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The differences between vocational counselors 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 $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 school counselor are mental health, community resources, and crisis intervention.
| Vocational Counselor | School Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $39,135 | $49,904 |
| Hourly rate | $18.81 | $23.99 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 77,189 | 91,275 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| 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 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.
Vocational counselors and school counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Vocational Counselor | School Counselor | |
| Average salary | $39,135 | $49,904 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $50,000 | Between $36,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Shasta, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Lower Eastside Service Center | The Gow School |
| Best paying industry | Education | Education |
There are a few differences between a vocational counselor and a school counselor in terms of educational background:
| Vocational Counselor | School Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Most common major | Psychology | School Counseling |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between vocational counselors' and school counselors' demographics:
| Vocational Counselor | School Counselor | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.8% Female, 70.2% | Male, 26.1% Female, 73.9% |
| 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% |