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Career developer vs career counselor

The differences between career developers and career counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a career developer has an average salary of $45,445, which is higher than the $44,870 average annual salary of a career counselor.

The top three skills for a career developer include leadership development, career development and leadership. The most important skills for a career counselor are career development, career services, and professional development.

Career developer vs career counselor overview

Career DeveloperCareer Counselor
Yearly salary$45,445$44,870
Hourly rate$21.85$21.57
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs80,50342,035
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a career developer do?

A career developer helps individuals in developing strategies for career growth. Most career developers work at learning institutions where they help students find career opportunities. Typically, their responsibilities include conducting interviews and assessments to identify the students' career goals, providing advice and insights, reaching out to external parties on behalf of the students, and referring students to various services. Moreover, a career developer must encourage students to reach their goals and potentials, building their confidence along the way.

What does a career counselor do?

A career counselor specializes in assisting clients in their career-related decisions. Utilizing their expertise in career development, they typically meet with clients to discuss their short-term and long-term goals, identify their needs and concerns, conduct different aptitude tests and examinations, organize skills assessment procedures, and provide strategies to improve or enhance their skills and abilities. Aside from providing consultations, a career counselor may also assist clients in processing and establishing their resumes, supporting them every step of the way.

Career developer vs career counselor salary

Career developers and career counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Career DeveloperCareer Counselor
Average salary$45,445$44,870
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $70,000Between $33,000 And $60,000
Highest paying City-Los Angeles, CA
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-Columbia University in the City of New York
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between career developer and career counselor education

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

Career DeveloperCareer Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorBusinessPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Career developer vs career counselor demographics

Here are the differences between career developers' and career counselors' demographics:

Career DeveloperCareer Counselor
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 42.4% Female, 57.6%Male, 42.4% Female, 57.6%
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 developer and career counselor duties and responsibilities

Career developer example responsibilities.

  • Assist customers at teller windows.
  • Assist them in obtaining their GED and furthering their education.
  • Provide case management services to youth working to obtain a GED.
  • Create a social media presence on Facebook and administer the page.
  • Ensure that WIA youth meet their goals by conducting one-on-one counseling and group education/support sessions.
  • Attend leadership conferences to enhance knowledge of managerial responsibilities.
  • Show more

Career counselor example responsibilities.

  • Monitor and manage IEP forms and certifications to adhere to program requirements.
  • Interpret PSAT results with parents and students through education workshop.
  • Coordinate transitioning veterans with community hiring facilities in the areas of their desire location.
  • Provide information to individuals on matters pertaining to social security, veterans administration, and uniform service health benefits program.
  • Provide testing, including TABE, Proveit and Oscar.
  • Develop new intake orientation and TABE testing process for prospective participants.

Career developer vs career counselor skills

Common career developer skills
  • Leadership Development, 42%
  • Career Development, 33%
  • Leadership, 6%
  • Securities, 5%
  • Business Development, 3%
  • Training Programs, 1%
Common career counselor skills
  • Career Development, 12%
  • Career Services, 7%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Career Planning, 5%
  • Mental Health, 5%
  • Career Exploration, 5%

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