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Verified by RI Board of Education

School Counselor Licensing in Rhode Island

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Rhode Island

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    RI Department of Education • Office of Educator Quality and Certification

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $71,590 median (10% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #10 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Rhode Island eligibility requirements for School Counselor licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Submit the application to RI Department of Education~Office of Educator Quality and Certification and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Rhode Island

With a median salary of $71,590, School Counselors in Rhode Island earn 10% above the national median of $65,140. Rhode Island ranks #10 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,294

Median annual salary

$71,590

Hourly estimate

$34.42
10% above national median

Difference: +$6,450

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$48,010
  • P2525th percentile$55,760
  • P50Median$71,590
  • P7575th percentile$87,890
  • P9090th percentile$102,370

State vs National Median

State: $71,590
National: $65,140

Total employment: 1,400 | Annual openings: N/A

School Counselor Salary Ranking

#10 of 50 statesfor School Counselor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$94,320
#2Washington$83,930
#3Alaska$80,020
#4Massachusetts$78,840
#5New Jersey$77,940

Nearby States Comparison

School Counselor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Rhode Island$71,590Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Massachusetts$78,840Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Connecticut$70,400Degree requiredState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Rhode Island78HighBoard-specific review required.
Massachusetts68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Connecticut78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

RI Department of Education • Office of Educator Quality and Certification

255 Westminster St, Providence, RI, 02903-3400

Phone: 4012224600

Related Careers in Rhode Island

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$98,960Varies by state boardVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$101,800Varies by state boardVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$100,370Varies by state boardVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$79,430Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Rhode Island?

The median annual salary for School Counselors in Rhode Island is $71,590. Salaries range from $48,010 (10th percentile) to $102,370 (90th percentile).

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

School Counselors in Rhode Island earn 10% above the national median of $65,140, with a state median of $71,590.

How many School Counselors work in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island employs approximately 1,400 School Counselors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?

The licensing agency is RI Department of Education / Office of Educator Quality and Certification. Review agency details at https://ride.ri.gov/teachers-administrators/educator-certification-0.

How often do you renew a School Counselor license in Rhode Island?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.