Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Education
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 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Wisconsin
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
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) • Division for Libraries and Technology
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$63,690 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#24 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI)~Division for Libraries and Technology and monitor board communications.
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 Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,213Median annual salary
$63,690Hourly estimate
$30.622% below national median
Difference: -$1,450
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $63,690 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $63,230 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $55,910 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $61,210 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $63,240 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Michigan | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) • Division for Libraries and Technology
125 S. Webster St., PO Box 7841, Madison, WI, 53707-7841
Phone: 6082662413
Related Careers in Wisconsin
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,650 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,740 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $98,680 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,150 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in Wisconsin?
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 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. 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.
How often do you renew a School Counselor license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.