Social Services · Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$65–79k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$132–155k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
+5.8% · As fast as average
Growth rate estimated from Social Services cluster average (2024-2034 BLS projections).
Time to Start
6+ years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Counselors
Mental Health Counselors
Experienced Mental Health Counselors
Senior Mental Health Counselors
Director of Social Services
You prioritize Relationships
This career is strongly aligned with Relationships — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires a graduate or professional degree, which matches common student preparation goals.
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