Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Education
School Counselor Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- State-approved exam
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$61,210 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#30 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for School Counselor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
- 4. Submit the application to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $61,210, School Counselors in Illinois earn 6% below the national median of $65,140. Illinois ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$61,210Hourly estimate
$29.436% below national median
Difference: -$3,930
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#30 of 50 statesfor School Counselor median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $94,320 |
| #2 | Washington | $83,930 |
| #3 | Alaska | $80,020 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $78,840 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $77,940 |
Nearby States Comparison
School Counselor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $61,210 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $63,690 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $55,910 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $53,790 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $64,390 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $56,470 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Iowa | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Indiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,670 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $83,580 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $82,490 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $60,410 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in Illinois?
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 School Counselor salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for School Counselors in Illinois is $61,210. Salaries range from $44,760 (10th percentile) to $109,110 (90th percentile).
How does the School Counselor salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
School Counselors in Illinois earn 6% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of $61,210.
How many School Counselors work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 12,790 School Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Illinois 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 School Counselors in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.
How often do you renew a School Counselor license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.