Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Education
School Counselor Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Medicine Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$61,460 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#29 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for School Counselor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Medicine Board and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $61,460, School Counselors in Pennsylvania earn 6% below the national median of $65,140. Pennsylvania ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$61,460Hourly estimate
$29.556% below national median
Difference: -$3,680
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#29 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $61,460 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $69,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $77,940 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $72,450 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $74,970 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $55,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $61,960 | Degree required | State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New York | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Jersey | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Delaware | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Medicine Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177831400
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,250 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,760 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $92,780 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,310 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in Pennsylvania?
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 exams are required for School Counselors in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for School Counselor licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical School Counselor salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for School Counselors in Pennsylvania is $61,460. Salaries range from $45,440 (10th percentile) to $99,850 (90th percentile).
How does the School Counselor salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
School Counselors in Pennsylvania earn 6% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of $61,460.
How many School Counselors work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 11,500 School Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Medicine Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Medicine/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a School Counselor license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.