As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Adult Counselor in the United States is $132,582 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.
However, an Adult Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Adult 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 an Adult 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 Adult Counselor | $125,919 |
| Intermediate Level Adult Counselor | $126,841 |
| Senior Level Adult Counselor | $131,126 |
| Specialist Level Adult Counselor | $134,263 |
| Expert Level Adult Counselor | $134,824 |
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 Adult Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.96% |
| CPA | 4.3% |
| Geriatrics | 2.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Healthcare Services
|
$148,492 |
12%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$145,840 |
10%
|
|
Interpersonal Communication
|
$144,514 |
9%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$143,189 |
8%
|
|
Planning
|
$141,863 |
7%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$140,537 |
6%
|
Understanding how an Adult 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 an Adult Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $117,487 in 2023 to around $110,691 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Adult Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $117,487 |
| 2024 | $113,913 |
| 2025 | $110,691 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Adult Counselor and their salaries, click below for more details.
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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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