A vocational counselor should have a master's degree in mental health or community counseling. Enrollment in a master's program requires a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, sociology, counseling, or a related field. A state license may also be required.
Essential Information
Vocational counselors, also known as career counselors or job counselors, provide assistance to clients who are searching for a position that fits their work history, educational background, skills and future career goals. A career as a vocational counselor typically requires a master's degree and may require national or state licensure.
| Required Education | Master's degree is typically required |
| Licensure | May be required depending upon type of employer and job duties |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 8% (for school and career counselors) |
| Average Salary (2020)* | $62,320 annually (for educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Options
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), vocational counselors may be employed by high schools, colleges, universities, government agencies or private employment organizations (www.bls.gov).
The Michigan Jobs & Career Portal says that vocational counselors interview clients to determine their education and professional histories then search job listings to match clients with open positions. In addition, some counselors specialize in working with disabled individuals, veterans, reformed criminal offenders or recent college graduates.
Education Requirements
The Princeton Review reports that most vocational counselors have earned a master's degree in a field like mental health or community counseling. In order to enroll in a master's degree program, students must first earn a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, counseling or a related field. As part of his or her education, an aspiring vocational counselor should study the tests used to measure skills, personalities and aptitudes, including the Birkman Personality Assessment and the Myers-Briggs Analogy Test.
Students in these master's degree programs should also expect to study:
- Psychology
- Professional ethics
- Counseling theories
- Career development
Licensure Requirements
Vocational counselors may need state or national licensure depending upon their employer and their career duties. For example, the BLS reports that a private practice vocational career counselor may need a professional license but that a counselor working in a college or university job center may not.
Should a license be needed for a career in private practice, vocational counselors can earn a state counseling license by completing a master's degree program, participating in 2,000 to 3,000 hours of verified clinical work experience and passing an exam. In addition, counselors need to complete continuing education credits in order to renew their license.
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of school and career counselors should see an 8% increase between 2019 and 2029, which is a faster than average increase for all jobs in the United States. The BLS also cites the average salary of educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors as $62,320 per year, as of May 2020.
Vocational counselors may work for high schools, colleges, government agencies or private employment organizations. They conduct tests and interviews with individuals to help them identify careers that are suited to their interests. They may also advise students on courses to take to prepare for a specific career.
