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School Counseling Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Detroit Community Schools is hiring a High School Counselor. At DCS, we believe that Education is ... Develop and implement counseling programs that support student achievement and well-being.

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School Counseling information

See Michigan salary details

$19.6K

$52.7K

$83.7K

How much do school counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for school counseling in Michigan is $52,652.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,800.00 and $60,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a school counselor?

School counselors are trained professionals who work in educational settings to support students’ academic, career, social, and emotional development. They provide guidance on course selection, college applications, and career exploration, as well as help students navigate personal and social challenges. School counselors also collaborate with teachers, families, and administrators to create a safe and supportive learning environment. Their goal is to help all students succeed academically and develop the skills necessary for lifelong learning and well-being.

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

To thrive as a School Counselor, you need a background in counseling or psychology, often requiring a master's degree and state certification or licensure. Familiarity with student information systems, counseling software, and assessment tools is important for effective student support and record-keeping. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and cultural competence help build trust and rapport with diverse students and families. These skills and qualifications are crucial for promoting students' academic, social, and emotional well-being in a school environment.

What are some common challenges school counselors face when supporting students, and how can they effectively address them?

School counselors often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, addressing diverse student needs, and balancing administrative tasks with direct student support. To effectively address these challenges, counselors prioritize time management, utilize data-driven strategies to identify at-risk students, and collaborate closely with teachers, parents, and community resources. Ongoing professional development and establishing strong communication channels within the school also help counselors provide comprehensive support and make a positive impact.

What is the difference between School Counseling vs School Psychology?

AspectSchool CounselingSchool Psychology
Required CredentialsMaster's in School Counseling, state certificationMaster's or Doctorate in School Psychology, state certification
Work EnvironmentElementary, middle, high schools; focus on academic, career, and social-emotional supportSame school settings; focus on mental health assessments and psychological interventions
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and private schools, educational agenciesPublic schools, school districts, mental health agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, certifications, and responsibilitiesDistinguishing between mental health and academic support roles

School counseling and school psychology share similar environments and certifications but differ mainly in focus. School counselors primarily support students' academic, career, and social-emotional needs, while school psychologists focus on mental health assessments and psychological interventions. Both roles are vital in educational settings, but their specific functions and training differ to meet distinct student needs.

Is it hard to get hired as a school counselor?

Getting hired as a school counselor can be competitive, often requiring 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 job prospects, but demand varies by region and school district.

Is there a shortage of school counselors?

School counseling is experiencing a nationwide shortage due to increased student mental health needs and retirements among current counselors. This has led to higher demand for qualified school counselors, often resulting in staffing challenges in many districts. Strong communication and counseling skills, along with relevant certifications, are important for those entering the field.

What else can I do with a school counseling degree?

A school counseling degree can qualify you for roles such as school counselor, mental health counselor, or college counselor. It also provides a foundation for careers in student advocacy, educational administration, or community outreach, often requiring additional certifications or licenses. Skills in communication, assessment, and crisis intervention are valuable across these fields.

What are the most commonly searched types of School Counseling jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of School Counseling jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for School Counseling jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most School Counseling job openings:

Infographic showing various School Counseling job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,652 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

School Counselor

Dearborn, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description:

The Academy’s School Counselor utilizes leadership, advocacy and collaboration to promote students’ success, provide preventative services and respond to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic, career and personal /Social development for all students. The counselor will consult and collaborate effectively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators and other educational/community resources regarding students with identified concerns and needs. 


Position-Specific Responsibilities:

  • Provide high quality support that aligns with the Academy’s educational vision and mission.
  • Conduct individual and group counseling sessions to students with identified concerns and needs.
  • Coordinate ongoing systemic activities designed to assist students in establishing personal goals and developing future plans.
  • Provide indirect services on behalf of students as a result of the school counselors’ interactions with others including referrals for additional assistance, consultation and collaboration with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizations.
  • Use available technology/community resources to enhance school counseling program.
  • Implement an effective referral and follow up process
  • Teach or co-teach classroom lessons on social-emotional learning, academic success, etc.
  • Identify cases involving domestic abuse or other family problems affecting students’ development
  • Provide assistance with conflict resolution and crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at school or home.
  • Encourage parents/students to seek additional assistance from outside mental health agencies, when necessary.
  • Observe and evaluate student’s performance, classroom behavior, social development and physical health.
  • Active member of the Academy’s Crisis and MERT teams, PBIS Team, and Lighthouse Team
  • Provide professional development to school staff and/or parents on mental health, SEL, etc.
  • Assist middle school teachers and students with the completion of the Education Development Plan (EDP)
  • Act as the Academy’s 504 Coordinator
  • Work with students and their parents/guardians who are identified as truant or chronically absent
  • Adhere to preferred practices prescribed by state and national school counselor associations.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to school counseling.
  • Demonstrate personal growth and professional development.


Requirements:
  • Hold a School Guidance Counselor License issued by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE)
  • Hold a Master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited college or university.
  • Ability to effectively interact, collaborate, and communicate both orally and in writing with administration, staff, parents and students
  • Satisfactory criminal background check and unprofessional conduct check as required by School Safety Legislation.
  • Demonstrated high-level of organizational skills and ability to successfully manage and coordinate a number of projects and tasks.
  • Ability to write reports requiring meaningful interpretation of data, technical precision and accuracy.
  • Ability to work flexibly and cooperatively.