School Counsellor
Support students' mental health and academic journey - a rewarding career with strong job security.
School Counsellor Salary in Canada
School Counsellors in Canada earn about $60,000 at entry level and around $100,000 in senior roles.
- Entry level: $60,000
- Senior level: $100,000
School counsellors in Ontario earn similar to teachers. Benefits and pension are strong in the public school system.
About the Career
Student mental health needs have grown significantly - school boards across Canada are increasing counsellor hiring.
Job Outlook
High Growth demand. Student mental health needs have grown significantly - school boards across Canada are increasing counsellor hiring.
How to Get There
- 4-yr BA (Psychology or Social Work) + BEd or MEd (Counselling Psychology)
- Time to career: 6-8 years post-Grade 12
Degrees That Lead Here
- Psychology – mid to high 80s
Key Skills
- Counselling & Active Listening
- Academic & Career Advising
- Crisis Intervention
- Program Development
- Family Communication
Typical Employers
- School boards (elementary & secondary)
- Colleges & universities
- Community youth programs
- Private practice
High School Roadmap
- Peer tutoring and peer support programs are excellent starting points.
- Volunteer with mental health organisations.
- Research counselling psychology programs. Aim for 80%+ average.
- Apply to psychology or social work undergrad. MEd in Counselling Psychology is the typical path after undergrad.
Top Universities for This Path
- Queen's University – Kingston, ON
- University of British Columbia – Vancouver, BC
- University of Alberta – Edmonton, AB
- Western University – London, ON
- University of Toronto – Toronto, ON
Insider Tips
- The path typically requires a psychology or social work undergrad + a master's degree in counselling.
- Registered Psychotherapist (RP) designation is an alternative path for private practice counselling.
- Student mental health has become a critical priority for Canadian schools - demand for counsellors is growing.