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Student success counselor vs career counselor

The differences between student success counselors and career counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a career counselor has an average salary of $44,870, which is higher than the $42,838 average annual salary of a student success counselor.

The top three skills for a student success counselor include social work, professional development and financial aid. The most important skills for a career counselor are career development, career services, and professional development.

Student success counselor vs career counselor overview

Student Success CounselorCareer Counselor
Yearly salary$42,838$44,870
Hourly rate$20.60$21.57
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs46,46642,035
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a student success counselor do?

A student success counselor provides academic and career advice to students, typically in high school. They conduct interviews with students to identify and establish their educational goals, developing strategies to attain them. Their responsibilities also include performing research and analysis to find programs and services that fit the students' needs, liaising with internal and external parties, answering student inquiries and concerns, and monitoring the progress of all operations. Moreover, a student success counselor must build positive relationships with students, encouraging them to reach their goals.

What does a career counselor do?

A career counselor specializes in assisting clients in their career-related decisions. Utilizing their expertise in career development, they typically meet with clients to discuss their short-term and long-term goals, identify their needs and concerns, conduct different aptitude tests and examinations, organize skills assessment procedures, and provide strategies to improve or enhance their skills and abilities. Aside from providing consultations, a career counselor may also assist clients in processing and establishing their resumes, supporting them every step of the way.

Student success counselor vs career counselor salary

Student success counselors and career counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Student Success CounselorCareer Counselor
Average salary$42,838$44,870
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $60,000Between $33,000 And $60,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYLos Angeles, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNew Jersey
Best paying companyKern Community College DistrictColumbia University in the City of New York
Best paying industryEducationTechnology

Differences between student success counselor and career counselor education

There are a few differences between a student success counselor and a career counselor in terms of educational background:

Student Success CounselorCareer Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Student success counselor vs career counselor demographics

Here are the differences between student success counselors' and career counselors' demographics:

Student Success CounselorCareer Counselor
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 32.2% Female, 67.8%Male, 42.4% Female, 57.6%
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 student success counselor and career counselor duties and responsibilities

Student success counselor example responsibilities.

  • Organize civic reflection discussions, manage tutoring schedules, tutor during mathematics workshops, and mentore for student success.
  • Utilize Salesforce to manage advertising programs for business owners.
  • Instruct GED classes on math and English classes.
  • Obtain CPR training and license.
  • Tutor in English, mathematics and social studies.
  • Skil in FAFSA, scholarships and grant writing.
  • Show more

Career counselor example responsibilities.

  • Monitor and manage IEP forms and certifications to adhere to program requirements.
  • Interpret PSAT results with parents and students through education workshop.
  • Coordinate transitioning veterans with community hiring facilities in the areas of their desire location.
  • Provide information to individuals on matters pertaining to social security, veterans administration, and uniform service health benefits program.
  • Provide testing, including TABE, Proveit and Oscar.
  • Develop new intake orientation and TABE testing process for prospective participants.

Student success counselor vs career counselor skills

Common student success counselor skills
  • Social Work, 15%
  • Professional Development, 10%
  • Financial Aid, 9%
  • Phone Calls, 9%
  • Student Services, 8%
  • Persistence, 5%
Common career counselor skills
  • Career Development, 12%
  • Career Services, 7%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Career Planning, 5%
  • Mental Health, 5%
  • Career Exploration, 5%

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