Expected Annual Pay (Texas)
$65,660
Average salary range
Job Title
School Counselor
Job Outlook (Texas)
+15%
Employment growth
Level of Education Required
Master’s degree in School Counseling or a closely related field
Minimum requirement
Credentials or Licenses Required
Valid Texas School Counselor certification.
Licenses / Certificates
Work Experience Typically Required
Many school counselors have prior experience working with children, youth, or families in educational, counseling, social services, or community-based settings. Common backgrounds include classroom teaching, student support services, youth programs, intervention services, or other roles focused on child development.
Related experience needed
What is this role responsible for day to day?
A school counselor supports students’ academic, social, emotional, and career development. Day‑to‑day work includes:
- Meeting with students individually or in small groups
- Providing academic and career guidance
- Supporting students’ social and emotional well‑being
- Collaborating with teachers, administrators, and support staff
- Communicating with families about student needs and progress
- Maintaining student records and documentation
- Participating in campus meetings and intervention planning
Career Snapshots
Explore different career paths within education and find the one that fits your passion
Autumn
Autumn began her career as a preschool teacher and loved helping children build confidence, relationships, and problem-solving skills. As she worked with children and families, she became interested in supporting students through social, emotional, and academic challenges across their school years. After earning a master’s degree in school counseling, she became a school counselor. In the future, she hopes to become a district counseling coordinator and help strengthen student support services across multiple campuses.
Malik
Malik started as an afterschool program coordinator while attending college. Working with children and families helped him develop skills in mentoring, relationship-building, and student support. He later worked in youth services before completing graduate studies in counseling. As a school counselor, he enjoys helping students identify their strengths and navigate academic and personal challenges. He would like to eventually move into a lead counselor role.
Grace
Grace began her professional career as an elementary school teacher and spent several years working closely with students and families. Through that experience, she discovered that she was especially drawn to supporting students’ social-emotional well-being and helping them overcome barriers to success. After earning her counseling degree and certification, she became a school counselor. She plans to remain a school counselor long-term because she enjoys working directly with students and helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
What are some skills or personal traits that people in this role typically have?
School counselors are empathetic, organized, and strong communicators. They listen carefully, problem‑solve effectively, and build trusting relationships with students, families, and staff. They are able to manage confidential information and multiple priorities.
What are some jobs that people had earlier in their careers?
People in this role often previously worked as:
People in this role often previously worked as:
- Classroom Teacher
- Student Support or Intervention Specialist
- Youth Program or Social Services Staff Member
What are some jobs that people in this role have later in their careers?
With experience, people in this role may move into:
With experience, school counselors may move into roles such as:
- Lead Counselor or Counseling Coordinator
- Assistant Principal or Campus Administrator
- District‑Level Student Support or Counseling Roles