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Licensed Professional Counselor Licensing in South Carolina

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Marriage and Family Therapists • SC Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $50,720 median (14% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #41 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet South Carolina eligibility requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Marriage and Family Therapists~SC Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in South Carolina

With a median salary of $50,720, Licensed Professional Counselors in South Carolina earn 14% below the national median of $59,190. South Carolina ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,186

Median annual salary

$50,720

Hourly estimate

$24.38
14% below national median

Difference: -$8,470

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$34,730
  • P2525th percentile$40,480
  • P50Median$50,720
  • P7575th percentile$65,770
  • P9090th percentile$84,190

State vs National Median

State: $50,720
National: $59,190

Total employment: 4,680 | Annual openings: N/A

Licensed Professional Counselor Salary Ranking

#41 of 50 statesfor Licensed Professional Counselor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$79,220
#2New Mexico$70,770
#3Oregon$69,660
#4North Dakota$66,450
#5Utah$65,920

Nearby States Comparison

Licensed Professional Counselor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Carolina$50,720Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Carolina$56,470Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$55,320Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

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
South Carolina78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Marriage and Family Therapists • SC Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors

110 Centerview Drive Kingstree Bldg. Suite 202, PO Box 11329, Columbia, SC, 29211-1329

Phone: 8038964658

Related Careers in South Carolina

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Varies by state boardVaries by board
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Athletic Trainer$53,520Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$75,980Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Licensed Professional Counselor salary in South Carolina?

The median annual salary for Licensed Professional Counselors in South Carolina is $50,720. Salaries range from $34,730 (10th percentile) to $84,190 (90th percentile).

How does the Licensed Professional Counselor salary in South Carolina compare to the national average?

Licensed Professional Counselors in South Carolina earn 14% below the national median of $59,190, with a state median of $50,720.

How many Licensed Professional Counselors work in South Carolina?

South Carolina employs approximately 4,680 Licensed Professional Counselors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to South Carolina from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Licensed Professional Counselors in South Carolina?

The licensing agency is Marriage and Family Therapists / SC Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors. Review agency details at http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Counselors/.

How often do you renew a Licensed Professional Counselor license in South Carolina?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.