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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Associate Counselor in South Dakota is $51,619 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Licensed Associate Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Licensed Associate Counselor Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $59,602 | $4,967 | $1,146 | $29 |
| Average | $51,619 | $4,302 | $993 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,847 | $3,987 | $920 | $23 |
VENESCO LLC - Rapid City, SD
Providence House - Rapid City, SD
Dakota Counseling Institute - Chamberlain, SD
Providence House - Sioux Falls, SD
A Licensed Associate 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 Licensed Associate 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 Licensed Associate Counselor | $51,095 |
| Intermediate Level Licensed Associate Counselor | $51,252 |
| Senior Level Licensed Associate Counselor | $51,619 |
| Specialist Level Licensed Associate Counselor | $52,038 |
| Expert Level Licensed Associate Counselor | $52,699 |
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 Licensed Associate 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 Licensed Associate Counselor roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Licensed Associate Counselor positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Licensed Associate Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $77,428 | $37.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Licensed Associate 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 | $59,602 | $4,967 | $1,146 | $29 |
| Average | $51,619 | $4,302 | $993 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,847 | $3,987 | $920 | $23 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Licensed Associate Counselor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Headway
Watertown, SD
Headway | Watertown, SD
Join Headway, a pioneering organization in mental health services dedicated to transforming the accessibility and delivery of mental health care. At Headwa... more
13 Days Ago
Headway
Brookings, SD
Headway | Brookings, SD
Join Headway, a pioneering organization in mental health services dedicated to transforming the accessibility and delivery of mental health care. At Headwa... more
13 Days Ago
Headway
Aberdeen, SD
Headway | Aberdeen, SD
Join Headway, a pioneering organization in mental health services dedicated to transforming the accessibility and delivery of mental health care. At Headwa... more
13 Days Ago
Headway
Brookings, SD
Headway | Brookings, SD
Headway is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor to join our innovative team. As a leader in mental health services, Headwa... more
13 Days Ago
Headway
Brookings, SD
Headway | Brookings, SD
Headway, a pioneer in mental health services, is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) to join our team. At Headway... more
13 Days Ago
Headway
Sioux Falls, SD
Headway | Sioux Falls, SD
Join Headway, a pioneering organization in mental health services dedicated to transforming the accessibility and delivery of mental health care. At Headwa... more
15 Days Ago
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