Application Fee
See agencyVerified 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 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Montana
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State-approved exam
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Education Liscensure Unit • Office of Public Instruction
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$59,480 median (9% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#37 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Montana eligibility requirements for School Counselor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
- 4. Submit the application to Education Liscensure Unit~Office of Public Instruction and monitor board communications.
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 Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+3.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,173Median annual salary
$59,480Hourly estimate
$28.609% below national median
Difference: -$5,660
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#37 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $59,480 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| North Dakota | $60,330 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $52,450 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $65,070 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Idaho | $60,340 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| North Dakota | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wyoming | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Idaho | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Education Liscensure Unit • Office of Public Instruction
PO Box 202501, Helena, MT, 59620-2501
Phone: 4064443150
Related Careers in Montana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $75,710 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $97,620 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $80,590 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $75,540 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in Montana?
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 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. 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/.
How often do you renew a School Counselor license in Montana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.