CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by NY Board of Healthcare

Licensed Professional Counselor Licensing in New York

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for licensed professional counselor in New York, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Licensed Professional Counselor in New York

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NYS Education Department • State Board for Mental Health Practitioners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $62,070 median (5% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #13 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in New York

With a median salary of 62,070, Licensed Professional Counselors in New York earn 5% above the national median of $59,190. New York ranks #13 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$62,070

Hourly estimate

$29.84
5% above national median

Difference: +$2,880

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$43,160
  • P2525th percentile$50,880
  • P50Median$62,070
  • P7575th percentile$76,680
  • P9090th percentile$101,910

State vs National Median

State: $62,070
National: $59,190

Total employment: 22,450 | Annual openings: N/A

Licensed Professional Counselor Salary Ranking

#13 of 50 statesfor Licensed Professional Counselor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska79,220
#2New Mexico70,770
#3Oregon69,660
#4North Dakota66,450
#5Utah65,920

Nearby States Comparison

Licensed Professional Counselor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New York$62,070Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Vermont$60,410Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Massachusetts$59,030Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Connecticut$62,960Degree requiredState-approved exam6-24 months
New Jersey$64,710Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Pennsylvania$58,320Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
New York50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Vermont54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut78HighBoard-specific review required.
New Jersey56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

NYS Education Department • State Board for Mental Health Practitioners

89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12234

Phone: 5184743817ext450

Related Careers in New York

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$98,750Varies by state board6-24 months
Chiropractor$82,640Varies by state board6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$84,660Degree required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$47,020Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in New York?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Licensed Professional Counselors in New York?

New York lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Licensed Professional Counselors.

What education do you need to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in New York?

The board typically expects Degree required for Licensed Professional Counselor licensure in New York.

What is the typical Licensed Professional Counselor salary in New York?

The median annual salary for Licensed Professional Counselors in New York is 62,070. Salaries range from $43,160 (10th percentile) to $101,910 (90th percentile).

How does the Licensed Professional Counselor salary in New York compare to the national average?

Licensed Professional Counselors in New York earn 5% above the national median of $59,190, with a state median of 62,070.

How many Licensed Professional Counselors work in New York?

New York employs approximately 22,450 Licensed Professional Counselors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to New York from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Licensed Professional Counselors in New York?

The licensing agency is NYS Education Department / State Board for Mental Health Practitioners. Review agency details at http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/.