As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Higher Education Consultant in the United States is $61,201 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Higher Education Consultant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Higher Education Consultant'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 Higher Education Consultant'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 Higher Education Consultant | $58,904 |
| Intermediate Level Higher Education Consultant | $59,122 |
| Senior Level Higher Education Consultant | $59,994 |
| Specialist Level Higher Education Consultant | $63,898 |
| Expert Level Higher Education Consultant | $65,846 |
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 Higher Education Consultants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 6.84% |
| Group Therapy | 2.71% |
| Psychiatric | 2.08% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Patient Care
|
$64,873 |
6%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$64,873 |
6%
|
|
Integrity
|
$64,873 |
6%
|
|
Clinical Supervision
|
$64,261 |
5%
|
|
Interviewing
|
$63,649 |
4%
|
|
Clinical Services
|
$63,649 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Higher Education Consultants enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 Higher Education Consultant with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $61,310 and $66,295).
Higher Education Consultant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 1.0% |
| Associates | 0.3% |
| Bachelors | 11.9% |
| Masters | 82.5% |
| Doctorate | 3.8% |
Understanding how a Higher Education Consultant'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 a Higher Education Consultant, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Student Career Services | $77,200 | 26% |
| College Academic Advising Director | $76,300 | 25% |
| Study Abroad Director | $82,300 | 34% |
Salaries for a Higher Education Consultant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $62,089 in 2023 to around $62,001 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Higher Education Consultant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $62,089 |
| 2024 | $62,405 |
| 2025 | $62,001 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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There are two main types of educational consultants: independent educational consultants and school-based counselors. Independent educational consultants work with families one-on-one and are not affiliated with any particular school or institution. Salaries for higher education consultants typically range from $56,101 to $74,701, with a mid-salary of $64,801.
Educational consultants typically earn between $56,101 and $74,701 annually, with a median salary of $64,801. They generate income by charging school districts for their services and often enhance their earnings by offering training classes or presenting at conferences to share their expertise.
The salary range for Higher Education Consultants is as follows: the minimum salary is $56,101, the mid-level salary is $64,801, and the maximum salary reaches $74,701. This indicates a competitive compensation structure within the field, reflecting the expertise and value these consultants bring to educational institutions.
As of now, the salary range for Higher Education Consultants is between $56,101 and $74,701 annually, with a mid-salary of $64,801. This translates to an hourly rate of approximately $27.00 to $35.87, or about $1,083 to $1,561 per week.
Hiring an educational consultant can provide invaluable insights into schools, including their academic strengths and weaknesses, sports, arts programs, and cultural environments. With salaries ranging from $56,101 to $74,701, these professionals bring expertise that can significantly enhance the educational experience for students and families.
The hourly rate for a PhD consultant can be estimated based on the salary data for Higher Education Consultants. With a minimum salary of $56,101, a mid-salary of $64,801, and a maximum salary of $74,701, the hourly rate would range approximately from $27 to $36, depending on experience and specific roles within the field.
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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