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Career coach vs school counselor

The differences between career coaches and school counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a school counselor has an average salary of $49,904, which is higher than the $41,858 average annual salary of a career coach.

The top three skills for a career coach include career development, professional development and career services. The most important skills for a school counselor are mental health, community resources, and crisis intervention.

Career coach vs school counselor overview

Career CoachSchool Counselor
Yearly salary$41,858$49,904
Hourly rate$20.12$23.99
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs42,62291,275
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a career coach do?

A career coach is responsible for helping a person reach their career goals and development by identifying their strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Career coaches conduct one-on-one counseling with their clients to share career advice and support them for the professional path. They also build self-confidence in their clients and help them improve their relationship with other people. A career coach must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in mentoring their clients and managing career services according to their clients' needs.

What does a school counselor do?

A school counselor is responsible for monitoring the students' social and personal development, advising them of their career aspirations, and assisting them with their academic achievements and goals. School counselors also ensure that the students receive the highest learning standards to pave their way towards society's advancement and global competitiveness. They evaluate students' behavior through personal counseling, understanding their challenges, and develop strategies to overcome their needs. A school counselor must have excellent communication and decision-making skills, supporting students with their goals, and honing their skills efficiently.

Career coach vs school counselor salary

Career coaches and school counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Career CoachSchool Counselor
Average salary$41,858$49,904
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $57,000Between $36,000 And $68,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyHartwick CollegeThe Gow School
Best paying industryUtilitiesEducation

Differences between career coach and school counselor education

There are a few differences between a career coach and a school counselor in terms of educational background:

Career CoachSchool Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common majorBusinessSchool Counseling
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Career coach vs school counselor demographics

Here are the differences between career coaches' and school counselors' demographics:

Career CoachSchool Counselor
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 29.5% Female, 70.5%Male, 26.1% Female, 73.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between career coach and school counselor duties and responsibilities

Career coach example responsibilities.

  • Offer EEO training to members at various sites.
  • Schedule clients for work readiness training base on their IEP.
  • Create and update PowerPoint presentations and trainers' notes to reflect current curriculum.
  • Develop and implement a successful process to streamline the intake and orientation for the WIA customers.
  • Plan events, such as college visits, alumni relations efforts, panel discussions, and college/career fairs
  • Conduct vocational rehabilitation assessments and create action steps and goals cater to the client in finding stable employment.
  • Show more

School counselor example responsibilities.

  • Manage open houses, recruitment, and conduct interviews for GED student enrollment.
  • Travel to professional conferences and to visit colleges and universities across the country for professional development.
  • Attend educational meetings (IEP, IST, CCT, etc . )
  • Create and implement FBA's.
  • Complete CPR training and other necessary training classes.
  • Communicate with DCF in regards to students as needed
  • Show more

Career coach vs school counselor skills

Common career coach skills
  • Career Development, 10%
  • Professional Development, 8%
  • Career Services, 6%
  • Career Exploration, 5%
  • Social Work, 5%
  • Community Resources, 4%
Common school counselor skills
  • Mental Health, 10%
  • Community Resources, 8%
  • Crisis Intervention, 6%
  • Professional Development, 5%
  • Behavioral Issues, 4%
  • CPR, 4%

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