As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Debt Counselor in the United States is $35,836 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Debt Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Debt 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Debt 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 Debt Counselor | $35,527 |
| Intermediate Level Debt Counselor | $36,143 |
| Senior Level Debt Counselor | $37,345 |
| Specialist Level Debt Counselor | $37,473 |
| Expert Level Debt Counselor | $37,559 |
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 Debt Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Integrity | 5.44% |
| Preventive Maintenance | 2.85% |
| Services Marketing | 1.99% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$46,946 |
31%
|
|
Time Management
|
$41,570 |
16%
|
|
Accountability
|
$40,495 |
13%
|
|
Public Service
|
$40,495 |
13%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$40,137 |
12%
|
|
Insight
|
$40,137 |
12%
|
For Debt Counselor roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Business Services and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Debt Counselor positions in MFG Nondurable or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Debt Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $43,004 | $21.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $39,420 | $19.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Debt Counselors enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Debt Counselor with a No Diploma is between $37,842 and $39,522).
Debt Counselor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 50.0% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 25.0% |
| Bachelors | 25.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Debt 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 Debt Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,568 in 2023 to around $39,378 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Debt Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $41,568 |
| 2024 | $40,730 |
| 2025 | $39,378 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Debt 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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