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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Behavior Counselor in California is $73,419 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Behavior Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Behavior Counselor Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $79,545 | $6,629 | $1,530 | $38 |
| Average | $73,419 | $6,118 | $1,412 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,657 | $5,638 | $1,301 | $33 |
United Indian Health Services, Inc. - Crescent City, CA
Pinnacle Treatment Centers - STEWARTSVILLE, NJ
Pinnacle Treatment Centers - MARTINSVILLE, IN
Pinnacle Treatment Centers - CITY OF WILKES BARRE, PA
A Behavior 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 a Behavior 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 Behavior Counselor | $72,058 |
| Intermediate Level Behavior Counselor | $72,458 |
| Senior Level Behavior Counselor | $73,018 |
| Specialist Level Behavior Counselor | $74,016 |
| Expert Level Behavior Counselor | $75,991 |
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 Behavior Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Behavior Counselor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Behavior Counselor positions in Edu., Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Behavior Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $80,760 | $39.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Behavior 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $79,545 | $6,629 | $1,530 | $38 |
| Average | $73,419 | $6,118 | $1,412 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,657 | $5,638 | $1,301 | $33 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Behavior Counselor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Pinnacle Treatment Centers
MOUNT POCONO, PA
Pinnacle Treatment Centers
SANTA BARBARA, CA
Pinnacle Treatment Centers
WILKES-BARRE, PA
Cotler Healthcare
LIVE OAK, FL
Cotler Healthcare | LIVE OAK, FL
Title: Licensed Master's Level ClinicianCotler Psychology Services is currently seeking a Florida licensed Master's-level clinician (LCSW, LMHC, or LMFT) t... more
5 Days Ago
VitalCaring
WOODWARD, OK
HCA Healthcare
AURORA, CO
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