As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Bereavement Support Counselor in the United States is $61,530 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Bereavement Support Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Bereavement Support Counselor'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 a Bereavement Support Counselor'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 Bereavement Support Counselor | $59,599 |
| Intermediate Level Bereavement Support Counselor | $59,775 |
| Senior Level Bereavement Support Counselor | $62,113 |
| Specialist Level Bereavement Support Counselor | $65,377 |
| Expert Level Bereavement Support Counselor | $65,610 |
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 Bereavement Support Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.12% |
| Patient Care | 4.03% |
| Group Therapy | 2.4% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Community Education
|
$73,836 |
20%
|
|
Service Planning
|
$67,683 |
10%
|
|
Self-Directed
|
$66,452 |
8%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$65,837 |
7%
|
|
Planning
|
$65,837 |
7%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$65,222 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Bereavement Support Counselors enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Bereavement Support Counselor with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $64,332 and $68,716).
Bereavement Support Counselor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.1% |
| High School | 5.1% |
| Associates | 5.1% |
| Bachelors | 26.5% |
| Masters | 63.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Bereavement Support Counselor'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 May 01, 2026Salaries for a Bereavement Support Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $51,576 in 2023 to around $51,362 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Bereavement Support Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $51,576 |
| 2024 | $51,606 |
| 2025 | $51,362 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The highest paying type of counselor is a Bereavement Support Counselor, with a salary range that typically starts at $61,460, reaches a midpoint of $69,290, and can go up to $77,980. This role focuses on providing emotional support to individuals dealing with loss, making it both a rewarding and well-compensated profession.
Counselling provides a safe and supportive space in which clients can allow their most painful feelings to be expressed and witnessed,” says Sara. “Often the first task of bereavement counselling is to help to normalise what people are feeling.”
The salary for a Bereavement Support Counselor typically ranges from $61,460 to $77,980 annually, with a mid-range salary of about $69,290. This can influence session costs, which generally range from $75 to $150. Factors such as the counselor's experience, location, and session specifics can also affect the final price for grief counseling services.
Yes, grief counselors are in demand. Employment for mental health counselors is projected to grow by 19 percent through 2033, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. A career in grief therapy is promising, with salaries ranging from $61,460 to $77,980, reflecting the increasing need for support in our changing and aging society.
Alan Wolfelt is a renowned grief counselor and death educator, celebrated for his impactful work in bereavement support. His books, which have sold over a million copies globally, provide valuable insights into coping with loss. In the field, bereavement support counselors typically earn between $61,460 and $77,980 annually, with a median salary of $69,290.
To become a bereavement counselor, you typically need a master's degree in fields such as psychology, sociology, social work, or human services. A bachelor's degree is usually the first step. The salary for bereavement support counselors ranges from $61,460 to $77,980, with a median salary of $69,290.
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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