I'm planning my future career path and considering becoming a high school counselor. What's the projected job growth in this field? Is it a stable choice long-term? Any insights would be awesome!
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of school and career counselors, including high school counselors, is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to increasing school enrollment rates and a focus on student success and well-being. Many states are also passing legislation to ensure students have access to mental health resources in school, which further supports the demand for high school counselors.
In addition, the need for school counselors is also driven by a higher demand for mental health services in schools as students continue to seek assistance with academic, career counseling, mental health, and social issues. The increase in the number of students enrolling in post-secondary schools is also contributing to the demand for school counselors.
Even as school budgets may fluctuate year-to-year, the long-term demand for these roles is expected to be stable due to their integral role in student success. Given the growing awareness of the importance of mental health and educational success, the role of a high school counselor is likely to remain critical.
However, remember that job prospects may vary by geographic area and local budgets for education. Areas with growing populations and school districts are more likely to have stronger demand for school and career counselors.
In conclusion, high school counseling can indeed be considered a stable choice for a long-term career given the increasing recognition of their vital role in schools and a faster-than-average projected job growth rate.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.