As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Social Services Counselor in the United States is $60,327 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Social Services Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Social Services 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Social Services 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 Social Services Counselor | $58,936 |
| Intermediate Level Social Services Counselor | $59,400 |
| Senior Level Social Services Counselor | $62,288 |
| Specialist Level Social Services Counselor | $65,483 |
| Expert Level Social Services Counselor | $66,053 |
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 Social Services Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 8.84% |
| Patient Care | 2.49% |
| Geriatrics | 1.28% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$62,740 |
4%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$62,137 |
3%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$62,137 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$62,137 |
3%
|
|
Commitment
|
$61,533 |
2%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$61,533 |
2%
|
For Social Services Counselor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare., offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, Social Services Counselor positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Social Services Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare. | $63,343 | $30.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Social Services Counselors 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 Social Services Counselor with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $71,017 and $74,969).
Social Services Counselor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 0.8% |
| Associates | 1.5% |
| Bachelors | 5.1% |
| Masters | 91.4% |
| Doctorate | 1.1% |
Understanding how a Social Services 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Social Services Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $72,826 in 2023 to around $69,298 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Social Services Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $72,826 |
| 2024 | $70,702 |
| 2025 | $69,298 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare. industry offers the highest average compensation for Social Services Counselor roles, with salaries approximately 5% above the market median.
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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