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Student Counselor Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Student Success Counselor reports to the Director of New Start and is responsible for providing ... Salary: A starting salary of $52,500 with an excellent benefits package. This position is ...

The Student Success Counselor reports to the Director of New Start and is responsible for providing ... Salary: A starting salary of $52,500 with an excellent benefits package. This position is ...

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Student Counselor Salary information

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$33K

$60.6K

$96K

How much do student counselor salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for student counselor salary in the United States is $60,635.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Student Counselor Salary vs School Counselor Salary?

AspectStudent Counselor SalarySchool Counselor Salary
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often sufficient; some roles require certificationMaster's degree in school counseling or related field; certification required
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, community centers, clinicsPublic and private schools, educational settings
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, youth programsSchool districts, educational authorities

While both roles focus on supporting students, School Counselors typically require advanced degrees and certifications, working primarily within schools. Student Counselors may have a broader scope, including community settings, with varying credential requirements.

How much do student counselors get paid?

Student counselors typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, education level, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced counselors or those in specialized settings can earn higher wages. Salaries often include benefits such as health insurance and professional development opportunities.

What is the average salary of a student counselor?

The average salary of a student counselor can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, education level, and type of institution. In the United States, student counselors typically earn between $40,000 and $65,000 per year, with those working in elementary and secondary schools often earning more than those in other settings. Additionally, counselors with advanced degrees or certifications may have higher earning potential. Salaries can also be influenced by the cost of living in a particular area and the budget of the hiring institution.

What are some common challenges student counselors face in their daily work and how are these typically addressed?

Student counselors often encounter challenges such as managing a high caseload, addressing sensitive student issues, and balancing administrative tasks with direct counseling. To handle these, counselors typically rely on strong time management skills, regular supervision, and collaboration with teachers, parents, and other support staff. Many schools also provide professional development and peer support networks to help counselors stay current on best practices and manage job-related stress.

Is it hard to get hired as a student counselor?

Getting hired as a student counselor can be competitive and typically requires relevant education, such as a degree in counseling or psychology, along with experience working with students. Strong interpersonal skills, certification, and understanding of school policies can improve chances of employment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a student counselor?

To thrive as a Student Counselor, you need a background in counseling, psychology, or education, typically supported by a relevant degree and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management software, assessment tools, and confidentiality protocols is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and effective communication help build trust and provide meaningful support to students. These skills and qualifications are crucial for guiding students through academic, personal, and social challenges in a supportive and ethical manner.

What does a student counselor do?

A student counselor provides guidance and support to students regarding academic, emotional, and social issues. They assess student needs, develop intervention plans, and may collaborate with teachers and parents to promote student well-being. Strong communication skills and confidentiality are essential in this role.
More about Student Counselor Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Student Counselor Salary jobs? Cities with the most Student Counselor Salary job openings:
What states have the most Student Counselor Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Student Counselor Salary jobs include:
Infographic showing various Student Counselor Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,635 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Student Counselor (MSW Student Advisor)

Rutgers University

New Brunswick, NJ • On-site

$68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Rutgers University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

288th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title
Student Counselor (MSW Student Advisor)
Job Category
URA-AFT Administrative
Department
School of Social Work
Overview
Rutgers School of Social Work, ranked #12 among MSW programs in the nation, is among the largest social work programs in the United States, offering BASW, MSW, DSW, and Ph.D. degrees to over 2,000 students across three campuses in Camden, Newark, and New Brunswick. Founded in 1766, Rutgers is a major research university and a member of the Association of American Universities, a federation of 62 leading research universities, and the Big Ten Academic Alliance, an academic consortium of Big 10 universities.
The School of Social Work's mission is to develop and disseminate knowledge through social work research, education, and training that promotes social and economic justice and strengthens individual, family, and community well-being in this diverse and increasingly global environment of New Jersey and beyond.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Student Counselor (MSW Student Advisor) for the School of Social Work. This position reports to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.
Among the key duties of the position are the following:
  • Provides comprehensive academic and other relevant advising to new and continuing MSW students.
  • Provides exceptional support and customer service to prospective and current students of the Rutgers School of Social Work.
  • Performs independent, confidential, professional work that requires extensive in-depth knowledge of the School of Social Work, it's MSW Programs, Rutgers University and the School of Social Work's practices and procedures.
  • Assesses and prioritizes the immediate needs of all stakeholders with patience, confidentiality and good judgement ensuring the right answer or point of contact is provided.

FLSA
Exempt
Grade
05
Salary Details
Minimum Salary
68278.480
Mid Range Salary
84393.980
Maximum Salary
100509.480
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
  • Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Employee discount programs

Position Status
Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours
37.50
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.
Union Description
URA-AFT Administrative
Payroll Designation
PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment
Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility
ABP
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of Social Work and the Social Work profession.
  • Two (2) years of relevant experience, preferably in a Higher Education setting.

Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of MSW Curriculum and the Field Education experience.
  • Excellent computer skills and experience using software tools, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Strong writing skills sufficient to draft correspondence that is clear and concise.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment, discretion and to make decisions independently.
  • Ability to work at a fast pace, handle multiple tasks, responding flexibly and positively in all circumstances.
  • Ability to interact and work effectively with a broad range of people, including but not limited to, Faculty, Staff, Students, Administrators, and any additional key points of contact.
  • Ability to multitask and handle a diverse range of responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's of Social Work (MSW) Degree from a CSWE accredited program strongly preferred.
  • 3 years post-graduate social work experience.
  • Experience working with college students in multi-functional settings.
  • Preferred, NJ licensure, (LSW or LCSW).
  • Experience with Access, Salesforce, MS Office, and database programs strongly preferred.

Equipment Utilized
  • Regular use of a Windows computer and expertise with the following software: Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access).
  • Ability to work with database systems and any technology needed to support the role, hybrid work and virtual event attendance and management.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • Physical demands are those typical of an office environment.
  • Occasional in person and virtual event attendance in evenings and on the weekend.
  • Successful applicants will be subject to a Background Check.

Special Conditions
Posting Details
Posting Number
26ST1543
Posting Open Date
07/28/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
City
New Brunswick
State
NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

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