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School Counselor Licensing in Wisconsin

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Wisconsin

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) • Division for Libraries and Technology

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $63,690 median (2% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #24 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 Wisconsin

With a median salary of 63,690, School Counselors in Wisconsin earn 2% below the national median of $65,140. Wisconsin ranks #24 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$63,690

Hourly estimate

$30.62
2% below national median

Difference: -$1,450

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$47,130
  • P2525th percentile$54,040
  • P50Median$63,690
  • P7575th percentile$76,450
  • P9090th percentile$90,300

State vs National Median

State: $63,690
National: $65,140

Total employment: 5,280 | Annual openings: N/A

School Counselor Salary Ranking

#24 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
Wisconsin$63,690Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Minnesota$63,230Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Iowa$55,910Degree requiredNo exam required6-24 months
Illinois$61,210Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Michigan$63,240Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 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
Wisconsin62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review required.
Michigan64MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) • Division for Libraries and Technology

125 S. Webster St., PO Box 7841, Madison, WI, 53707-7841

Phone: 6082662413

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Related Careers in Wisconsin

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
K-12 Teacher$60,690Degree required6-24 months
Librarian$63,610Degree required6-24 months
Architect$93,310No educational requirements6-24 months
Audiologist$90,380Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 Wisconsin?

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

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

What is the typical School Counselor salary in Wisconsin?

The median annual salary for School Counselors in Wisconsin is 63,690. Salaries range from $47,130 (10th percentile) to $90,300 (90th percentile).

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

School Counselors in Wisconsin earn 2% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of 63,690.

How many School Counselors work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin employs approximately 5,280 School Counselors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Wisconsin from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for School Counselors in Wisconsin?

The licensing agency is Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) / Division for Libraries and Technology. Review agency details at http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/certification.