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Adult school counselor vs youth counselor

The differences between adult school counselors and youth counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an adult school counselor, becoming a youth counselor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an adult school counselor has an average salary of $51,207, which is higher than the $36,754 average annual salary of a youth counselor.

The top three skills for an adult school counselor include social work, substance abuse and community resources. The most important skills for a youth counselor are direct care, mental health, and crisis intervention.

Adult school counselor vs youth counselor overview

Adult School CounselorYouth Counselor
Yearly salary$51,207$36,754
Hourly rate$24.62$17.67
Growth rate10%12%
Number of jobs48,78178,461
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age3941
Years of experience64

Adult school counselor vs youth counselor salary

Adult school counselors and youth counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Adult School CounselorYouth Counselor
Average salary$51,207$36,754
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $68,000Between $27,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City-San Jose, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-New York State Restaurant Association
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between adult school counselor and youth counselor education

There are a few differences between an adult school counselor and a youth counselor in terms of educational background:

Adult School CounselorYouth Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Adult school counselor vs youth counselor demographics

Here are the differences between adult school counselors' and youth counselors' demographics:

Adult School CounselorYouth Counselor
Average age3941
Gender ratioMale, 31.1% Female, 68.9%Male, 43.8% Female, 56.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 3.2% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage12%15%

Differences between adult school counselor and youth counselor duties and responsibilities

Adult school counselor example responsibilities.

  • Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
  • Work towards empowering juveniles and their families to support a positive lifestyle by providing strength base intensive intervention and rehabilitation services.
  • Organize and lead regular youth and college bible studies, teaching about prayer and promoting spirituality.

Youth counselor example responsibilities.

  • Instruct students in course work including: reading, writing, mathematics, behavior modification, and social skills.
  • Train in physical restraint, conflict resolution, first aide, CPR, blood borne pathogen management and universal precautions.
  • Complete functional assessment evaluations of residents and write individualized rehabilitation goals that encourage community integration.
  • Monitor behavior, safety and location of juvenile residents that are court mandate, psychological/behavioral disorders, physical disabilities and autism.
  • Maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation in all back-of-house areas and customer areas.
  • Supervise teens on maintaining cleanliness of cottage, individual rooms and their individual appearance.
  • Show more

Adult school counselor vs youth counselor skills

Common adult school counselor skills
  • Social Work, 24%
  • Substance Abuse, 22%
  • Community Resources, 15%
  • Group Therapy, 10%
  • Discharge Planning, 3%
  • Social Services, 3%
Common youth counselor skills
  • Direct Care, 8%
  • Mental Health, 8%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • CPR, 7%
  • Social Work, 7%
  • Necessary Paperwork, 6%

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