Application Fee
See agencyVerified 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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Missouri
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
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Committee for Professional Counselors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$53,790 median (17% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 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 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 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$53,790Hourly estimate
$25.8617% below national median
Difference: -$11,350
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#48 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $53,790 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $55,910 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $61,210 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $64,390 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $59,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $60,110 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $51,140 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $58,430 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $66,650 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | 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
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
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 Teacher | $48,250 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Librarian | $53,600 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $97,970 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $87,840 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in Missouri?
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 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. 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 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.