What Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors this way: "Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations"; "Provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools"; "Prepare students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks"; "Provide students with information on topics such as college degree programs and admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs"; "Teach classes and present self-help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is master's degree.
Job outlook for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 389,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 400,900 in 2035, an increase of 11,400 jobs (+2.9%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 27,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $64,330, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors earn the most
Across the 8 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $61,965 in Illinois to $88,039 in California, a gap of $26,074 (1.42 times). 6 of those 8 states average above the BLS national median of $64,330 and 2 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 44,500, which is 23.2% of the 191,670 counted across them. Texas follows with 31,420.
Highest-paying states
California ($88,039), Massachusetts ($79,044) and New Hampshire ($78,746) lead the ranking, while Illinois ($61,965) and Indiana ($63,471) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors: pay against the cost of living
We compare 8 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Dallas County, TX (Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX) at $36,785. The smallest margin is $18,581 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 8 of the 8 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 27.0% and 55.1% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Marriage and Family Therapists and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (21-1000) include Healthcare Social Workers, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, Child, Family, and School Social Workers and Social and Human Service Assistants.
Frequently asked questions about Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
How much do Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $64,330. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $61,965 to $88,039.
Which state pays Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $88,039. Massachusetts is next at $79,044.
Is Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 2.9% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 27,800 openings a year.
What education do Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors need?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree, according to BLS.
Where can Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Dallas County, TX leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $36,785 on a median wage of $76,380.