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Vocational Counselor Salary in the United States

How much does a Vocational Counselor make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Vocational Counselor in the United States is $57,868 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

However, a Vocational Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $72,323
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,085 to $65,434
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $39,178
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Vocational Counselor Salaries

A Vocational 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.

How Experience Level Affects Vocational Counselor Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Vocational 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $56,917
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $57,189
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $60,470
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $63,629
  • Expert (over 8 years): $63,855
Levels Salary
Entry Level Vocational Counselor$56,917
Intermediate Level Vocational Counselor$57,189
Senior Level Vocational Counselor$60,470
Specialist Level Vocational Counselor$63,629
Expert Level Vocational Counselor$63,855
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How Do Vocational Counselor Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Vocational Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $64,072.
  • California: $63,829.
  • Massachusetts: $62,978.

Top Paying Cities for Vocational Counselors

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:

  • San Jose: $72,989
  • San Francisco: $72,190
  • Oakland: $70,669

What Skills Can Increase a Vocational Counselor's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Career Development (Mentioned in 25% Job Postings): Refers to the process an individual may undergo to evolve their occupational status. It is the process of making decisions for long term learning, to align personal needs of physical or psychological fulfillment with career advancement opportunities.
  • Credit Card (Mentioned in 25% Job Postings): A credit card is a type of credit facility, provided by banks that allow customers to borrow funds within a pre-approved credit limit.
  • Diversity and Inclusion (Mentioned in 25% Job Postings): Developing and promoting acquaintance, empowerment, and integration of each unique individual to create a productive and safe working environment.
Skills Demand Percentage
Career Development 25%
Credit Card 25%
Diversity and Inclusion 25%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Vocational Counselor's salary.

  • Diversity and Inclusion: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Credit Card: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
  • Career Development: Can increase your salary by up to 1%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Diversity and Inclusion $60,183
4%
Credit Card $59,025
2%
Career Development $58,447
1%
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Vocational Counselor Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Vocational Counselor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Vocational Counselor positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Vocational Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Vocational Counselor

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$69,442$33.020%

Vocational Counselor Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Vocational 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 September 01, 2026
$48,085
Average $57,868/year
$65,434
$4,007
Average $4,822/month
$5,453
$925
Average $1,113/week
$1,258
$23
Average $28/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $65,434 $5,453 $1,258 $31
Average $57,868 $4,822 $1,113 $28
25th Percentile $48,085 $4,007 $925 $23

Most common benefits for Vocational Counselor

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Vocational Counselor

Here are companies hiring for Vocational Counselor and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Vocational Counselor

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Vocational Counselor?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Vocational Counselor roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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