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Contract School Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ampersand Therapy is hiring a School Counselor for a contract, school-based position in Waynesville, NC. In this role, you'll support K-12 students by providing counseling services that promote ...

Ampersand Therapy is hiring a School Counselor for a contract, school-based position in Waynesville, NC. In this role, you'll support K-12 students by providing counseling services that promote ...

School Counselor-

Olean, NY · On-site

$46K/yr

Certified - Teaching - Guidance/School Counselor {GUID} Job Number 3300055907 Start Date Open Date ... Starting at $46,500 per UBTA salary schedule/contract Job Qualifications: New York State Counselor ...

School Counselor

Riverside, CA · On-site +1

$41.27/hr

This position requires SCHOOL YEAR CONTRACT per Public Law 95-561 and will require contract renewal ... School Counselor series-1710 requires BOTH Education and Licensure/Certification to qualify.

School Counselor

Riverside, CA · On-site +1

$41.27 - $74.86/hr

This position requires SCHOOL YEAR CONTRACT per Public Law 95-561 and will require contract renewal ... Counsels with students on a regular basis regarding careers, educational, social interests' and/or ...

School Counselor

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Exempt, Full-Time | 40+ hours a week Contract Type: 10 month +10 days contract THIS ROLE At HOPE ... The School Counselor at HOPE is a critical member of the scholar support ecosystem - a trusted ...

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Contract School Counselor information

See salary details

$22.5K

$60.4K

$96K

How much do contract school counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract school counselor in the United States is $60,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract school counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract School Counselor, you need a master's degree in school counseling or a related field, along with state certification or licensure. Familiarity with counseling software, student information systems, and assessment tools is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and strong problem-solving abilities set top performers apart. These skills and qualities are vital for effectively supporting student development, ensuring compliance, and fostering a positive school environment.

What is the difference between Contract School Counselor vs Full-Time School Counselor?

AspectContract School CounselorFull-Time School Counselor
CredentialsRequires state certification and counseling licenseRequires state certification and counseling license
Work EnvironmentTemporary or short-term assignments in schoolsPermanent position within a school district
Employment TypeContract basis, often with agency or staffing firmFull-time employment directly with the school district
Job ResponsibilitiesStudent counseling, crisis intervention, program supportStudent counseling, academic planning, mental health support

Contract School Counselors typically work on short-term or temporary contracts, often through staffing agencies, while Full-Time School Counselors are employed directly by schools with ongoing responsibilities. Both roles require similar credentials and focus on student support, but differ mainly in employment stability and duration.

What are some common challenges faced by contract school counselors and how can they be addressed?

Contract school counselors often face the challenge of quickly building rapport with students and staff, as their time at a school may be limited. Establishing trust and understanding school culture in a short period requires strong communication skills and adaptability. Additionally, they may need to manage a varied caseload across different schools or districts, which can make scheduling and follow-up more complex. Staying organized, being proactive in communication, and utilizing digital tools for tracking student progress can help address these challenges effectively.

Is there a shortage of school counselors?

The demand for school counselors, including contract school counselors, has increased due to growing student mental health needs and staffing shortages in many districts. This has led to a nationwide shortage, creating more job opportunities for qualified professionals with appropriate certifications and counseling skills.

How can I make more money as a contract school counselor?

Contract school counselors can increase their earnings by gaining additional certifications, such as in mental health or crisis intervention, which can make them more competitive and eligible for higher-paying assignments. They can also seek opportunities for overtime, work in high-demand districts, or take on specialized roles like program coordination to boost income.

Where do contract school counselors make the most money?

Contract school counselors tend to earn higher salaries in regions with higher living costs and greater demand for mental health services, such as urban areas or districts with larger student populations. Salary levels can also be influenced by experience, certifications, and the specific school district's budget and policies.

What is a contract school counselor?

Contract School Counselors are licensed professionals who are hired by schools or educational organizations on a temporary or contractual basis to provide counseling services to students. Unlike full-time, permanent school counselors, contract counselors may work for a set period, such as a semester or school year, or on a part-time schedule as needed. Their responsibilities often include providing academic, career, and emotional support to students, conducting assessments, and collaborating with teachers and parents to address student needs. Contract positions can offer flexibility and may be used to fill staffing gaps or address specific student populations. These counselors must typically meet the same certification and education requirements as permanent school counselors.
More about Contract School Counselor jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract School Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Contract School Counselor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of School Counselor jobs? The most popular types of School Counselor jobs are:
What states have the most Contract School Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract School Counselor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract School Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,409 per year, or $29 per hour.

Elementary School Counselor

Carroll County Public Schools

Hillsville, VA • On-site

$42K - $64K/yr

Full-time, Contractor

Re-posted 10 days ago


Carroll County Public Schools (Maryland) rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 622 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Instructional - Position - Elementary School Counselor
Job Number 3700140083
Start Date
Open Date 06/05/2019
Closing Date
This position will serve two elementary schools: Fancy Gap and Laurel.
10-month contract
School counselor works as a team with the school staff, parents and the community to create a caring climate and atmosphere. By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, school counselors can help all children achieve academic success. He/She must be organized, friendly, flexible, and task oriented.
School counselor provides the following, but is not limited to:
*Guidance Curriculum - Character Education/Bullying Prevention
*Individual Student Planning - Student Assistance Team Chair
*Responsive Services - Conflict resolution, collaboration with administration, parents, and teachers
*System Support - School Testing Coordinator
Salary Range: From/To
$42,994.00 to 64,358.00
Additional Job Information
Applicant must have an endorsement as School Counselor.

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