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Verified by MO Board of Education

School Counselor Licensing in Missouri

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Missouri

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Committee for Professional Counselors

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $53,790 median (17% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #48 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Missouri eligibility requirements for School Counselor licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division Of Professional Registration~Missouri State Committee for Professional Counselors and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Missouri

With a median salary of $53,790, School Counselors in Missouri earn 17% below the national median of $65,140. Missouri ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,232

Median annual salary

$53,790

Hourly estimate

$25.86
17% below national median

Difference: -$11,350

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$39,100
  • P2525th percentile$46,100
  • P50Median$53,790
  • P7575th percentile$62,720
  • P9090th percentile$77,370

State vs National Median

State: $53,790
National: $65,140

Total employment: 8,960 | Annual openings: N/A

School Counselor Salary Ranking

#48 of 50 statesfor School Counselor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$94,320
#2Washington$83,930
#3Alaska$80,020
#4Massachusetts$78,840
#5New Jersey$77,940

Nearby States Comparison

School Counselor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Missouri$53,790Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Iowa$55,910Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$61,210Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Kentucky$64,390Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Tennessee$59,090Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$60,110Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$51,140Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kansas$58,430Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$66,650Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Missouri68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Iowa68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review required.
Kentucky78HighBoard-specific review required.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Arkansas68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Committee for Professional Counselors

3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 1335, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-1335

Phone: 5737510018ext8007352966

Related Careers in Missouri

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$77,770Degree requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$83,170Degree requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$86,530Degree requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$63,470Specific course required4 months

FAQ

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

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 exams are required for School Counselors in Missouri?

Missouri 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 Missouri?

The board typically expects Degree required for School Counselor licensure in Missouri.

What is the typical School Counselor salary in Missouri?

The median annual salary for School Counselors in Missouri is $53,790. Salaries range from $39,100 (10th percentile) to $77,370 (90th percentile).

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

School Counselors in Missouri earn 17% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of $53,790.

How many School Counselors work in Missouri?

Missouri employs approximately 8,960 School Counselors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Missouri 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 Missouri?

The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division Of Professional Registration / Missouri State Committee for Professional Counselors. Review agency details at http://pr.mo.gov/counselors.asp.

How often do you renew a School Counselor license in Missouri?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.