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How much do emotional learning specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for emotional learning specialist in the United States is $27.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an emotional learning specialist?

An Emotional Learning Specialist is a professional who helps students develop social and emotional skills, such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and relationship building. They often work in schools or educational settings, collaborating with teachers and counselors to create programs that support students' emotional well-being. Their goal is to foster a positive learning environment where students can thrive academically and personally by managing emotions and building healthy relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an emotional learning specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Emotional Learning Specialist, you need a background in education, psychology, or counseling, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with social-emotional learning (SEL) frameworks. Familiarity with SEL assessment tools, curriculum development platforms, and data tracking systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication help build trust and foster emotional growth in students. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing impactful SEL programs and supporting students’ emotional and academic development.

What is the difference between Emotional Learning Specialist vs School Counselor?

AspectEmotional Learning SpecialistSchool Counselor
Required CredentialsRelevant certifications, often a background in psychology or educationState certification or licensure as a school counselor, master's degree in school counseling
Work EnvironmentSchools, educational programs, youth organizationsSchools, counseling offices, student support services
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, non-profits, youth programsPublic and private schools, educational districts
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in emotional and social developmentStudent support, mental health, academic guidance

While both roles focus on student well-being, an Emotional Learning Specialist primarily develops social-emotional programs and strategies, whereas a School Counselor provides direct mental health support and academic advising. Both roles are vital in supporting student success but differ in scope and daily responsibilities.

How does an emotional learning specialist typically collaborate with teachers and school staff to support student development?

Emotional Learning Specialists work closely with teachers, counselors, and administrators to create and implement social-emotional learning (SEL) programs tailored to the needs of students. They often co-facilitate classroom lessons, provide coaching to teachers on integrating SEL into daily instruction, and consult on strategies for addressing student behavior and emotional well-being. Regular team meetings and professional development sessions are common, allowing the specialist to share insights, monitor progress, and adapt approaches as needed. This collaborative environment ensures that SEL principles are consistently reinforced throughout the school.
More about Emotional Learning Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Emotional Learning Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Emotional Learning Specialist job openings:
What states have the most Emotional Learning Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Emotional Learning Specialist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Emotional Learning Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Emotional Learning Specialist jobs are:
Emotional Learning Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Emotional Learning Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,471 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Social Emotional Learning Specialist

Palmdale School District

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$55.29 - $67.20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Palmdale School District rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 628 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Social Emotional Learning Specialist at Palmdale School District Share on X Print Application Deadline 6/30/2027 4:00 PM Pacific Date Posted 7/15/2026 Contact Elvira Cova 661.285.2902 Number of Openings 5 Salary Pay Range 55.29 - 67.20 Per Hour Length of Work Year 10 months per year Employment Type Full Time Job Summary Job Summary The Social Emotional Learning Specialist (SELS) provides instruction, therapy, and educationally required counseling services to students to promote positive social skills, mental health, and personal growth. The SELS identifies emotional and social skills needs, and encourages positive behavior through social/emotional skills training. Support families and district staff by providing consultation, instruction, and group counseling activities in the area of mental health

Job Description / Essential Elements: Print The Social Emotional Learning Specialist (SELS) provides instruction, therapy, and educationally required counseling services to students to promote positive social skills, mental health, and personal growth. The SELS identifies emotional and social skills needs, and encourages positive behavior through social/emotional skills training. Support families and district staff by providing consultation, instruction, and group counseling activities in the area of mental health.

Supervision Exercised and Received Reports direction to the Director of Student Services or designee. Example of Duties: The following are typical duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to, all tasks identified. May perform similar related tasks not listed.

Provide individual, group, and family social/emotional counseling and training services to parents, students, educational staff, and community agencies. Consult with parents; describe services and obtain consent when appropriate. Complete and maintain confidential reports that meet legal mandates.

Provide direct and group instruction/counseling services to students. Consult with educational staff, school psychologists, and administrators regarding students' social-emotional needs. Support "wrap around" services (family and community-based support services) for identified students and families.

Provide staff development and training specific to the areas of social/emotional/mental health. Conduct threat and suicide risk assessments. Participate as a member of the RTI and IEP teams; provide information regarding student performance; recommend goals and objectives.

Communicate and coordinate services with community-based agencies, including Mental Health, Public Health, Regional Center and Social Services. Refer students to school psychologist for IDEA supports. Develop and maintain intervention programs.

Conduct interviews, assessments and observations. Refer students to public/private psychological counseling services. Support foster students and families; serve as liaison between DCFS, students, parent/guardians, and educational staff.

Supervise licensed interns. Attend required meetings. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications Experience: Two (2) years of experience providing psychological and/or social/emotional instruction or counseling services. Experience working with children in a special education program is desirable. Education: Master's degree from an accredited institution in the field of Marriage & Family Counseling or Social Work.

Advanced training in evidenced based practices for counseling. Other: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish language desired Required in accordance with licensing requirements for the State of California: (Intern Licenses will not be accepted) Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT); or Marriage, Family & Child Counselor (MFCC); or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Requirements / Qualifications Experience: Two (2) years of experience providing psychological and/or social/emotional instruction or counseling services. Experience working with children in a special education program is desirable.

Education: Master's degree from an accredited institution in the field of Marriage & Family Counseling or Social Work. Advanced training in evidenced based practices for counseling. Other: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish language desired Required in accordance with licensing requirements for the State of California: (Intern Licenses will not be accepted) Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT); or Marriage, Family & Child Counselor (MFCC); or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Comments and Other Information The following items must accompany your completed application: Letter of Application Resume Official college transcripts showing Masters degree License (MFT, MFCC, LCSW) Three Current Letters of Recommendation (less than 6 months old; will not be accepted without signature) Comments and Other Information The following items must accompany your completed application: Letter of Application Resume Official college transcripts showing Masters degree License (MFT, MFCC, LCSW) Three Current Letters of Recommendation (less than 6 months old; will not be accepted without signature) Links Related To This Job California Credentialing Information Non Discrimination Policy BP 4030 Title IX View Other Job Desc.

/ Ess. Elem. CalPERS Links Not all postings qualify for CalPERS.

Informational Only. CalPERS Retirement Benefits ADD TO WISHLIST VIEW JOB WISHLIST APPLY (Current Employees ONLY) APPLY QUICK APPLY

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