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Verified by MT Board of Education

School Counselor Licensing in Montana

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Montana

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Education Liscensure Unit • Office of Public Instruction

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $59,480 median (9% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #37 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Montana

With a median salary of 59,480, School Counselors in Montana earn 9% below the national median of $65,140. Montana ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$59,480

Hourly estimate

$28.60
9% below national median

Difference: -$5,660

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$40,080
  • P2525th percentile$45,680
  • P50Median$59,480
  • P7575th percentile$79,270
  • P9090th percentile$93,000

State vs National Median

State: $59,480
National: $65,140

Total employment: 860 | Annual openings: N/A

School Counselor Salary Ranking

#37 of 50 statesfor School Counselor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California94,320
#2Washington83,930
#3Alaska80,020
#4Massachusetts78,840
#5New Jersey77,940

Nearby States Comparison

School Counselor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Montana$59,480Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
North Dakota$60,330Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
South Dakota$52,450Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Wyoming$65,070Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Idaho$60,340Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Montana78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Idaho50LowState-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

Education Liscensure Unit • Office of Public Instruction

PO Box 202501, Helena, MT, 59620-2501

Phone: 4064443150

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Related Careers in Montana

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
K-12 Teacher$56,200Varies by state board6-24 months
Librarian$62,020Degree required6-24 months
Architect$82,670No educational requirements6-24 months
Audiologist$82,350Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 Montana?

The median annual salary for School Counselors in Montana is 59,480. Salaries range from $40,080 (10th percentile) to $93,000 (90th percentile).

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

School Counselors in Montana earn 9% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of 59,480.

How many School Counselors work in Montana?

Montana employs approximately 860 School Counselors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Montana 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 Montana?

The licensing agency is Education Liscensure Unit / Office of Public Instruction. Review agency details at https://opi.mt.gov/.