How Much Does a College Counselor make?

College Counselor made a median salary around $53,175 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $60,030 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $47,516. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out College Counselor jobs in Billings, Montana

Counselor, Licensed SIGN ON BONUS

Diversus Health Inc - CRIPPLE CREEK, CO

Mental Health Counselor

Carolina Health Centers, Inc. - CALHOUN FALLS, SC

Certified Nursing Assistant CNA

Yorktown Manor Care Center - YORKTOWN, IN

Registered Nurse, Oncology

BronxCare Hospital Center - BRONX, NY

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Best-Paying Cities for College Counselor

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the College Counselor profession are Rexford , Saint Regis , Saltese , Stryker , Superior .
Rexford, MT $55,592
Saint Regis, MT $55,592
Saltese, MT $55,592
Stryker, MT $55,592
Superior, MT $55,592

Best-Paying States for College Counselor

The states and districts that pay College Counselor the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $61,140) , California (around $60,590) , New Jersey (around $60,206) , Alaska (around $59,821) , and Massachusetts (around $59,766) .
District of Columbia $61,140
California $60,590
New Jersey $60,206
Alaska $59,821
Massachusetts $59,766

What is the Career Path of College Counselor?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For College Counselor, the first career path typically starts with a Career Counselor - Higher Ed. position , and then progresses to Career Services Director.

The second career path typically starts with a Counselor - Higher Ed. position , and then progresses to Academic Advising Director.

Additionally, the third career path typically starts with a Foreign Studies Advisor position , and then progresses to Foreign Students Director.

Besides, College Counselor can also turn to other related jobs, including College Academic Counselor , Private College Counselor , College Career Counselor and College Financial Aid Counselor .

Frequently Asked Questions for College Counselor

Q: What is the salary range of College Counselor in Billings, MT?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid College Counselor in Billings, MT earned an average annual salary of $47,516 , while the highest-paid made $60,030.
Q: What is the salary for a College Counselor in California?
A: College Counselor employed in California earned an average salary of $60,590 in 2025.

Average College Counselor Pay vs. Other Jobs

College Counselor earned an average salary of $53,175 in 2025. Other jobs related to College Counselor earned the following average salary in March, 2025. College Academic Counselor made $52,680 , Private College Counselor made $65,631 , College Career Counselor and College Financial Aid Counselor made $55,688 and $47,600 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of College Counselor

College Academic Counselor - Average Salary $52,680
The College Academic Counselor assists students in setting academic goals, course planning and career development. Advises university/college students in course and major selection, requirements for selected area of concentration, and post-college plans. Being a College Academic Counselor requires a bachelor's degree in counseling or related field or its equivalent. May work with individual students or groups. In addition, College Academic Counselor typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Being a College Academic Counselor gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Working as a College Academic Counselor typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience.
Private College Counselor - Average Salary $65,631
A school counselor works in primary (elementary and middle) schools and/or secondary schools to provide academic, career, college access/affordability/admission, and social-emotional competencies to all students through a school counseling program. School counselors in most countries have at least a master's degree in school counseling and state and/or national certification.
College Career Counselor - Average Salary $55,688
There is currently no job description for College Career Counselor, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for College Career Counselor.
College Financial Aid Counselor - Average Salary $47,600
The College Financial Aid Counselor decides to award scholarships, grants, and other monetary rewards. Administers the financial aid program and provides application counseling. Being a College Financial Aid Counselor requires a bachelor's degree. Audits and reconciles financial aid accounts. In addition, College Financial Aid Counselor typically reports to a supervisor. Being a College Financial Aid Counselor gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Working as a College Financial Aid Counselor typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience.
College/University Student Counselor - Average Salary $62,900
The College/University Student Counselor has responsibilities of therapy, vocational testing and assessment, program development and evaluation, and outreach activities. Consults student in individual or group with academic, financial, and personal matters. Being a College/University Student Counselor typically reports to department head. Requires a master's degree of clinical/counseling psychology. Being a College/University Student Counselor contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Working as a College/University Student Counselor typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience.