Careers in Demand
Education Industry Cluster:
Educational & Vocational Counselors
Fast Facts: *
Average Annual Wage 2004:
Entry Level Wage 2004:
Experienced Level Wage 2004:
Estimated Employment 2002:
Projected Employment 2012:
Percent Change 2002-2012:
Annual Openings:
$43,770
$26,310
$52,500
10,620
10,670
0.5%
250
Education/Training:
Although a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for
employment as an educational or vocational counselor,
employers generally prefer to hire applicants who have
earned a master’s degree.
Related Occupations:
Clergy
Occupational Therapist
Probation Officer
Psychologist
Teacher
Top Employing Industries:
Colleges & Universities
Elementary & Secondary Schools
Junior Colleges
State Government
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Knowledge Required:
Education & Training
English Language
Psychology
Therapy & Counseling
Skills Required:
Active Learning
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking
*Based on statewide, cross-industry data
Occupational Overview:
Educational & vocational counselors provide individuals
and groups with career and educational counseling.
This occupation is employed in several Pennsylvania industries, and
has been identified as high priority in the Education targeted
industry cluster.
Nature of the Work:
School counselors help students evaluate their abilities,
interests and talents to develop realistic academic and
career goals. They also offer advice on social, behavioral and
personal problems.
Elementary school counselors observe younger children
and confer with their teachers and parents to evaluate their
strengths and identify potential problems
High school counselors provide information about
colleges, vocational-technical schools and apprenticeship
programs. They may help students develop job search skills.
College counselors assist students and alumni with career
development and job-hunting techniques.
Vocational counselors explore and evaluate a client's education,
training, work history, interests, skills and personality traits to
help them make career decisions. They work with individuals to
develop job search skills, such as resume writing and interviewing
techniques.
Training Providers:
Visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us for more information and to
find the PA CareerLink location nearest you.
Additional Information:
American Counseling Association www.counseling.org
National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. www.nbcc.org