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Career developer vs school counselor

The differences between career developers 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 $45,445 average annual salary of a career developer.

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

Career developer vs school counselor overview

Career DeveloperSchool Counselor
Yearly salary$45,445$49,904
Hourly rate$21.85$23.99
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs80,50391,275
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
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 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 developer vs school counselor salary

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

Career DeveloperSchool Counselor
Average salary$45,445$49,904
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $70,000Between $36,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-The Gow School
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between career developer and school counselor education

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

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

Career developer vs school counselor demographics

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

Career DeveloperSchool Counselor
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 42.4% Female, 57.6%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 developer and school 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

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 developer vs school counselor skills

Common career developer skills
  • Leadership Development, 42%
  • Career Development, 33%
  • Leadership, 6%
  • Securities, 5%
  • Business Development, 3%
  • Training Programs, 1%
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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