Educational counsellor
Also known as: school counsellor, education counsellor, training adviser, student advisor, high-school counsellor, student guidance counsellor
About this occupation
Educational counsellors provide practical and emotional support to students in a educational institution, either in small groups, classrooms, or individually. They function as an accessible school official whom students may contact for a wide variety of issues. Educational counsellors may provide advice on personal problems such as social integration and behavioural issues, and on school-related matters such as composing adequate curriculum schedules, discussing test scores, and informing students on further education options. They may work closely with a school social worker and/or school psychologist and make referrals to other support services if necessary.
Essential skills and knowledge
- communicate with youth
- counselling methods
- learning difficulties
- liaise with educational institutions
- learning needs analysis
- communicate on the youth's well-being
- adolescent psychological development
- consult student's support system
- monitor student's behaviour
- support children's wellbeing
- perform educational testing
- monitor educational developments
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Instructional Coordinators (O*NET 25-9031.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Observe work of teaching staff to evaluate performance and to recommend changes that could strengthen teaching skills.
- Plan and conduct teacher training programs and conferences dealing with new classroom procedures, instructional materials and equipment, and teaching aids.
- Interpret and enforce provisions of state education codes and rules and regulations of state education boards.
- Conduct or participate in workshops, committees, and conferences designed to promote the intellectual, social, and physical welfare of students.
- Advise teaching and administrative staff in curriculum development, use of materials and equipment, and implementation of state and federal programs and procedures.
- Advise and teach students.
- Typical education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Enterprising, Investigative
Top skills: Learning Strategies, Writing, Speaking, Instructing, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening
US median pay: US$77,440 a year (2025), 227,760 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.3)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.6)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.4)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.3)
- Divinity or PhilosophyO*NET: Philosophy and TheologyImportant (3.2)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Training and Development Specialists
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary
- Training and Development Managers
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Tutors
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.