As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Residential Youth Counselor in the United States is $61,875 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Residential Youth Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Residential Youth 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 Residential Youth 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 Residential Youth Counselor | $61,352 |
| Intermediate Level Residential Youth Counselor | $61,725 |
| Senior Level Residential Youth Counselor | $62,248 |
| Specialist Level Residential Youth Counselor | $63,229 |
| Expert Level Residential Youth Counselor | $65,574 |
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 Residential Youth Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.26% |
| Support Services | 3.48% |
| CPR | 2.37% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Flexibility
|
$65,587 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$64,968 |
5%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$64,968 |
5%
|
|
Healthcare Services
|
$64,968 |
5%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$64,350 |
4%
|
|
Self-Directed
|
$63,731 |
3%
|
Understanding how a Residential Youth 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Residential Youth Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,814 in 2023 to around $82,610 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Residential Youth Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $83,814 |
| 2024 | $83,486 |
| 2025 | $82,610 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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