As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Counselor I in the United States is $68,593 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Counselor I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Counselor I'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 Counselor I'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 Counselor I | $66,184 |
| Intermediate Level Counselor I | $66,588 |
| Senior Level Counselor I | $67,153 |
| Specialist Level Counselor I | $68,213 |
| Expert Level Counselor I | $70,743 |
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 Counselor Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.24% |
| Billing | 3.7% |
| Psychotherapy | 2.9% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Integrity
|
$70,650 |
3%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$70,650 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$69,965 |
2%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$69,965 |
2%
|
|
Group Therapy
|
$69,965 |
2%
|
|
Client Service
|
$69,279 |
1%
|
For Counselor I 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, Counselor positions in Edu., Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Counselor I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $82,311 | $40.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Counselor I'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 Counselor I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $86,583 in 2023 to around $85,340 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Counselor I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $86,583 |
| 2024 | $86,245 |
| 2025 | $85,340 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Counselor I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Counselor I roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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