Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
O*NET 21-1012.00 · SOC 21-1012
Educational is a solid career choice. Median pay is $64k a year with +2.9% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 27,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Meet with students individually to discuss academic and career goals.
- →Administer career interest assessments and interpret results with clients.
- →Help students develop college application strategies and personal statements.
- →Connect clients with job training programs and employment resources.
- →Maintain confidential case notes documenting counseling session progress.
Education & How to Get In
Educational roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Educational involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Educational?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Educational Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors is projected to grow 2.9% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·52% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·28% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Educational make?
The median Educational earns $64k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Educational jobs?
Our model puts Educational at 24 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 52% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 28% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Educational a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2.9% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 27,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Educational?
Educational roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become an Educational?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Educational career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes