Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MS Board of Education
School Counselor Licensing in Mississippi
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor in Mississippi, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Mississippi
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore 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
- Licensing Authority
MS State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$59,630 median (8% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#36 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 Mississippi
With a median salary of 59,630, School Counselors in Mississippi earn 8% below the national median of $65,140. Mississippi ranks #36 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$59,630Hourly estimate
$28.678% below national median
Difference: -$5,510
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#36 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $59,630 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $59,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $60,530 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Louisiana | $67,070 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $60,110 | Degree required | State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-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
MS State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors
239 North Lamar Street, Suite 402, Jackson, MS, 39201
Phone: 6013591010
Related Careers in Mississippi
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 Teacher | $48,440 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Librarian | $50,320 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $79,040 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $61,150 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi?
Mississippi lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for School Counselors.
What education do you need to become a School Counselor in Mississippi?
The board typically expects Degree required for School Counselor licensure in Mississippi.
What is the typical School Counselor salary in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for School Counselors in Mississippi is 59,630. Salaries range from $41,750 (10th percentile) to $76,400 (90th percentile).
How does the School Counselor salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?
School Counselors in Mississippi earn 8% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of 59,630.
How many School Counselors work in Mississippi?
Mississippi employs approximately 2,540 School Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Mississippi 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 School Counselors in Mississippi?
The licensing agency is MS State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors. Review agency details at https://www.lpc.ms.gov/wplpc/.