As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Human Services Counselor in the United States is $47,183 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Human Services Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Human Services 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 Human Services 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 Human Services Counselor | $47,183 |
| Intermediate Level Human Services Counselor | $47,651 |
| Senior Level Human Services Counselor | $48,806 |
| Specialist Level Human Services Counselor | $49,037 |
| Expert Level Human Services Counselor | $49,191 |
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 Human Services Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 6.22% |
| Child Development | 2.43% |
| Psychiatric | 2.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Group Therapy
|
$53,317 |
13%
|
|
Treatment Planning
|
$51,902 |
10%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$50,958 |
8%
|
|
Group Counseling
|
$50,486 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$50,486 |
7%
|
|
Accountability
|
$50,014 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Human Services Counselors enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 Human Services Counselor with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $43,270 and $46,583).
Human Services Counselor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 0.8% |
| Associates | 0.8% |
| Bachelors | 5.4% |
| Masters | 87.3% |
| Doctorate | 5.4% |
Understanding how a Human Services 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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a Human Services Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $45,307 in 2023 to around $44,798 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Human Services Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $45,307 |
| 2024 | $45,217 |
| 2025 | $44,798 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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