As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Youth Development Counselor in the United States is $64,495 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.
However, a Youth Development Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Youth Development 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 Youth Development 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 Youth Development Counselor | $63,950 |
| Intermediate Level Youth Development Counselor | $64,339 |
| Senior Level Youth Development Counselor | $64,884 |
| Specialist Level Youth Development Counselor | $65,907 |
| Expert Level Youth Development Counselor | $68,350 |
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 Youth Development 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
|
$68,365 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$67,720 |
5%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$67,720 |
5%
|
|
Healthcare Services
|
$67,720 |
5%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$67,075 |
4%
|
|
Self-Directed
|
$66,430 |
3%
|
Understanding how a Youth Development 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 Youth Development Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $87,363 in 2023 to around $86,109 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Youth Development Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $87,363 |
| 2024 | $87,022 |
| 2025 | $86,109 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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