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Peer mentor vs school counselor

The differences between peer mentors 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 $28,416 average annual salary of a peer mentor.

The top three skills for a peer mentor include mental health, role model and mathematics. The most important skills for a school counselor are mental health, community resources, and crisis intervention.

Peer mentor vs school counselor overview

Peer MentorSchool Counselor
Yearly salary$28,416$49,904
Hourly rate$13.66$23.99
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs1,19991,275
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a peer mentor do?

A peer mentor is an individual who builds a relationship with another person or mentee who is new to the career or at the same level. Peer mentors must serve as a social role model and educate mentees on various resources and services. They coordinate and facilitate social programs and training and discuss any mentee concerns with the top management. Peer mentors are also required to maintain confidentiality with any shared information between mentors and mentees.

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.

Peer mentor vs school counselor salary

Peer mentors and school counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Peer MentorSchool Counselor
Average salary$28,416$49,904
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $37,000Between $36,000 And $68,000
Highest paying CityBrockton, MASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew HampshireCalifornia
Best paying companySaint Xavier UniversityThe Gow School
Best paying industryNon ProfitsEducation

Differences between peer mentor and school counselor education

There are a few differences between a peer mentor and a school counselor in terms of educational background:

Peer MentorSchool Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common majorPsychologySchool Counseling
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Peer mentor vs school counselor demographics

Here are the differences between peer mentors' and school counselors' demographics:

Peer MentorSchool Counselor
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 37.7% Female, 62.3%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 peer mentor and school counselor duties and responsibilities

Peer mentor example responsibilities.

  • Lead teens in improving their interpersonal relationships via education
  • Mentore and co-taught a class for incoming freshmen
  • Help students complete FAFSA applications, verification paperwork, and booking appointments.
  • Assist FYRST faculty with planning a syllabus, classroom presentations, events, and trips.
  • Conduct FAFSA workshops and assist students and parents with competing tax information need to complete the FAFSA application.
  • Assist students academically in medical and anatomy classes.
  • 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

Peer mentor vs school counselor skills

Common peer mentor skills
  • Mental Health, 11%
  • Role Model, 8%
  • Mathematics, 6%
  • GPA, 5%
  • Peer Support, 5%
  • Academic Support, 5%
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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