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Vocational counselor vs employment counselor

The differences between vocational counselors and employment counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an employment counselor has an average salary of $43,848, 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 an employment counselor are litigation, employment law, and HR.

Vocational counselor vs employment counselor overview

Vocational CounselorEmployment Counselor
Yearly salary$39,135$43,848
Hourly rate$18.81$21.08
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs77,18929,459
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a vocational counselor do?

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.

What does an employment counselor do?

The employment counselor is someone who guides and advises people on how to choose, manage and continue in a career path they've chosen. The employment counselor educates people on each career's pros and cons, giving them insights into what to expect, salary rates, and employment chances in a particular profession. The employment counselor will also show how to excel in a specific career, offer ideas on what training or seminar to attend and what skills to enhance to achieve an edge over others.

Vocational counselor vs employment counselor salary

Vocational counselors and employment counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Vocational CounselorEmployment Counselor
Average salary$39,135$43,848
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $50,000Between $26,000 And $71,000
Highest paying CityShasta, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyLower Eastside Service CenterApple
Best paying industryEducationProfessional

Differences between vocational counselor and employment counselor education

There are a few differences between a vocational counselor and an employment counselor in terms of educational background:

Vocational CounselorEmployment Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachUniversity of Pennsylvania

Vocational counselor vs employment counselor demographics

Here are the differences between vocational counselors' and employment counselors' demographics:

Vocational CounselorEmployment Counselor
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 29.8% Female, 70.2%Male, 37.1% Female, 62.9%
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 vocational counselor and employment counselor duties and responsibilities

Vocational counselor example responsibilities.

  • Manage all program operation in accordance with HRA and industry regulations, agency policies, and HIPPA guidelines.
  • Direct vocational rehabilitation services to developmentally disable individuals.
  • Conduct eligibility determination process for applicants seeking vocational rehabilitation services.
  • Identify clients' transferable skills and aptitudes.
  • Help disabled veterans excel beyond their own expectations.
  • Convene individual participants to discuss and review DVE, IPE, and EP's.
  • Show more

Employment counselor example responsibilities.

  • Complete reports, manage client files and process WIA billing invoices for tuition and supplies.
  • Manage a caseload of Calworks participants in working towards the goal of self-sufficiency and employment.
  • Monitor caseworkers to ensure rehabilitation services are properly coordinate to aid clients in achieving self-sufficiency.
  • Source, develop, and implement HRIS systems.
  • Provide case management to TANF recipients that move clients to employment.
  • Document in accordance with JCAHO, Medicaid, and all quality improvement standards.
  • Show more

Vocational counselor vs employment counselor skills

Common vocational counselor skills
  • Rehabilitation, 20%
  • Social Work, 12%
  • Mental Health, 7%
  • Community Resources, 7%
  • Substance Abuse, 6%
  • Vocational Assessments, 5%
Common employment counselor skills
  • Litigation, 16%
  • Employment Law, 14%
  • HR, 10%
  • Employment Litigation, 6%
  • FLSA, 5%
  • Training Programs, 4%

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