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Verified by AZ Board of Education

School Counselor Licensing in Arizona

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor in Arizona, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Arizona

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Education • Certification Unit

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $57,940 median (11% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #41 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 Arizona

With a median salary of 57,940, School Counselors in Arizona earn 11% below the national median of $65,140. Arizona ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,369

Median annual salary

$57,940

Hourly estimate

$27.86
11% below national median

Difference: -$7,200

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$44,940
  • P2525th percentile$49,970
  • P50Median$57,940
  • P7575th percentile$68,110
  • P9090th percentile$82,040

State vs National Median

State: $57,940
National: $65,140

Total employment: 6,060 | Annual openings: N/A

School Counselor Salary Ranking

#41 of 50 statesfor School Counselor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California94,320
#2Washington83,930
#3Alaska80,020
#4Massachusetts78,840
#5New Jersey77,940

Nearby States Comparison

School Counselor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Arizona$57,940Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Utah$62,500Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Colorado$63,900Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
New Mexico$76,490Degree requiredNo exam required6-24 months
Nevada$64,960Degree requiredNo exam required6-24 months
California$94,320Degree 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
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
Utah78HighBoard-specific review required.
Colorado56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Mexico50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nevada54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
California56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of Education • Certification Unit

1535 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ, 85007

Phone: 6025424367

Related Careers in Arizona

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
K-12 Teacher$50,980Varies by state board6-24 months
Librarian$58,760Varies by state board6-24 months
Architect$97,470Varies by state board6-24 months
Audiologist$102,130Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a School Counselor in Arizona?

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 is the typical School Counselor salary in Arizona?

The median annual salary for School Counselors in Arizona is 57,940. Salaries range from $44,940 (10th percentile) to $82,040 (90th percentile).

How does the School Counselor salary in Arizona compare to the national average?

School Counselors in Arizona earn 11% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of 57,940.

How many School Counselors work in Arizona?

Arizona employs approximately 6,060 School Counselors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Arizona from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for School Counselors in Arizona?

The licensing agency is Department of Education / Certification Unit. Review agency details at http://www.azed.gov/educator-certification/.