Wondering which career is better: counselor or teacher? Both roles offer the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives, whether by guiding someone through challenges or sparking a lifelong love of learning. But how do you decide which one is the right fit for you?
This decision goes beyond choosing a job—it’s about shaping lives. Teachers inspire growth and curiosity, while counselors offer support during life’s big moments.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between being a teacher and a counselor to help you find the path that fits your goals and passions.
What does a teacher do?
A teacher's role involves inspiring curiosity, nurturing growth, and helping students develop lifelong skills. Teachers shape young minds, foster critical thinking, and create environments where students thrive academically and personally. Their influence often extends beyond the classroom, impacting students through extracurricular activities and lasting mentorship.
Responsibilities
- Educate students in a structured curriculum tailored to their grade level or subject expertise
- Create lesson plans to ensure the material is engaging and aligned with educational standards
- Assess progress through assignments, tests, and interactive activities, providing constructive feedback
- Manage classrooms by maintaining discipline, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring a positive learning environment
- Encourage creativity and collaboration among students to develop both academic and interpersonal skills
Typical requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field
- A teaching license or certification (often mandated by state or regional laws)
- Subject-specific expertise, especially for high school or advanced-level educators
- Continuing education or certifications to stay updated with teaching methods and policies
Skills valued
- Communication: Clear and effective interaction with students, parents, and colleagues
- Organization: Managing lesson plans, schedules, and grading efficiently
- Adaptability: Adjusting teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs
- Empathy: Understanding and supporting students' emotional and social well-being
- Leadership: Guiding and inspiring students to reach their potential
Common challenges
- Managing large class sizes while addressing the individual needs of students
- Balancing administrative tasks, such as grading and lesson planning, with classroom teaching
- Handling behavioral issues and maintaining classroom discipline in diverse settings
- Addressing external pressures like standardized testing and curriculum changes
Curious about teaching? Take a look at these amazing teacher jobs on The Muse »
What does a counselor do?
Counselors help students navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and achieve emotional well-being. Skills like active listening, compassion, and understanding are essential in this role.
“As a counselor, it was extremely important for me to gain students’ trust and these skills allowed me to do so,” says John Riley, a recently retired high school counselor in California. Within schools, counselors play a vital role in supporting students’ personal growth, academic success, and emotional well-being, helping them navigate challenges and thrive in a school environment.
Responsibilities
- Provide one-on-one or group counseling sessions to address emotional, mental, or social challenges
- Develop individualized strategies and treatment plans tailored to each student’s needs
- Support students through life transitions, such as family issues, or academic struggles
- Collaborate with families, teachers, or healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive support
- Maintain ethical and professional standards
Typical requirements
- A master’s degree in school counseling or a related field, such as counseling or education
- State licensure or certification specifically for school counseling, which often includes supervised clinical hours or internships within a school setting
- Specialization in areas like academic guidance, career counseling, or social-emotional development
- Continuing education to stay updated on best practices and meet state recertification requirements
Skills valued
- Active listening: Fully engaging with students to understand their concerns and emotions
- Compassion: Provide nonjudgmental understanding and heartfelt support, creating a safe space for students to share openly
- Problem-solving: Developing practical solutions to complex challenges
- Emotional intelligence: Recognizing and managing one’s own emotions to create a positive environment
- Communication: Clearly conveying ideas and strategies to students and collaborating professionals
Common challenges
- Balancing a large caseload while providing personalized attention to each student
- Staying updated on the latest research and techniques while meeting the demands of a busy practice
Curious about counseling? Take a look at these amazing school counselor jobs on The Muse »
Teacher vs school counselor: Salary and perks
When comparing salaries and perks, both teachers and counselors offer stable careers with meaningful benefits. Teachers earn an average annual salary of $66,397 (NCES, 2021–22), according to the National Center for Education Statistics. On the other hand, school counselors earn approximately $61,710 per year, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023).
Teachers often benefit from scheduled breaks, such as summer vacations and holidays, which align with the academic calendar. Similarly, school guidance counselors typically follow the same school-year schedule as teachers. However, their workdays are often more structured, focusing on student support during school hours without the added responsibilities of grading or lesson planning outside of work. Both roles offer valuable benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional growth.
“Should I be a teacher or counselor?”
Reflect on how you want to make a difference. Teachers ignite curiosity, inspire learning, and guide students in dynamic classroom settings. School counselors provide students with academic guidance, college and career planning, and emotional support to help them navigate challenges and achieve personal growth. Consider your skills—whether you thrive in group settings or excel in one-on-one support—and practical factors like salary and work environment.
Work-life balance can also play a key role in your decision. “My typical day as a counselor was non-stop from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but the rest of my day was non-school related,” Riley says. He adds that teachers typically have two class periods off—one for prep and the other to sub for a colleague. However, they often take work home, such as grading or responding to emails.
Ultimately, both careers can achieve a healthier balance with thoughtful time management and workplace strategies, so choose the one that aligns with your goals and passions.
On the fence? Browse 4,000+ open jobs in the education field to help you decide your next move »
FAQs
What is the hardest part of being a counselor?
A significant challenge for counselors is handling the emotional intensity of their clients’ struggles. Providing support while hearing difficult stories and maintaining healthy boundaries can take an emotional toll.
“For me, the hardest part was the heart-breaking stories of some of my students,” Riley says, reflecting on this aspect of the job. He notes that many students faced personal struggles while also being expected to focus on school, which added to their stress.
Despite these challenges, Riley found immense fulfillment in his role. “As a high school counselor, in addition to academic and college counseling, I did a great deal of personal counseling which was the most rewarding aspect of my job.” To manage the emotional demands, many counselors rely on self-care practices and develop strategies to prevent burnout and fatigue.
Can you switch from being a teacher to a counselor or vice versa?
Yes, transitioning between these careers is possible, though it often requires additional education or certifications. For example, moving from teaching to counseling might involve earning a master’s degree in counseling and completing supervised clinical hours. Similarly, transitioning to teaching typically requires a teaching credential.