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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
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 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 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 6-24 months.
Median 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 | 6-24 months |
| New York | $69,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $77,940 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $72,450 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $74,970 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $55,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $61,960 | Degree required | State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Delaware | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 Teacher | $74,160 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Librarian | $60,120 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $95,640 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $87,210 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in Pennsylvania?
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 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. 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 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.