As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for an Academic Advisor in California is $59,902 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, an Academic Advisor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Academic Advisor Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $68,271 | $5,689 | $1,313 | $33 |
| Average | $59,902 | $4,992 | $1,152 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,792 | $4,483 | $1,034 | $26 |
Crimson Education - Sanger, CA
Novel Prep - Irvine, CA
Good Samaritan Family Resource Center of San Francisco - San Francisco, CA
CONCORD PREPARATORY SCHOOL - Irvine, CA
An Academic Advisor'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Academic Advisor'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 Advisor | $57,896 |
| Intermediate Level Academic Advisor | $58,078 |
| Senior Level Academic Advisor | $60,526 |
| Specialist Level Academic Advisor | $64,024 |
| Expert Level Academic Advisor | $64,274 |
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 Advisors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how an Academic Advisor'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $68,271 | $5,689 | $1,313 | $33 |
| Average | $59,902 | $4,992 | $1,152 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,792 | $4,483 | $1,034 | $26 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Academic Advisor, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Career Counselor - Higher Ed. | $55,598 | -7% |
| Student Psychologist - Higher Ed. | $67,446 | 13% |
| Foreign Studies Advisor | $53,802 | -10% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Academic Advisor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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