Post job

Elementary school counselor vs family counselor

The differences between elementary school counselors and family counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a family counselor has an average salary of $41,510, which is higher than the $34,984 average annual salary of an elementary school counselor.

The top three skills for an elementary school counselor include social work, professional development and crisis intervention. The most important skills for a family counselor are social work, community resources, and POC.

Elementary school counselor vs family counselor overview

Elementary School CounselorFamily Counselor
Yearly salary$34,984$41,510
Hourly rate$16.82$19.96
Growth rate10%14%
Number of jobs92,18493,253
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4241
Years of experience-4

What does an elementary school counselor do?

An elementary school counselor is primarily in charge of providing support and counseling to students as they navigate through their academic, social, and personal lives. Their responsibilities typically revolve around developing and executing programs for students' welfare, conducting student evaluations and interviews, mediating on various issues, and assisting students in preparing and processing scholarship applications. Furthermore, there are instances when an elementary school counselor must refer students and parents to social services and conduct interventions when necessary. Should there be any signs of abuse or neglect, It is essential to report to the authorities right away.

What does a family counselor do?

A Family Counselor treats married couples or family members in order to help them overcome mental or emotional problems. They provide effective treatment measures to help the family members resolve their issues.

Elementary school counselor vs family counselor salary

Elementary school counselors and family counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Elementary School CounselorFamily Counselor
Average salary$34,984$41,510
Salary rangeBetween $18,000 And $64,000Between $27,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityDaly City, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companySuccess Academy Charter SchoolsShirley Ryan AbilityLab
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between elementary school counselor and family counselor education

There are a few differences between an elementary school counselor and a family counselor in terms of educational background:

Elementary School CounselorFamily Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Elementary school counselor vs family counselor demographics

Here are the differences between elementary school counselors' and family counselors' demographics:

Elementary School CounselorFamily Counselor
Average age4241
Gender ratioMale, 25.0% Female, 75.0%Male, 26.3% Female, 73.7%
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, 7.0% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 4.6% White, 68.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage11%6%

Differences between elementary school counselor and family counselor duties and responsibilities

Elementary school counselor example responsibilities.

  • Select to serve as the tier 2 PBIS coach and serve on district PBIS tier 1 team.
  • Train entire staff on PBIS theories, data and methodology.
  • Prepare and present Microsoft PowerPoint presentation on treating the grief and loss issues of incarcerate students.
  • Prepare and deliver PowerPoint presentations.
  • Serve as administrative representative for IEP meetings.
  • Participate and collaborate with administrators about RTI design and implementation.
  • Show more

Family counselor example responsibilities.

  • Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
  • Assist the clients in completing their DCF case plan, helping to remove any hindrances they may encounter.
  • Counsele and test patients who requesting confidential HIV testing services
  • Collaborate and coordinate patient care with resident/faculty physicians to provide appropriate levels of care to patients.
  • Receive and process referrals from DCF and community-base case managers for individuals suspect as substance abusers.
  • Utilize PowerPoint presentations to facilitate ongoing new student orientation, ensuring students understand rules and regulations.
  • Show more

Elementary school counselor vs family counselor skills

Common elementary school counselor skills
  • Social Work, 14%
  • Professional Development, 9%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • Math, 7%
  • Community Resources, 6%
  • Kids, 5%
Common family counselor skills
  • Social Work, 22%
  • Community Resources, 13%
  • POC, 7%
  • Family Support, 5%
  • Family Therapy, 5%
  • DOD, 4%

Browse community and social services jobs