Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Education
School Counselor Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Iowa
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Tied to business
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: No exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Iowa Department of Education • Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$55,910 median (14% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#45 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 Iowa
With a median salary of 55,910, School Counselors in Iowa earn 14% below the national median of $65,140. Iowa ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$55,910Hourly estimate
$26.8814% below national median
Difference: -$9,230
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#45 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $55,910 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Minnesota | $63,230 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Wisconsin | $63,690 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $61,210 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $53,790 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $66,650 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| South Dakota | $52,450 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Iowa Department of Education • Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50319
Phone: 5152813611
Related Careers in Iowa
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 Teacher | $55,540 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Librarian | $52,780 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $86,990 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $93,790 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in Iowa?
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 School Counselors in Iowa?
Iowa lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for School Counselors.
What education do you need to become a School Counselor in Iowa?
The board typically expects Degree required for School Counselor licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical School Counselor salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for School Counselors in Iowa is 55,910. Salaries range from $41,000 (10th percentile) to $79,410 (90th percentile).
How does the School Counselor salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
School Counselors in Iowa earn 14% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of 55,910.
How many School Counselors work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 3,580 School Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Iowa from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for School Counselors in Iowa?
The licensing agency is Iowa Department of Education / Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Review agency details at https://boee.iowa.gov/.