Vocational counselor vs student services counselor

The differences between vocational counselors and student services counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a student services counselor has an average salary of $41,175, 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 student services counselor are customer service, financial aid, and student services.

Vocational counselor vs student services counselor overview

	Vocational Counselor	Student Services Counselor
Yearly salary	$39,135	$41,175
Hourly rate	$18.81	$19.80
Growth rate	10%	10%
Number of jobs	77,189	104,698
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age	42	42
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 a student services counselor do?

Student Services is a part of the school program that focuses on helping students in their studies. A Student Services Counselor handles this task and is the contact person for all students who need help or who have problems and issues requiring solutions and answers. In a culturally diverse population in schools, it is the student service counselor's job to connect each student to relevant student service programs available in the school. Ultimately, the welfare of the students and their success in school is the goal of this position.

Vocational counselor vs student services counselor salary

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

	Vocational Counselor	Student Services Counselor
Average salary	$39,135	$41,175
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $50,000	Between $27,000 And $60,000
Highest paying City	Shasta, CA	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	California	New Jersey
Best paying company	Lower Eastside Service Center	Kern Community College District
Best paying industry	Education	Government

Differences between vocational counselor and student services counselor education

There are a few differences between a vocational counselor and a student services counselor in terms of educational background:

	Vocational Counselor	Student Services Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Psychology	Business
Most common college	California State University - Long Beach	University of Pennsylvania

Vocational counselor vs student services counselor demographics

Here are the differences between vocational counselors' and student services counselors' demographics:

	Vocational Counselor	Student Services Counselor
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 29.8% Female, 70.2%	Male, 33.9% Female, 66.1%
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%

Differences between vocational counselor and student services 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.

Student services counselor example responsibilities.

Assist in all aspects of the FAFSA, insuring that every eligible student apply accurately.
Verify FAFSA applications for accuracy.
Plan retention and recruitment opportunities for students, prospective employers and alumni through interdepartmental and professional cooperative efforts.
Create, construct and maintain a student info PowerPoint presentation.
Draft general email correspondence, introduction/thank you letters, excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations.
Develop formal policies/procedures for daily operations such as program approvals/tracking, financial tracking systems, staff meetings and leadership opportunities.

Vocational counselor vs student services counselor skills

Common vocational counselor skills

Rehabilitation, 20%
Social Work, 12%
Mental Health, 7%
Community Resources, 7%
Substance Abuse, 6%
Vocational Assessments, 5%

Common student services counselor skills

Customer Service, 18%
Financial Aid, 11%
Student Services, 10%
Social Work, 7%
Rehabilitation, 7%
Mental Health, 4%

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Vocational Counselor
Vocational Counselor vs Student Services Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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