As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forensic Counselor in South Dakota is $38,508 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Forensic Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Forensic Counselor Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $42,408 | $3,534 | $816 | $20 |
| Average | $38,508 | $3,209 | $741 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,332 | $2,861 | $660 | $17 |
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A Forensic 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Forensic 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 Forensic Counselor | $38,102 |
| Intermediate Level Forensic Counselor | $38,218 |
| Senior Level Forensic Counselor | $39,688 |
| Specialist Level Forensic Counselor | $41,419 |
| Expert Level Forensic Counselor | $41,543 |
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 Forensic Counselors. 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:
For Forensic Counselor roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Durable and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Forensic Counselor positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Forensic Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Durable | $50,061 | $24.0 | 30% |
| Business Services | $48,135 | $23.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $48,135 | $23.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $42,359 | $20.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Forensic 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $42,408 | $3,534 | $816 | $20 |
| Average | $38,508 | $3,209 | $741 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,332 | $2,861 | $660 | $17 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Forensic Counselor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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