Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NY Board of Education
School Counselor Licensing in New York
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor in New York, 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 New York
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NYS Education Department • Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$69,900 median (7% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#12 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 New York
With a median salary of 69,900, School Counselors in New York earn 7% above the national median of $65,140. New York ranks #12 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$69,900Hourly estimate
$33.617% above national median
Difference: +$4,760
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#12 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 York | $69,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Vermont | $60,920 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Massachusetts | $78,840 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Connecticut | $70,400 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $77,940 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Pennsylvania | $61,460 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| New Jersey | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Pennsylvania | 56 | Medium | 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
NYS Education Department • Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education
89 Washington Avenue, Education Building, 5N, Albany, NY, 12234
Phone: 5184743901
Related Careers in New York
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 Teacher | $82,480 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Librarian | $77,080 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $98,580 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $98,750 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in New York?
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 New York?
New York 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 New York?
The board typically expects Degree required for School Counselor licensure in New York.
What is the typical School Counselor salary in New York?
The median annual salary for School Counselors in New York is 69,900. Salaries range from $45,150 (10th percentile) to $131,050 (90th percentile).
How does the School Counselor salary in New York compare to the national average?
School Counselors in New York earn 7% above the national median of $65,140, with a state median of 69,900.
How many School Counselors work in New York?
New York employs approximately 22,660 School Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to New York 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 New York?
The licensing agency is NYS Education Department / Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education. Review agency details at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/.