As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Academic Counselor - Higher Ed. in the United States is $54,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, an Academic Counselor - Higher Ed.'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Academic Counselor - Higher Ed.'s salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Academic Counselor - Higher Ed.'s salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Academic Counselor - Higher Ed. | $52,494 |
| Intermediate Level Academic Counselor - Higher Ed. | $52,658 |
| Senior Level Academic Counselor - Higher Ed. | $54,867 |
| Specialist Level Academic Counselor - Higher Ed. | $58,043 |
| Expert Level Academic Counselor - Higher Ed. | $58,270 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Academic Counselor - Higher Ed.s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.83% |
| Tutoring | 2.26% |
| Early Childhood Education | 1.01% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Client Service
|
$59,187 |
9%
|
|
Consulting
|
$58,644 |
8%
|
|
Analysis
|
$57,558 |
6%
|
|
Diversity and Inclusion
|
$55,929 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$55,386 |
2%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$55,386 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Academic Counselor - Higher Ed.s enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Academic Counselor - Higher Ed. with a Bachelor's Degree is between $51,882 and $55,375).
Academic Counselor - Higher Ed. Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 1.7% |
| Associates | 2.1% |
| Bachelors | 32.5% |
| Masters | 59.3% |
| Doctorate | 4.0% |
Understanding how an Academic Counselor - Higher Ed.'s annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Academic Counselor - Higher Ed., you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| College/University Student Career Counselor | $50,500 | -7% |
| College/University Student Counselor | $61,200 | 13% |
| Exchange Student Programs Advisor | $48,800 | -10% |
Salaries for an Academic Counselor - Higher Ed. can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $50,803 in 2023 to around $50,846 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Academic Counselor - Higher Ed. salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $50,803 |
| 2024 | $51,046 |
| 2025 | $50,846 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The salary for an Academic Counselor in higher education typically ranges from $48,900 to $62,200, with a mid-salary of $54,900. While EdD holders may earn around $78,500 on average, actual salaries can vary based on career choices, location, and prior experience.
Counseling professors in higher education typically earn between $48,900 and $62,200 annually, with a median salary of around $54,900. Salaries can vary significantly based on location, experience, and institution type.
The highest salary for an Academic Counselor in higher education is $62,200 annually. In comparison, cities near India report varying monthly salaries, with Mumbai averaging ?46,833, Bengaluru at ?31,258, and Chennai at ?28,886. These figures highlight the differences in compensation across regions.
Academic counselors in higher education can earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $48,900, a mid-range of $54,900, and a maximum of $62,200 annually. While other counseling roles, such as mental health counselors and therapists, may also offer substantial pay, academic counselors often have the potential for higher earnings within educational institutions.
Academic Counselors in higher education typically earn between $48,900 and $62,200 annually. The average salary is around $54,900, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a clear overview of the compensation landscape for this role in the U.S.
Although academic counselors and academic advisors may use similar processes, academic advisors focus on helping students develop skills for academic success and graduation. In contrast, academic counselors often provide broader support, including personal and emotional guidance. Salaries for academic counselors in higher education range from $48,900 to $62,200, with a median of $54,900.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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