Utah · Career guide
How to become a School Counselor in Utah
School counselors deliver classroom guidance lessons, run small groups, provide individual counseling, and coordinate college / career planning for high-schoolers. Most states require a master's degree (M.Ed. or M.S. in School Counseling) plus a separate license tier from classroom teaching. Caseloads are typically large — 250-500 students per counselor is common — but the role offers higher pay scales than the equivalent step on a teacher schedule.
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Certification path in Utah
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
- Pass the required exams. Utah typically requires:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores) — Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
- Praxis Subject Assessments — Content knowledge for your licensure area
A school counseling endorsement is a separate license; most states require a state-approved master's program + supervised practicum + state-administered exam.
- Apply for your initial license through Utah State Board of Education. The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Utah State Board of Education →
- Job-search in Utah. We'll track school counseling openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.
Alternative pathways in Utah
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Utah offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL): District-sponsored, earn licensure while teaching
- Intern License: Teach while completing a university-based preparation program
- Career and Technical Education licenses for industry professionals
Utah salary context
Average teacher salary in Utah: $55,432/year (rank #14 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $35,000/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Utah salary guide for the breakdown.