How Much Does a Staff Counselor make?

Staff Counselor made a median salary around $64,325 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $74,217 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $55,867. 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 Staff Counselor jobs in Texas

Counselor, Licensed SIGN ON BONUS

Diversus Health Inc - CRIPPLE CREEK, CO

Staff Development Coordinator (RN)

MediLodge of Grand Rapids - GRAND RAPIDS, MI

Mental Health Counselor

Carolina Health Centers, Inc. - CALHOUN FALLS, SC

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Best-Paying Cities for Staff Counselor

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Staff Counselor profession are Bellaire , Houston , Galena Park , Alief , South Houston .
Bellaire, TX $65,902
Houston, TX $65,902
Galena Park, TX $65,836
Alief, TX $65,836
South Houston, TX $65,770

Best-Paying States for Staff Counselor

The states and districts that pay Staff Counselor the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $73,129) , California (around $72,472) , New Jersey (around $72,012) , Alaska (around $71,552) , and Massachusetts (around $71,487) .
District of Columbia $73,129
California $72,472
New Jersey $72,012
Alaska $71,552
Massachusetts $71,487

What is the Career Path of Staff 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.

The first career path typically progresses to Career Services Director.
The second career path typically progresses to Academic Advising Director.
The third career path typically progresses to Foreign Students Director.
Besides, Staff Counselor can also turn to other related jobs, including Addiction Counselor , Drug Counselor , Counselor - Higher Ed. and Substance Abuse Counselor .

Frequently Asked Questions for Staff Counselor

Q: What is the salary range of Staff Counselor in Texas?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Staff Counselor in Texas earned an average annual salary of $55,867 , while the highest-paid made $74,217.
Q: What is the salary for a Staff Counselor in California?
A: Staff Counselor employed in California earned an average salary of $72,472 in 2025.

Average Staff Counselor Pay vs. Other Jobs

Staff Counselor earned an average salary of $64,325 in 2025. Other jobs related to Staff Counselor earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Addiction Counselor made $57,800 , Drug Counselor made $57,801 , Counselor - Higher Ed. and Substance Abuse Counselor made $63,597 and $57,710 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Staff Counselor

Addiction Counselor - Average Salary $57,800
The Addiction Counselor acts as mediator between patients, relatives, medical staff, and outside agencies if needed. Runs individual, family, and group counseling for patients in chemical dependency programs. Being an Addiction Counselor typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent; meets the standards for Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification Board, or other appropriate certification. Tracks patient progress and dispensation of treatment services. In addition, Addiction Counselor typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Addiction Counselor's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Drug Counselor - Average Salary $57,801
The Drug Counselor acts as mediator between patients, relatives, medical staff, and outside agencies if needed. Runs individual, family, and group counseling for patients in chemical dependency programs. Being a Drug Counselor typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent; meets the standards for Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification Board, or other appropriate certification. Tracks patient progress and dispensation of treatment services. In addition, Drug Counselor typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Drug Counselor's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Counselor - Higher Ed. - Average Salary $63,597
Counselor - Higher Ed. provides professional counseling to students on academic, financial, and personal matters. Conducts intake assessments and screenings to evaluate students' needs and determine appropriate next steps. Being a Counselor - Higher Ed. provides short-term individual counseling and crisis intervention services to students dealing with a variety of concerns. Collaborates with campus partners, including academic advisors, residential life staff, and student organizations, to promote holistic student support. Additionally, Counselor - Higher Ed. requires a master's degree in counseling or psychology. Typically reports to a manager. The Counselor - Higher Ed. work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. To be a Counselor - Higher Ed. typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
Substance Abuse Counselor - Average Salary $57,710
The Substance Abuse Counselor acts as mediator between patients, relatives, medical staff, and outside agencies if needed. Runs individual, family, and group counseling for patients in chemical dependency programs. Being a Substance Abuse Counselor typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent; meets the standards for Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification Board, or other appropriate certification. Tracks patient progress and dispensation of treatment services. In addition, Substance Abuse Counselor typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Substance Abuse Counselor's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Drug Rehab Counselor - Average Salary $57,802
The Drug Rehab Counselor acts as mediator between patients, relatives, medical staff, and outside agencies if needed. Runs individual, family, and group counseling for patients in chemical dependency programs. Being a Drug Rehab Counselor typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent; meets the standards for Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification Board, or other appropriate certification. Tracks patient progress and dispensation of treatment services. In addition, Drug Rehab Counselor typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Drug Rehab Counselor's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.