Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NJ Board of Education
School Counselor Licensing in New Jersey
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey
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
Department of Education • Office of Licensing and Credentials
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$77,940 median (20% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#5 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet New Jersey 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 Department of Education~Office of Licensing and Credentials and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in New Jersey
With a median salary of $77,940, School Counselors in New Jersey earn 20% above the national median of $65,140. New Jersey ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,565Median annual salary
$77,940Hourly estimate
$37.4720% above national median
Difference: +$12,800
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $77,940 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New York | $69,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $61,460 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $72,450 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| New York | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Pennsylvania | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Delaware | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Education • Office of Licensing and Credentials
PO Box 503, Trenton, NJ, 8625
Phone: 6092922070
Related Careers in New Jersey
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $99,110 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $100,870 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,230 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $74,990 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey?
The median annual salary for School Counselors in New Jersey is $77,940. Salaries range from $58,710 (10th percentile) to $113,170 (90th percentile).
How does the School Counselor salary in New Jersey compare to the national average?
School Counselors in New Jersey earn 20% above the national median of $65,140, with a state median of $77,940.
How many School Counselors work in New Jersey?
New Jersey employs approximately 7,590 School Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
The licensing agency is Department of Education / Office of Licensing and Credentials. Review agency details at https://www.nj.gov/education/license/.
How often do you renew a School Counselor license in New Jersey?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.