1

Master Level Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Student Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

They will support in building strong relationships with master's level counseling and social work programs at various schools. The Student Coordinator maintains regular contact with graduate schools ...

They will support in building strong relationships with master's level counseling and social work programs at various schools. The Student Coordinator maintains regular contact with graduate schools ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Master Level Counseling information

See salary details

$40.5K

$74.3K

$115.5K

How much do master level counseling jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for master level counseling in the United States is $74,297.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Master Level Counselor, you need a master's degree in counseling or a related field, state licensure, and strong knowledge of psychological theory and therapeutic techniques. Proficiency with case management software, standardized assessment tools, and documentation systems is typically expected. Exceptional active listening, empathy, and cultural competency are vital soft skills that help foster client trust and rapport. These skills and qualifications are essential for providing effective, ethical, and client-centered mental health support.

What are some common challenges faced by master-level counselors in their daily practice, and how can these be managed effectively?

Master-level counselors often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, maintaining appropriate boundaries with clients, and coping with emotional fatigue from working with individuals experiencing significant distress. These challenges can be effectively managed by practicing regular self-care, seeking supervision or peer consultation, and engaging in ongoing professional development. Additionally, many organizations offer support through team meetings and wellness resources, which help counselors stay resilient and provide the best care to their clients.

What is a Master Level Counselor?

A Master Level Counselor is a mental health professional who has completed a master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field. They are trained to provide therapy, guidance, and support to individuals, couples, families, or groups dealing with emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues. These counselors are often licensed or working toward licensure and are qualified to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and implement therapeutic interventions. They work in diverse settings, such as schools, mental health clinics, hospitals, or private practice. Master Level Counselors may also specialize in areas like addiction, marriage and family therapy, or school counseling.

What is the difference between Master Level Counseling vs Licensed Professional Counselor?

AspectMaster Level CounselingLicensed Professional Counselor
CredentialsMaster's degree in counseling or related fieldMaster's degree + state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Work EnvironmentEntry-level counseling settings, schools, community agenciesIndependent practice, clinical settings, private practice
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, non-profits, healthcare facilitiesPrivate practices, hospitals, mental health clinics
Scope of PracticeProvide counseling under supervision, limited independent practiceConduct assessments, diagnose, and provide independent therapy

Master Level Counseling typically involves holding a master's degree and working under supervision, while Licensed Professional Counselors have completed licensure requirements, allowing for independent practice and a broader scope of services. The transition from Master Level Counseling to LPC signifies increased responsibility and autonomy in the counseling profession.

More about Master Level Counseling jobs
What cities are hiring for Master Level Counseling jobs? Cities with the most Master Level Counseling job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Master Level Counseling jobs? The most popular types of Master Level Counseling jobs are:
What states have the most Master Level Counseling jobs? States with the most job openings for Master Level Counseling jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Master Level Counseling jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Master Level Counseling jobs are:
Infographic showing various Master Level Counseling job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,297 per year, or $35.7 per hour.
Residential Master's Level Counselor

Residential Master's Level Counselor

Youth Villages, Inc

Memphis, TN • On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Youth Villages rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 228 rated social care providers


Job description

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.

As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.

We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.

For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org

Program Overview:

Youth Villages' residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia provide safe, nurturing environments for youth ages 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health challenges. These programs are offered across three types of facilities—secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes—each designed to meet the individual needs of youth exhibiting a range of referral behaviors, including aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and problem sexual behavior.
 

Our residential campuses deliver an intensive treatment program that strikes a unique balance between structure and freedom, all while preparing youth for continued success outside of a residential setting. A key focus is to help each youth step down to the least restrictive treatment option possible by developing the skills they need to thrive in less structured environments through trauma-informed care, clinical interventions, life skills building, and recreation therapy (in selection locations). Most youth also attend fully accredited schools located on our campuses, ensuring their educational progress continues alongside therapeutic support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Residential Master's Level Counselor:

  • Works directly with 8 to 12 youth daily
  • Utilizes evidence-based practices when providing individual, group and family therapy to each resident
  • Creates individualized treatment plans for each youth and updates them bi-weekly
  • Completes admissions and discharges for the youth on residential campuses (including initial assessment and psychosocial)
  • Consults with the treatment team and other staff members to plan placements, transfers, and discharges of youth
  • Coordinates weekend visits for youth and develop safety plans with families
  • Facilitates treatment meetings and consultations
  • Completes daily documentation (such as missed appointments, contact notes, milieu notes, and precautionary notes) in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Information:

  • The supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, and physical agility. 
  • Applicants must be able to participate in physical interventions when necessary and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more than 100 pounds.
  • Applicants are required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR trainings and pass an agility and strength evaluation.
  • Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license.

Salary:

$62,000 - $65,000 per year based on clinical license

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in social services field (required)
  • Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review)
  • Must be willing to pursue licensure with supervision provided (required)
  • Once year of counseling experience (required)
  • Experience in a residential setting (preferred)
  • Experience working with at-risk youth and/or families (preferred)
  • Experience working with youth (required)
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Basic computer knowledge
  • Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Youth Villages Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision

  • 401(k)

  • Time off:

    • 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)

    • 12 paid sick days per year

    • 11 paid holidays

  • Paid Parental Leave

  • Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)

  • Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision

  • Growth & development through continuous training

  • Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities

*Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.


What Youth Villages employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom