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Child and family counselor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected child and family counselor job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 64,000 new jobs for child and family counselors are projected over the next decade.
Child and family counselor salaries have increased 12% for child and family counselors in the last 5 years.
There are over 7,839 child and family counselors currently employed in the United States.
There are 103,412 active child and family counselor job openings in the US.
The average child and family counselor salary is $55,039.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7,839 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 8,619 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 8,380 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 6,973 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 6,203 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $55,039 | $26.46 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $53,857 | $25.89 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $52,584 | $25.28 | +4.3% |
| 2022 | $50,436 | $24.25 | +2.6% |
| 2021 | $49,152 | $23.63 | +2.1% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,176 | 32% |
| 2 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 318 | 24% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 173 | 23% |
| 4 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 161 | 23% |
| 5 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 195 | 19% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,277 | 17% |
| 7 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,047 | 17% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 97 | 16% |
| 9 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 544 | 15% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,823 | 14% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 760 | 14% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 569 | 14% |
| 13 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 182 | 14% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 107 | 14% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 720 | 13% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 252 | 13% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 143 | 13% |
| 18 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 843 | 12% |
| 19 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 371 | 12% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 248 | 12% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panama City | 1 | 3% | $37,571 |
| 2 | Pensacola | 1 | 2% | $37,695 |
| 3 | Chesapeake | 1 | 0% | $53,151 |
| 4 | Norfolk | 1 | 0% | $53,365 |
Sonoma State University
Western Illinois University
Florida Institute of Technology
Campbellsville University
Loyola University New Orleans
Indiana Wesleyan University
Virginia Wesleyan University
SUNY College at Oswego
Pennsylvania State University
Siena College
Nazareth College of Rochester
Nebraska Christian College
Lindsey Nichols: Trauma skills will continue to be a major focus as our society continues to drastically change. Technology and being fluent working with someone using some type of technology will be increasingly important. Although they are foundational skills of counselors, flexibility, empathy, openness along with your ability to be reflective of yourself and others (aka a good listener) are important in the field. Of course there is much to counseling, and the learning process never ends!
Emily McCave PhD, MSW, LCSW: Most people find social work to be incredibly rewarding, knowing that you are a facilitator of positive change, whether be within an individual, organization, or at a larger community or societal level. For many, being able to help people reach their full capacity is fulfilling. The amount of documentation we must complete in clinical settings is often what is liked the least.
Emily McCave PhD, MSW, LCSW: The need for social workers is high, particularly after the pandemic. A shortage of social workers means that there's an increasing demand in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics social work jobs are expected to increase 13% between 2020 and 2030.
Emily McCave PhD, MSW, LCSW: For clinical positions, which is what most social workers do, daily tasks typically include conducting assessments and providing individual, family, and/or group therapy to children and/or adults, while collaborating with other providers working with the client. There is also daily clinical documentation that needs to be completed.
Dr. Adam Zagelbaum: I believe that trauma-informed care services are going to be quite necessary since there have been a rising number of students impacted by traumatic events. The COVID-19 pandemic itself was a global trauma that contributed to the current situation where schools are seeing an increase in mental health needs. Schools are needing to provide more Section 504 Accommodation Plans where access to the school counselor might be listed as an accommodation and school counselors need to step into that space. Further, although there has always been a need for bilingual school counselors, with increased migrancy to the United States, I also believe learning a second language is becoming more valuable and critical within many schools. English-only school counselors ought to attempt to maximize their knowledge regarding a) counseling migrant students b) working with multicultural families, and c) the particular mental health needs of English language learner students so that they can not only help the student, but also advise school-site teammates accordingly.
Dr. Adam Zagelbaum: Though the word 'maximize' is a tough one for me to define, I believe people should take the time to look up the public salary schedules available to places where they are applying to be sure that they can position themselves to have as reasonable and comfortable a starting position as possible. Asking questions during the job interview about how raises and salary increases occur can also give people a sense of how easy or possible it is to obtain these things. Early career school counselors may not want to be short-sighted but rather, look for employers that provide longevity increases or simply do not have a cap/have extended step increases for those counselors who remain in the same position a number of years. Of course, having bilingual skills naturally lends itself to marketability, but so does possessing various trauma certifications or certifications/experience regarding specific populations, such as working with students with autism.
Dr. Vanessa Alleyne: It will be important to network and utilize professional organizations of which you are a member, such as the ACA (American Counseling Association), or the ASGW (Association for Specialists in Group Work), for example. Meet people, attend training for advanced skills in key areas, and present there when possible. Whether locally or nationally, these are valuable connections to make when starting out, and will also enhance your knowledge base as you begin and grow. Another valuable connection to be made can be found through your alma mater. Find professional affinity groups from your undergraduate program, and certainly maintain or build ties with your graduate program alumni. Finally, many people turn to social media such as Linkedin, which is fine, but can also be a bit overwhelming. Be deliberate in your choices about who to connect with, and don't get fomo! It's ok not to connect with everyone that pops up in your feed. Stay with one social media site at a time until you feel it's working the way you'd like, and then go on to another.
Western Illinois University
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
Dr. Tiffany Bainter PhD LCPC NCC: Education and Credentials: Obtain relevant certifications and advanced degrees in counseling or related fields. Specializations or additional training in areas such as trauma therapy, substance abuse counseling, or marriage and family therapy can increase your market value. Gain Experience: Seek opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions. Building a strong track record of successful counseling outcomes and client satisfaction can lead to higher-paying roles. Specialize: Consider specializing in a niche area within counseling, such as working with specific populations (e.g., children, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals) or focusing on particular issues (e.g., trauma, addiction, grief counseling). Specialization often commands higher salaries due to the specialized expertise required. Stay Current: Stay updated with industry trends, research, and best practices in counseling. Attend conferences, workshops, and continuing education programs to enhance your knowledge and skills, making you more valuable to employers. Negotiate Skillfully: When negotiating salary with potential employers, research industry standards and average salaries for your role and location. Highlight your qualifications, experience, and unique skills during negotiations. Be confident, but also realistic and flexible in your salary expectations. Explore Different Settings: Consider working in different settings such as private practice, community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, or corporate counseling programs. Each setting may offer different salary structures and opportunities for advancement. Build a Reputation: Develop a strong professional reputation by delivering quality counseling services, building positive relationships with clients and colleagues, and receiving positive feedback and referrals. A good reputation can lead to increased demand for your services and potentially higher fees. Network and Market Yourself: Network with other professionals in the counseling field, join professional organizations, and promote your services effectively. Building a strong professional network and marketing yourself can lead to new opportunities, higher-paying clients, and consulting or speaking engagements. Consider Additional Income Streams: Explore opportunities for additional income streams such as offering workshops, writing articles or books, providing supervision or consulting services, or teaching courses related to counseling.
Dr. Tiffany Bainter PhD LCPC NCC: In the evolving field of counseling, several skills are likely to become even more important e in the coming years. Firstly, digital literacy and proficiency in utilizing technology for counseling services will become increasingly important. As more counseling sessions move online or incorporate digital tools, counselors will need to adapt and leverage these technologies effectively while maintaining client confidentiality and ethical standards. Secondly, a deep understanding of trauma-informed care and techniques will be crucial. With growing awareness about trauma's impact on mental health, counselors must be equipped to provide trauma-informed interventions and create safe therapeutic spaces for clients who have experienced trauma. Cultural competence and diversity awareness will continue to be essential skills for counselors. As our societies become more diverse, counselors must be able to work effectively with clients from various cultural backgrounds, respecting their beliefs, values, and identities. Additionally, skills related to teletherapy and remote counseling will likely become more prevalent. Counselors will need to excel in building therapeutic rapport and conducting effective counseling sessions through virtual platforms, ensuring continuity of care for clients regardless of geographical constraints. Lastly, skills in advocacy and collaboration within interdisciplinary teams will be increasingly valuable. Counselors may need to advocate for policy changes, mental health resources, and equitable access to services. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, social workers, and community organizations will enhance holistic care for clients.
Mariana Juras Ph.D.: In the mental health field I believe it is the interaction between humans and technology, particular to the advance of AI. Also to embrace diversity and cultural difference and how to collaboratively work with them.
Campbellsville University
Social Work
Dr. Kimberly Mudd-Fegett DSW, MSSW: Social Work is a very large field; therefore, the practice of Social Work varies greatly depending on which field you enter. Overall, nearly all areas of Social Work include working with individuals who are facing some form of crisis or life challenge. Social Workers work to assist in providing education, assistance and most importantly empowerment. Social Workers are trained professionals who work from a set of ethics that govern their professional standards to respect, empathize and value all individuals. Most all Social Workers enter the professional because they feel called to assist and make a difference in the life of others.
Dr. Kimberly Mudd-Fegett DSW, MSSW: The best thing about being a Social Worker is the ability to serve, assist and empower other individuals who are facing challenges within their life. Although this can be very overwhelming, at times the rewards this can provide, and self-fulfillment is hard to put into words. One of the greatest challenges of Social Work is maintaining adequate self-care and knowing that you can impact or help all individuals. This can be extremely challenging and overwhelming, particularly for new workers. One must ensure that they have adequate supervision, education, and resources to protect their wellbeing or burnout is highly likely.
Dr. Kimberly Mudd-Fegett DSW, MSSW: Social Workers are needed everywhere as there are always people in crisis. Currently, child protection workers are desperately needed. In this field of practice Social Workers work directly with children and families that are impacted by child maltreatment issues to keep families together. There is a misconception that child protective workers strive to remove children, and this is untrue. Their mission is to work tirelessly to keep children in their homes safely and remove risk factors while highlighting their protective factors. Additionally, in this field of Social Work foster parents are trained, certified, and mentored to ensure that foster children receive adequate care when biological or relative care is not possible.
Loyola University New Orleans
Rehabilitation And Therapeutic Professions
Kevin Foose: Secondly, I believe that the capacity to be flexible, creative and adaptive are essential skills to cultivate in the current cultural environment. Towards this end, I integrate a bit of Chaos Theory into much of my teaching and mentoring and general world view.
Kevin Foose: As our graduates enter the field of counseling and psychotherapy, the guidance that I provide is generally threefold. First I suggest that they develop a niche practice which they are passionate about. I encourage them to specialize rather than 'generalize' their practice. Towards that end I advise that they find a clinical supervisor and mentor with whom they share a theoretical and philosophical foundation. I encourage them to surround themselves with talented, experienced and inspiring professionals. And to follow their curiosity and cultivate the capacity to become highly competent clinically and theoretically with a specific population and modality of treatment (such as working with couples & relationships, adolescence, social justice & advocacy, play therapy etc).
Kevin Foose: Lastly, I encourage them to focus on developing capacities that can't be replicated by technology. AI and ubiquitous technology is here to stay, and that's okay. The more people interface with these technologies, the more essential the capacity to engage with actual humans will become. I guide them towards being relationally focused, culturally competent and emotionally regulated as opposed to emotionally reactive. We can't out-machine a machine. See John Henry for relevant reference. And I always leave them with a bit of wisdom from George Carlin, 'eat right, breathe deep'. And to that I add, get plenty of sleep and try and have a bit of fun along the way.
Judith Justice EdD, PSC, LMHC: I believe that most SC would say that they love to assist youth in their growth and into their futures. Most would likely say they dislike the duties they may be expected to do that take away time with their students. Oftentimes, they are expected to do tasks such as scheduling, recess/lunch/or bus duties (which can be nice as they get to see students, BUT they want to be able to assist students in their major needs).
Virginia Wesleyan University
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
Dr. Jennifer Slivka: Because of its interdisciplinary nature, Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies already offers students diverse perspectives that prepare them for the multi-faceted, complex viewpoints they will encounter in graduate study and in the workplace. In particular, soft skills will become even more important. These skills include communication, critical thinking and problem solving, empathy, collaboration, community-building, leadership, and adaptability. The field is dynamic, so being able to continue to learn and grow after graduation is a necessity.
Dr. J. Lendrum PhD: Trust yourself and follow your passions. It is possible to find a meaningful career that aligns with your core interests and values.
Jodi Mullen PhD LMHC RPT-S: What do people like- counseling is always improv. You never really know what someone is going to share in their sessions. It's also relational, so as a counselor you get to connect with people you might not otherwise or who have never experienced healthy connection. It is an honor and awesome responsibility. Dislike- People who show up to counseling to talk about the good things going on, so there's a lot of exposure to people's pain.
Jodi Mullen PhD LMHC RPT-S: The bulk of the work a mental health counselor does is clinical, meaning you meet with clients and provide counseling. There is also record keeping, preparation, and administrative responsibilities. New and seasoned counselors alike spend some time in supervision and consultation with other counselors. Supervision is a time to discuss cases with a more experienced professional where there are opportunities for growth professionally and personally. Consultation involves either meeting with others connected to your clients, like parents of children clients, or with professionals in mental health and other fields that can help the counselor sort out a challenge. In that case it may be an attorney or a trauma specialist.
Jodi Mullen PhD LMHC RPT-S: There are so many opportunities for mental health counselors entering the field. The need for our services is at an all time high. Recently, there has been a great deal of focus on self-care for professional counselors to ward off compassion fatigue. There is much more being offered for counselor self-care than when I entered the field three decades ago.
James Andrews LCSW, LICSW, BCD: It is always dangerous to attempt to predict the future; even as little as 3-5 years. However, there are a few skills sets and knowledge areas I would recommend new graduates consciously focus upon for development. First and foremost, I would identify digital literacy and cybersecurity knowledge as critical over the next five years. The recent pandemic had at least one positive outcome: it accelerated and propelled society’s acceptance of virtual platforms and environments across multiple industries. And social work is no exception. Developing proficiency with digital tools and platforms including an understanding of cybersecurity, social media and telehealth technologies will be critical for new social workers. It may surprise some folks to hear this, but such proficiency extends to data analysis and interpretation. I’m not saying social workers need to learn computer programming. However, the rapid emergence of various types of artificial intelligence to assist and enhance people’s ability to analyze and make sense of data will only become increasingly important. Skills and knowledge in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence as they apply to clinical services will be highly sought after. Another area I see as becoming increasingly important over the next five years is the cultivation of interdisciplinary knowledge and practice. The combining of expertise from multiple fields can lead to innovative solutions. This involves one’s own knowledge as well as the ability to foster cross-disciplinary relationships and collaborations. For example, knowledge in both technology and business management can give one an edge in pursuing leadership roles that require strategic decision-making.
James Andrews LCSW, LICSW, BCD: Completing the MSW and graduating as a professional social worker is exciting and can be overwhelming. There are some general areas of professional development that I would strongly recommend new social workers entering the workforce focus on addressing. The first (and in many ways perhaps the most important) is to actively network. Connect with peers and mentors by building and maintaining professional relationships through joining professional organizations and attending industry events such as conferences and other professional events. Join your state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and become active; don’t just pay your dues every year. Contact the chapter office and volunteer for a committee and run for a volunteer leadership position. Get involved! Next, be adaptable! If the social service field is characterized by any one quality, it is change. Cultivating the ability to grow, adapt to new technologies, methodologies, and work environments will be crucial to one’s career success. Not only does the quality of flexibility makes one a valuable employee and prepares you for unexpected challenges and opportunities, but it is also a central trait needed for those who desire to open their own clinical practices one day. Related to adaptability is the practice of continuous learning. Social work and the larger industry of social services ever evolving, so it is imperative that new graduates embrace the idea that even though they have graduated, they must always be students, ever learning and developing new skills. This involves a commitment to lifelong learning which involves pursuing certifications, workshops attendance, and staying updated with the latest industry trends and technologies through independent reading and research. This not only keeps your skills relevant but also demonstrates your commitment to professional growth. And finally, and too often ignored, is the importance of developing and cultivating what are called “soft skills”. Skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management a(and others) are essential. For the successful social worker. Such soft skills complement one’s technical abilities and are highly valued by employers. And in many ways are what will enable a person to advance in their career.
Siena College
Social Sciences
Elisa Martin Ph.D., MSW: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the need for social workers will grow faster than many other professions, which means finding employment upon graduation will not be a problem.
Elisa Martin Ph.D., MSW: Social workers are committed to creating a more socially just world through social change. People who are invested in helping others find social work values resonate and pursue their careers with passion. That said, social work is a demanding profession, and it is important to take care of yourself so you can stay committed to the work without burning out.
Elisa Martin Ph.D., MSW: The beauty of the social work profession is that the skills you learn from your degree can be applied in a range of settings and populations. Depending on your interest, you could be working with children, youth, adults, older adults, or in an area of interest like domestic violence, homelessness, child welfare, gerontology. The work you do could be one-on-one, with small groups, running programs within an organization, and/or working in communities.
Erin Cole DSW, LCSW: When you're looking for jobs, don't look for a forever job. Find something that seems like a good fit right now. The pressure for it to be forever is too much. Do it for as long as it feels right and move on when it doesn't. Also, remember that being a new graduate is an asset! You are more current on trends in social work, literature, and evidence-based practices than many seasoned professionals. You add value to the setting and should not minimize that by falling back on being new in the field.
Donna Sheperis PhD, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, BC-TMH: The combination of the increased need for mental healthcare following a global pandemic, as well as the increased advocacy for mental health awareness to defeat the stigma that has always surrounded treatment, means that there is a lot of work to be done to provide the services that we need. If you or someone you know has tried to get an appointment with a counselor lately, you have probably encountered some pretty lengthy wait times. It seems that every practice is full and there’s practically no way to get seen quickly. We need more practitioners and more efficient ways to serve some clients who are struggling with some really pressing concerns.
Donna Sheperis PhD, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, BC-TMH: There are so many different employment positions that a mental health counselor could take that a day could be incredibly different depending on their area of specialty. A private practitioner could have a full day of hour long individual sessions. A hospital based counselor might spend time running groups or doing crisis stabilization. A home-based counselor might travel from site to site providing family therapy or assessing living situations for child placement. Someone working in a substance use rehabilitation facility might find themselves Providing individual, group, and family therapy all within the span of several hours. In other words, a mental health counselor is going to be very flexible and able to provide a number of different services depending on the type of work that interests them and that they find themselves seeking specialty training and credentialing in.
Donna Sheperis PhD, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, BC-TMH: When I talk to my former students as well as my friends and colleagues in the profession, they all tell me how richly rewarded they are providing a service to people who struggle with aspects of mental health. Being part of someone’s treatment, watching them find their way through trauma that has been burdening them, helping people leave behind a pass that no longer serves them, helping them find a way through genetically predisposed illness, or to overcome thoughts of death or suicide… These are all remarkable journeys to embark on with clients. To have the privilege to be part of healing when people are in crisis and pain and at their most vulnerable is really an awesome honor. Those experiences keep us hopeful and.buoyed throughout our career. When working in such an interpersonally intense profession, carrying that weight can be challenging itself. Some of the more routine tasks of the work that we do can also be burdening. As mental health counselors, we find ourselves making sure that we seek to do our own work in order to be able to do this work for others.
Cynthia Peters MSW: It is a good profession to enter now, due to the need for social workers in some of the jobs that I mentioned in the previous question. Social Workers can provide a different perspective on service delivery. Meeting the clients where they are at; developing relationships with the community; advocating for client services; writing grants; monitoring grants; brokering services......
Cynthia Peters MSW: Social Work is a profession that can be in many places: hospital, university, government agencies, fire departments, court systems, homeless shelters, behavioral health facilities, schools, private practices, non-profit agencies, hospice care, senior programs, just to name a few. So depending on where a social workers find a job will determine what they do on a day to day basis.
Nebraska Christian College
Human Development, Family Studies, And Related Services
Christine Kiewra: This profession includes information that everyone needs to be a functioning adult in society (family finance, human development, close relationships).
Cindy Snell: Be able to articulate the skills and experience you have that are relevant to the jobs you are seeking - tell your story! Learn another language than English. Negotiate your hiring terms. Learn about loan forgiveness options.
Cindy Snell: Working effectively with diverse populations. This includes knowing your own biases, speaking another language, and continually striving for cultural competence. Openness to learning/integrating new technologies and careful consideration of their impact on the services you provide clients. These could include telehealth, record keeping, and the use of AI. Advocacy. Social workers need to advocate for their clients but also for policies that affect their clients and the field of social work. Social workers also need to remember to advocate for themselves and know this is not selfish but often allows them to be more effective social workers.