What's the job outlook for a school counselor?

I'm considering becoming a school counselor after college, and I'm really curious about the job prospects. Is it a growing field? How's the demand looking for the next few years? I'd love to hear from anyone with insights.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth in demand is expected due to the rising student enrollments in primary, secondary, and postsecondary schools.

School counselors are essential to the functioning of an educational institution as they help students develop the academic and social skills needed to succeed in school. As for the schools, they rely on counselors to guide students through personal, parental, academic, or even mental health troubles.

Increasingly, schools are realizing the importance of mental health for student achievement, and this in turn is expected to continue driving demand for counseling services. Moreover, as schools continue to focus on the social and emotional health of students, they continue to employ counselors to address these needs.

However, job prospects can vary by geographic area and may be more favorable in districts where enrollment is increasing. Counselors seeking new job opportunities should consider areas with rapidly growing school-age populations, or areas with higher concentrations of aging school counselors who may retire in the next few years.

While becoming a school counselor can be rewarding, it's also important to note that it can be a challenging profession. It requires a high degree of emotional resilience, as well as the ability to work with a diverse range of students and issues. However, for those who are passionate about helping students navigate their academic and personal lives, it can be a deeply satisfying career choice.