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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Illinois
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Varies by state board
- Examination: State-approved exam
- Application Fee: See agency
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 baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
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 6-24 months.
Median 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 | 6-24 months |
| Wisconsin | $63,690 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $55,910 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $53,790 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $64,390 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $56,470 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Iowa | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-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
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 Teacher | $64,160 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Librarian | $62,360 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $79,320 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $84,520 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in Illinois?
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 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. 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 Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.