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School Counselor Licensing in Ohio

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Ohio

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: State exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Background Check: Background check required
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Ohio Department of Education & Workforce

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $61,960 median (5% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #28 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 Ohio

With a median salary of 61,960, School Counselors in Ohio earn 5% below the national median of $65,140. Ohio ranks #28 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$61,960

Hourly estimate

$29.79
5% below national median

Difference: -$3,180

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$43,340
  • P2525th percentile$48,870
  • P50Median$61,960
  • P7575th percentile$81,740
  • P9090th percentile$100,720

State vs National Median

State: $61,960
National: $65,140

Total employment: 13,030 | Annual openings: N/A

School Counselor Salary Ranking

#28 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
Ohio$61,960Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Michigan$63,240Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Pennsylvania$61,460Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
West Virginia$55,420Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Kentucky$64,390Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Indiana$56,470Degree 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
Ohio50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Michigan64MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Pennsylvania56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
West Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky78HighBoard-specific review required.
Indiana50LowState-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

Ohio Department of Education & Workforce

25 S. Front Street, Columbus, OH, 43215-4183

Phone: 8776446338

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Ohio

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
K-12 Teacher$65,380Degree required6-24 months
Librarian$57,130Varies by state board6-24 months
Architect$97,130Degree required6-24 months
Audiologist$76,720Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 Ohio?

Ohio lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for School Counselors.

What education do you need to become a School Counselor in Ohio?

The board typically expects Degree required for School Counselor licensure in Ohio.

What is the typical School Counselor salary in Ohio?

The median annual salary for School Counselors in Ohio is 61,960. Salaries range from $43,340 (10th percentile) to $100,720 (90th percentile).

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

School Counselors in Ohio earn 5% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of 61,960.

How many School Counselors work in Ohio?

Ohio employs approximately 13,030 School Counselors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Ohio 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 Ohio?

The licensing agency is Ohio Department of Education & Workforce. Review agency details at https://www.education.ohio.gov/.