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Licensed Professional Counselor Licensing in Wisconsin

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for licensed professional counselor in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin

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

    WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $62,470 median (6% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #12 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 Wisconsin

With a median salary of 62,470, Licensed Professional Counselors in Wisconsin earn 6% above the national median of $59,190. Wisconsin ranks #12 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$62,470

Hourly estimate

$30.03
6% above national median

Difference: +$3,280

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$44,660
  • P2525th percentile$50,870
  • P50Median$62,470
  • P7575th percentile$77,800
  • P9090th percentile$98,290

State vs National Median

State: $62,470
National: $59,190

Total employment: 9,450 | Annual openings: N/A

Licensed Professional Counselor Salary Ranking

#12 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
Wisconsin$62,470Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Minnesota$58,720Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Iowa$60,880Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Illinois$59,570Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Michigan$59,530Degree 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
Wisconsin50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Michigan54LowState-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

WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing

1400 E. Washington Ave., P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI, 53708-8935

Phone: 6082662112

Related Careers in Wisconsin

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$90,380Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$78,890Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$63,340Specific course required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$48,000Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 Wisconsin?

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

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

What is the typical Licensed Professional Counselor salary in Wisconsin?

The median annual salary for Licensed Professional Counselors in Wisconsin is 62,470. Salaries range from $44,660 (10th percentile) to $98,290 (90th percentile).

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

Licensed Professional Counselors in Wisconsin earn 6% above the national median of $59,190, with a state median of 62,470.

How many Licensed Professional Counselors work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin employs approximately 9,450 Licensed Professional Counselors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

The licensing agency is WI Department of Safety and Professional Services / Division of Professional Credential Processing. Review agency details at https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Default.aspx.