in school counseling.

What Are Some Alternative Job Opportunities Within The Education System That Offer Higher Salaries For School Counselors?

While school counseling can be a rewarding career, salaries in this field can vary depending on various factors, including geographic location, experience level, and education level. Here are some alternative job opportunities within the education system that may offer higher salaries for school counselors:

Director of School Counseling

School districts may hire a Director of School Counseling to oversee and manage their school counseling programs. This position typically requires a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and several years of experience as a school counselor.

Salaries for this position can vary depending on the size of the school district and the level of responsibility, but they generally fall within the range of $70,000 to $100,000 or more.

College or University Counselor

Colleges and universities employ counselors to provide students with academic and personal counseling services. Salaries for college or university counselors can vary depending on the type of institution, the level of responsibility, and the location. Still, they generally fall between $50,000 to $80,000 or more.

Read this related content: 5 Hacks On How To Sell Poetry On Etsy In 2023 | Full Guide

Curriculum Specialist

Some school counselors may become curriculum specialists, working with teachers and administrators to develop and implement educational programs. This position typically requires a master’s degree in education or a related field and several years of experience in education.

Salaries for curriculum specialists can vary depending on the school district and level of responsibility, but they generally fall between $60,000 to $90,000 or more.

Education Administrator

Some school counselors may transition into administrative roles, such as assistant principals, principals, or district-level administrators.

Salaries for education administrators can vary depending on the level of responsibility, the size of the school district, and the location. Still, they generally fall between $80,000 to $120,000 or more.

It’s important to note that these positions often require additional education, training, and experience beyond school counseling requirements. However, for those interested in pursuing alternative career paths within the education system, these positions offer higher salaries and more significant opportunities for career advancement.

Are Any Specific Skills Or Specialties That Can Help A School Counselor Make More Money?

Several skills and specialties can increase a school counselor’s earning potential. Here are a few examples:

Bilingual proficiency

School counselors who are fluent in a language other than English may be in higher demand, particularly in schools with large populations of non-native English speakers.

Being bilingual can help school counselors communicate more effectively with students and families and may lead to increased opportunities for employment and higher salaries.

Specialized training in a particular counseling approach

School counselors with specialized training in a particular counseling approach, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or solution-focused brief therapy, may be in higher demand and able to command higher salaries.

Experience working with special populations

School counselors with experience working with special populations, such as students with disabilities or those from low-income backgrounds, may be in higher demand and able to command higher salaries.

Advanced degrees and certifications

School counselors who hold advanced degrees, such as a doctorate in counseling or psychology, or who hold specialized certifications, such as the National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential, may be able to command higher salaries than those with just a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Leadership and management skills

School counselors who have demonstrated strong leadership and management skills, such as the ability to supervise and train other counselors, may be in higher demand and able to command higher salaries.

It’s important to note that earning potential can also depend on other factors, such as geographic location, level of experience, and the size and type of school or district in which a school counselor works. Additionally, while higher salaries can be a factor in career decisions, it’s important to remember that school counseling is a helping profession driven by a desire to support students, and earning potential should not be the only factor considered when pursuing this career.

Read this related content: How To Make Money With Digital Art | 13 Best Ways In 2023

How Can You Make More Money As A School Counselor?

There are several ways that a school counselor can increase their earning potential:

#1. Pursue advanced degrees and certifications

To make more money as a school counselor, consider obtaining an advanced degree, such as a doctorate in counseling or psychology, or obtaining specialized certifications, such as the National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential. It can demonstrate a commitment to the profession and lead to higher salaries.

Read this related content: How To Withdraw Money From ATM Without Pin Code | Full Guide

#2. Gain experience

As school counselors gain experience, they can take on more responsibilities and work with more specialized populations of students, leading to higher salaries. Knowledge is one of the best ways to make more money as a school counselor.

#3. Specialize in a particular area

School counselors who specialize in a particular area, such as college counseling or mental health counseling, may be able to command higher salaries due to their specialized expertise. Specializing in a specific size is one of the best ways to make more money as a school counselor.

#4. Pursue leadership roles

School counselors who take on leadership roles, such as lead counselors or directors of counseling services, may be able to command higher salaries due to their additional responsibilities. Study shows pursuing leadership roles is one of the best ways to make more money as a school counselor.

#5. Work in high-paying school districts

School counselors who work in school districts with higher salaries, such as in urban areas or communities with high average incomes, may be able to command higher wages.

Read this related content: How To Get A 40-Year Mortgage In 2023 | Full Guide

#6. Work with specialized populations

School counselors who work with specialized populations, such as students with disabilities or English language learners, may be able to command higher salaries due to the technical skills and knowledge required to work with these populations. When you work with specialized people, you tend to make more money as a school counselor.

While higher salaries can be a factor in career decisions, it’s important to remember that school counseling is a helping profession driven by a desire to support students, and earning potential should not be the only factor considered when pursuing this career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can earning an advanced degree increase a school counselor’s salary?

Yes, earning an advanced degree, such as a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field, can increase a school counselor’s earning potential. Many school districts offer higher salaries to counselors with advanced degrees.

Are there any certifications or licenses that can increase a school counselor’s earning potential?

Several certifications and licenses can increase a school counselor’s earning potential. For example, the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) offers several certifications, including the National Certified Counselor (NCC) and the Certified School Counselor (CSC), which can lead to higher salaries.

Can school counselors earn more by taking on additional responsibilities, such as leading professional development workshops or mentoring new counselors?

Yes, taking on additional responsibilities within the school district, such as leading professional development workshops or mentoring new counselors, can lead to higher salaries. Many school districts offer other compensation for counselors who take on leadership roles.

Are there alternative job opportunities within the education system that can offer higher salaries for school counselors?

Yes, alternative job opportunities within the education system can offer higher salaries for school counselors. For example, working in a college or university counseling center can provide higher wages and more professional development and growth opportunities.

Can school counselors earn more by starting their private counseling practice?

Yes, starting a private counseling practice can offer higher earning potential for school counselors. However, it’s important to note that creating personal training requires a significant investment of time and resources, and there may be better fits for everyone. Additionally, counselors must comply with state licensing laws and regulations and laws related to insurance and client confidentiality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several strategies that school counselors can use to increase their earning potential in 2023 and beyond. Pursuing advanced degrees and certifications, seeking leadership roles, and exploring alternative job opportunities within the education system are just a few ways to make more money as a school counselor.

It’s important to remember that while salary is undoubtedly an important consideration, it should not be the sole focus of your career as a school counselor. Ultimately, the job’s most fulfilling and rewarding part is helping students navigate the challenges and opportunities of their education and personal growth.

By pursuing new opportunities for professional development and growth, you can continue to improve your ability to support students while you make more money as a school counselor.

Read this related content: How To Make 10k A Month Online Fast | 15 Proven Hacks In 2023