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College Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Novel Prep

College Counselor-Bilingual Mandarin

Irvine, CA · On-site

$5.0K - $5.5K/mo

Advise and educate parents on the strategic importance of extracurricular involvement in competitive college admissions. * Collaborate with faculty, counselors, and staff to promote holistic student ...

Scripps College

Career Counselor

Claremont, CA · On-site

$28 - $30.65/hr

Career Counselor PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Reporting to the Director of Career Planning ... Active support for the College's Principles of Community and Institutional Values in the ...

Scripps College

Career Counselor

Claremont, CA · On-site

$28 - $30.65/hr

Career Counselor PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Reporting to the Director of Career Planning ... Active support for the College's Principles of Community and Institutional Values in the ...

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All JobsCollege Counselor JobsCollege Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA

College Counselor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$26.1K

$66.8K

$115.8K

How much do college counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for college counselor in Riverside, CA is $66,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $76,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a college counselor do?

A college counselor helps students with college selection, application processes, and academic planning. They provide guidance on admissions requirements, assist with essays and interviews, and often have knowledge of financial aid and scholarship options.

What is the difference between College Counselor vs School Counselor?

AspectCollege CounselorSchool Counselor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, often a master's in counseling or education; certifications vary by stateBachelor's degree, often a master's in school counseling; state certification required
Work EnvironmentHigh schools, colleges, private counseling centersElementary, middle, or high schools
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, college admissions officesSchool districts, K-12 education systems
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in college admissions and advisingSupporting student well-being and academic success

While both roles involve guiding students, College Counselors focus on college admissions and career planning, often working with high school or college students. School Counselors provide broader support, including academic advising, mental health, and social-emotional development across K-12 levels. The choice depends on the specific educational setting and student needs.

What Do College Counselors Do?

A college counselor helps students figure out their goals and plans for higher education. Job duties include educating students about programs of study and scholarships, working with students to identify their goals, and recommending next steps for students to accomplish their educational and career plans. A college counselor may work for a high school to advise graduating seniors about their post-secondary options, or for a university to help students map out their course of study and future career paths.

What is the highest paid type of counselor?

Among counseling professions, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors tend to have the highest salaries, especially those with advanced degrees and certifications. Clinical, school, and marriage counselors generally earn less but may have more specialized roles or work in high-demand settings. Salary levels can vary based on experience, location, and work environment.

What qualifications do you need to be a college counselor?

To become a college counselor, a bachelor's degree in education, psychology, or a related field is typically required, often followed by a master's degree such as a Master of Education or Counseling. Relevant experience, strong communication skills, and knowledge of college admission processes are also important; some positions may require certification or licensure depending on the region.

How much do college counselors make an hour?

College counselors typically earn between $15 and $40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and whether they work in schools, private practices, or colleges. Salaries can vary widely based on education level, certifications, and the setting in which they work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a College Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a College Counselor, you need a solid understanding of college admissions processes, academic planning, and counseling theories, often supported by a master's degree in counseling or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, college search databases (like Naviance), and standardized test platforms is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and guide diverse students effectively. These competencies ensure that students receive personalized, informed support as they navigate critical academic and career decisions.

What are some common challenges College Counselors face when supporting diverse student populations?

College Counselors often work with students from a wide variety of backgrounds, each with unique academic, financial, and personal needs. Navigating these differences requires cultural sensitivity, up-to-date knowledge of college admissions trends, and strong communication skills. Counselors must also address challenges such as limited resources, balancing caseloads, and ensuring all students receive personalized guidance. Building relationships and advocating for students are crucial to overcoming these obstacles and helping each individual achieve their educational goals.
More about College Counselor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of College Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of College Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to College Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA? For College Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching College Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for College Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for College Counselor jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most College Counselor job openings:
College Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various College Counselor job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,776 per year, or $32.1 per hour.
College Counselor-Bilingual Mandarin

College Counselor-Bilingual Mandarin

Novel Prep

Irvine, CA • On-site

$5.0K - $5.5K/mo

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job description:

Key Responsibilities
1. Student Planning & Advising
  • Develop individualized extracurricular, volunteer, competition, research, and summer planning roadmaps for students in grades 911.
  • Provide customized guidance tailored to each students interests, academic strengths, and long-term college admissions objectives.
2. Opportunity Sourcing & Resource Management
  • Research, evaluate, and curate high-quality extracurricular opportunities, including internships, academic camps, service projects, and summer programs.
  • Maintain and regularly update a comprehensive resource database; establish and manage partnerships with external organizations to expand available opportunities.
3. Progress Monitoring & Guidance
  • Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with students to assess participation, track progress, and ensure alignment with academic and personal development goals.
  • Support students in documenting extracurricular activities, drafting reflection summaries, and compiling portfolios for use in the college admissions process.
4. Parent & Faculty Engagement
  • Advise and educate parents on the strategic importance of extracurricular involvement in competitive college admissions.
  • Collaborate with faculty, counselors, and staff to promote holistic student growth and development.
Qualifications
  • Bachelors or Masters degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Public Affairs, or a related field.
  • 12 years of relevant experience in high school college counseling, student advising, or a comparable setting.
  • Strong understanding of U.S. college admissions processes, with particular expertise in the role of extracurricular engagement.
  • Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire, engage, and guide high school students effectively.
  • Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Mandarin and prior experience supporting international students are highly preferred.