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Entry Level Career Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vocational and Career Counselor-Malden

Malden, MA ยท On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

... entry-level QVRC position Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not ... and Career Counselor requisition. Qualifications: First consideration will be given to those ...

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Entry Level Career Counselor information

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$30.5K

$44.6K

$60.5K

How much do entry level career counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level career counselor in the United States is $44,555.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $50,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level career counselor do?

An entry level career counselor helps individuals, often students or recent graduates, identify their strengths, interests, and career goals. They provide guidance on resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies. Entry level career counselors may also administer career assessments, facilitate workshops, and connect clients with resources to support their career development. Their goal is to assist clients in making informed decisions about their educational and professional paths.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level career counselor?

To thrive as an Entry Level Career Counselor, a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field, along with basic knowledge of career development theories, is typically required. Familiarity with career assessment tools, job search platforms, and client management systems is important for effective guidance. Strong communication, active listening, and empathy are vital soft skills that help build trust and rapport with clients. These competencies enable counselors to provide relevant advice, support clients' career goals, and facilitate successful job placements.

What are some typical challenges an entry level career counselor might face when working with clients for the first time?

As an entry level career counselor, one common challenge is building rapport and trust with clients who may be uncertain or anxious about their career paths. Additionally, you may encounter clients with unclear goals or limited self-awareness, which can require patience and skillful questioning to help them articulate their interests and strengths. Navigating diverse backgrounds and tailoring your guidance to each individual's unique needs is essential. Seeking support from experienced colleagues and utilizing available resources can help you develop effective counseling strategies.

What is the difference between Entry Level Career Counselor vs Career Advisor?

AspectEntry Level Career CounselorCareer Advisor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or bachelor's; some roles may prefer related certificationsHigh school diploma or bachelor's; certifications are optional
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, career centers, community organizationsEducational institutions, career services, private practices
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, colleges, nonprofitsUniversities, career service providers, private firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Career Counselors and Career Advisors often share similar roles in guiding individuals toward career paths. The main difference lies in terminology and specific job functions; Entry Level Career Counselors typically focus on assessment and foundational guidance, while Career Advisors may offer broader career planning services. Both roles are essential in educational and career development settings, with overlapping credentials and work environments.

Are entry level career counselors in demand?

Entry level career counselors are in moderate demand as organizations seek professionals to assist individuals with career planning and development. The role often requires strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of career assessment tools, with employment prospects influenced by the growth of educational and employment services sectors.

How do I become an entry level career counselor?

To become an entry-level career counselor, typically a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work and developing strong communication and interpersonal skills are also important; some positions may prefer or require certification from a recognized counseling organization.

What is the first step in entry level career counseling?

The first step in entry level career counseling is assessing the client's interests, skills, and values through interviews or assessments. This helps identify suitable career options and sets a foundation for developing an individualized career plan.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Career Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Career Counselor job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Career Counselor jobs?

The most popular types of Career Counselor jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Career Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Career Counselor jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Career Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,555 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Career Navigation Counselor

True North Goodwill Northern Minnesota and No

Mountain Iron, MN โ€ข On-site

$41K - $43K/yr

Full-time

Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Join Team Goodwill! Immediate openings and competitive pay & benefits. Apply today!

Career Navigation Counselor

Full-Time 40 hours per week

$41,000-$43,000/year

Goodwill Industries is a nonprofit organization regionally headquartered in Duluth, MN whose mission is transforming lives for generations through learning and the power of work. We provide training, jobs, and support services for people with barriers to employment who seek greater independence. Our mission is funded through the sale of donated clothing and household items in Goodwill stores and online. We are a group of nearly 300 mission minded employees in Northern MN & WI working as one. Each of us is essential to helping our community thrive and prosper.

Goodwill offers a wide range of career pathways and growth ranging from entry-level to management in retail, transportation, mission services, and administrative/professional fields. By working at Goodwill, you can make an impact in your community. And we can show you how.

Goodwill is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Why we are a great place to work?

  • Competitive pay & benefits
  • Flexible work schedules to create a schedule that allows for a work/home balance.
  • Bonus incentive plans
  • Retirement & 401K planning with company match (Up to 6%)
  • Employee Assistance Program (Crisis counseling, financial planning, legal consultation, mental health counseling, wellness resources)
  • Knowing you are part of making an impact in people’s lives
  • Critical Illness and accident insurance
  • Basic life insurance at no cost, with voluntary and spousal coverage options
  • A culture built upon our core values of: Trust, Respect, Dedication, Responsibility, and Innovation
  • Career support and planning

Job Summary

The Career Navigation Career Counselor will oversee the Career Navigation Center in Virginia, MN. This position will maintain all forms and records necessary for the purpose of career planning. Individual coaching, job skills development, behavioral observation, employment and training program planning and implementation, and coordination with community resources are pertinent duties in addition to other duties as assigned by the Director of Mission Services.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Conduct career assessments to evaluate client’s interests, skills, values, and other relevant information
  • Provide 1:1 career counseling and coaching sessions to support client advancement on their individualized employment plan
  • Support clients to explore career options and identify suitable career paths
  • Assist with resume writing, cover letter development, and social media profile optimization
  • Prepare clients for interviews through coaching and mock interviews
  • Develop individualized employment plans that include S.M.A.R.T. goals
  • Keep current on labor market information, industry trends, and job outlook data
  • Guide clients on available educational programs, certifications, and training opportunities
  • Organize and facilitate Mind Over Matter and Career Quest workshops, digital literacy instruction, and other workshop topics, as needed.
  • Educate employers, educational institutions, and community organizations about TNG employment and training services through presentations, meetings, and written communication.
  • Oversee the planning, coordination, implementation, and continuous improvement of digital literacy programming to ensure high-quality instruction, participant engagement, and alignment with organizational and grant objectives.
  • Document all required information relevant to employment and training including but not limited to: client demographics and progress, case notes, staff activities, outcomes and other data as identified.
  • Develop employer relations to keep abreast of job opportunities, skills and competency needs, hiring fairs, etc.
  • Participate in all scheduled professional and supervisory meetings.
  • Follow rules and regulations as they relate to data privacy, CARF, OSHA, and others.
  • Knowledgeable in SSI, SSDI, SNAP, unemployment, and other assistance programs
  • Accept other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

  • Strong organizational and time-management skills
  • Ability to speak and write clearly
  • Ability to work independently and as a team
  • Ability to build rapport with diverse populations

Education and Experience

  • B.A./B.S. degree in related field (psychology, human resources, education, social work, or related field) preferred, but not required. A strong demonstration of applicable life and work experience can compensate for educational obtainment
  • Strong computer literacy skills – proficient in Microsoft Office and experience utilizing database systems for tracking purposes
  • Valid driver’s license, current automobile insurance, and acceptable driving record.
  • Knowledge of career pathways and stackable credentials and/or willingness to learn

Physical Requirements

These work environment factors are general in nature: CONSTANT: Sit and near vision. FREQUENT: Bend neck; talk/speak; sit and visual accommodation. OCCASSIONAL: Lift and carry up to 10 pounds; rotate neck, static neck position; walk; hear within 5 feet and midrange vision.