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Communications instructor vs program counselor

The differences between communications instructors and program counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a communications instructor, becoming a program counselor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a communications instructor has an average salary of $53,529, which is higher than the $43,820 average annual salary of a program counselor.

The top three skills for a communications instructor include developmental disabilities, autism and public speaking. The most important skills for a program counselor are developmental disabilities, patients, and community integration.

Communications instructor vs program counselor overview

Communications InstructorProgram Counselor
Yearly salary$53,529$43,820
Hourly rate$25.74$21.07
Growth rate12%10%
Number of jobs39,659133,491
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4341
Years of experience124

Communications instructor vs program counselor salary

Communications instructors and program counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Communications InstructorProgram Counselor
Average salary$53,529$43,820
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $97,000Between $33,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CityOakland, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyKern Community College DistrictRussell Sage College
Best paying industryEducationHealth Care

Differences between communications instructor and program counselor education

There are a few differences between a communications instructor and a program counselor in terms of educational background:

Communications InstructorProgram Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorCommunicationPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - FullertonCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Communications instructor vs program counselor demographics

Here are the differences between communications instructors' and program counselors' demographics:

Communications InstructorProgram Counselor
Average age4341
Gender ratioMale, 38.7% Female, 61.3%Male, 35.9% Female, 64.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 6.5% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7%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 Percentage11%15%

Differences between communications instructor and program counselor duties and responsibilities

Communications instructor example responsibilities.

  • Guide individuals in accomplishing their ISP objectives by demonstrating effective instruction techniques and positive reinforcement.
  • Focus: the integration of philosophy, history, art and literature for gift students.
  • Prepare syllabus, exams, lectures and class participation projects as a last minute replacement for an ill instructor.
  • Create flexible syllabus with modules instead of due dates, allowing non-traditional students to complete modules at their own pace.
  • Work one-on-one with a developmentally challenge student with autism.
  • Support and implement behavioral therapy with individuals with autism, primarily focusing on social skills in school and the community environment.
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Program counselor example responsibilities.

  • Lead recreational activities for adolescents with ADHD and other behavior disorders.
  • Provide education, within hospital setting, to adolescent psychiatric patients regarding substance abuse and dependency issues.
  • Receive CPR and first aid certifications.
  • Attend and receive CPR and basic restraint technique certifications.
  • Assist each client with compassion to encourage them on their journey to recovery.
  • Encourage and mentore residents during their recovery and rehabilitation process.
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Communications instructor vs program counselor skills

Common communications instructor skills
  • Developmental Disabilities, 12%
  • Autism, 9%
  • Public Speaking, 7%
  • Incident Reports, 6%
  • Community Integration, 5%
  • CPR, 5%
Common program counselor skills
  • Developmental Disabilities, 11%
  • Patients, 11%
  • Community Integration, 9%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Social Work, 8%
  • Medication Administration, 7%

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