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High School Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Detroit Community Schools is hiring a High School Counselor. At DCS, we believe that Education is Power. We are committed to providing all students with the tools and skills necessary to thrive no ...

Cuba High School Date Available: 07/31/2025 Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLEDPOSITION: COUNSELOR/STUDENT SUCCESS ADIVSOR SUPERVISOR: Principal GENERAL The Counselor will develop and implement a school ...

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High School Counselor information

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$16.5K

$62.1K

$92.5K

How much do high school counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for high school counselor in the United States is $62,134.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a high demand for high school counselors?

High school counselors are in strong demand due to increasing student needs for academic guidance, mental health support, and college planning. Employment for school counselors is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of student well-being and guidance services.

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

To thrive as a High School Counselor, you need a background in counseling, psychology, or education, typically supported by a master’s degree and state certification or licensure. Familiarity with student information systems, assessment tools, and career planning software is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and the ability to build trust help counselors connect with diverse students and collaborate with parents and staff. These competencies are crucial for guiding students’ academic, social, and emotional development and ensuring their overall well-being.

What is the difference between High School Counselor vs School Psychologist?

AspectHigh School CounselorSchool Psychologist
Required CredentialsMaster's in School Counseling or related field, state certificationMaster's or Doctorate in School Psychology, state certification
Work EnvironmentHigh school settings, focusing on academic, career, and personal guidanceHigh school settings, focusing on mental health assessments and psychological support
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and private high schools, school districtsPublic and private high schools, school districts
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilities of high school counselorsUnderstanding differences between school psychologists and counselors

High school counselors primarily focus on academic advising, college planning, and personal development, while school psychologists provide mental health assessments and psychological support. Both roles work within high schools and require relevant certifications, but their focus areas and training differ significantly.

Is it hard to get hired as a high school counselor?

Getting hired as a high school counselor can be competitive, as many positions require a master's degree in school counseling or a related field, along with state certification or licensure. Strong interpersonal skills, relevant experience, and a good understanding of student needs can improve chances of employment in this field.

What are some common challenges high school counselors face when supporting students with diverse backgrounds and needs?

High School Counselors often work with students from various cultural, socioeconomic, and academic backgrounds, which can present challenges in effectively addressing each student's unique needs. Balancing a large caseload while providing individualized support requires strong organizational and communication skills. Counselors must also stay current on mental health resources, college planning options, and crisis intervention strategies to ensure they can guide students appropriately. Collaboration with teachers, parents, and external support services is essential to create a supportive environment for all students.

What does a high school counselor do?

High school counselors may focus on academic advising or emotional support, though some counselors may serve students in both academics and social issues. Academic advisors, also known as college counselors, follow a student’s classes and grades over their high school career to create goals for what the student plans to do after high school. Based on these goals, academic advisors work with the student to ensure they take the proper classes and meet grade point average (GPA) requirements. You may also suggest extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities, and leadership opportunities to bolster their transcript. Support counselors work with students experiencing disciplinary or attendance issues, getting poor grades, or having other emotional problems affecting them. These counselors meet with the student and parents to find the cause of the problem and help determine a course of action to resolve them. Students with severe emotional distress may be referred out to mental health professionals.

What is a high school counselor?

High school counselors are trained professionals who support students in academic, career, and personal development throughout their high school years. They help students plan their coursework, explore college and career options, and address social or emotional challenges. Counselors also collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed and thrive both in and outside of school.
What cities are hiring for High School Counselor jobs? Cities with the most High School Counselor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of High School Counselor jobs? The most popular types of High School Counselor jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for High School Counselor jobs? The top employers for High School Counselor jobs are:
What states have the most High School Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for High School Counselor jobs include:
Infographic showing various High School Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,134 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Title:  High School Guidance Counselor

Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in School Counseling or related field.
  • Valid state licensure or certification as a school counselor.
  • Knowledge of adolescent development, social-emotional learning, and counseling techniques.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience working with high school students.
  • Familiarity with college and career planning.
  • Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board of Education may find appropriate and acceptable.

Reports To:  6-12 Building Principal

Job Goal: To provide comprehensive guidance and counseling services to high school students, supporting their academic, social, and emotional development. Collaborate with educators, parents, and the community to promote student success and well-being.

Performance Responsibilities:

Student Support:

  • Conduct individual and group counseling sessions to address students' personal, social, and emotional needs.
  • Assist students in developing decision-making skills, coping strategies, and conflict resolution techniques.
  • Provide crisis intervention and support during challenging situations.

Academic Planning:

  • Collaborate with students to set academic goals, develop course plans, and select appropriate classes.
  • Monitor students' progress toward graduation requirements and provide academic interventions.
  • Assist students with credit recovery and alternative education options.

College and Career Readiness:

  • Guide students through the college application process, including researching colleges, scholarships, and financial aid.
  • Organize college fairs, career exploration events, and guest speaker presentations.
  • Help students develop post-secondary plans aligned with their interests and goals.

Social-Emotional Learning:

  • Deliver classroom lessons on topics such as stress management, self-esteem, and healthy relationships as needed.
  • Provide guidance on addressing mental health challenges and refer students to appropriate resources.
  • Support students in developing resilience and coping skills.

Individualized Plans:

  • Create, manage, and update 504 plans for students with special needs.
  • Collaborate with special education staff to ensure accommodations and support are implemented.

Data Analysis:

  • Analyze student data to identify trends and patterns related to academic achievement and well-being.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs and interventions.

Collaboration and Communication:

  • Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to support students' academic and personal growth.
  • Conduct parent-student-counselor conferences to discuss academic progress and post-secondary plans.

Professional Development:

  • Stay current with developments in school counseling and higher education through ongoing professional development.
  • Participate in school-wide initiatives aimed at enhancing student success and college/career readiness.

School-Community Relations:

  • Establish partnerships with colleges, universities, and community organizations to expand opportunities for students.
  • Collaborate with local agencies to connect students and families with social services.

Terms of Employment: 9   months, 190 days as determined by the school calendar. Salary and benefits in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.

Evaluation: To be conducted by Building Administration.