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The differences between vocational 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 $39,135 average annual salary of a vocational counselor.
The top three skills for a vocational counselor include rehabilitation, social work and mental health. The most important skills for a career counselor are career development, career services, and professional development.
| Vocational Counselor | Career Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $39,135 | $44,870 |
| Hourly rate | $18.81 | $21.57 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 77,189 | 42,035 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
People who have issues with getting employment or have certain disabilities require the help of a vocational counselor. This individual provides counseling, provides job plans for patients, and assists patients in achieving their employment goals so they can earn the income needed to live comfortably. They may be expected to help clients understand what they are capable of and using this, help develop their career goals. They provide the link between clients who are seeking employment and employers.
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.
Vocational counselors and career counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Vocational Counselor | Career Counselor | |
| Average salary | $39,135 | $44,870 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $50,000 | Between $33,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | Shasta, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Lower Eastside Service Center | Columbia University in the City of New York |
| Best paying industry | Education | Technology |
There are a few differences between a vocational counselor and a career counselor in terms of educational background:
| Vocational Counselor | Career Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between vocational counselors' and career counselors' demographics:
| Vocational Counselor | Career Counselor | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.8% Female, 70.2% | Male, 42.4% Female, 57.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 Percentage | 11% | 11% |