As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Counselor in the United States is $82,935 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Lead Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Lead Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 5.65% |
| Economics | 4.28% |
| Field Service | 1.69% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Recruitment and Selection
|
$89,569 |
8%
|
|
Enterprise Services
|
$88,740 |
7%
|
|
Client Service
|
$87,911 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$87,911 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$87,081 |
5%
|
|
Coordination
|
$87,081 |
5%
|
For Lead 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, Lead Counselor positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Lead Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $99,522 | $48.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lead Counselors enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Lead Counselor with a Bachelor's Degree is between $72,864 and $78,433).
Lead Counselor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.6% |
| High School | 3.6% |
| Associates | 2.0% |
| Bachelors | 24.5% |
| Masters | 67.3% |
| Doctorate | 2.6% |
Understanding how a Lead 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, 2026Salaries for a Lead Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $48,040 in 2023 to around $47,497 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $48,040 |
| 2024 | $48,064 |
| 2025 | $47,497 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Lead Counselor 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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