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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Professional Counselor in California is $68,675 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Professional Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Professional Counselor Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $76,544 | $6,379 | $1,472 | $37 |
| Average | $68,675 | $5,723 | $1,321 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,764 | $5,230 | $1,207 | $30 |
Headway - Vermont, CA
Headway - La Canada, CA
Nexus HR Services - Anaheim, CA
Headway - Hayes Valley, CA
A Professional 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.
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 Professional 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 Professional 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, Business Services, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Professional Counselor positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Professional Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $82,410 | $40.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Professional 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 | $76,544 | $6,379 | $1,472 | $37 |
| Average | $68,675 | $5,723 | $1,321 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,764 | $5,230 | $1,207 | $30 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Professional Counselor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Headway
Oildale, CA
Headway | Oildale, CA
Headway is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor to join our innovative team. As a leader in mental health services, Headwa... more
7 Days Ago
Headway
San Diego, CA
Headway | San Diego, CA
Headway is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor to join our innovative team. As a leader in mental health services, Headwa... more
7 Days Ago
Headway
Anaheim Hills, CA
Headway | Anaheim Hills, CA
Headway is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor to join our innovative team. As a leader in mental health services, Headwa... more
7 Days Ago
Headway
East Long Beach, CA
Headway | East Long Beach, CA
Headway is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor to join our innovative team. As a leader in mental health services, Headwa... more
15 Days Ago
Headway
Campbell, CA
Headway | Campbell, CA
Headway is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor to join our innovative team. As a leader in mental health services, Headwa... more
15 Days Ago
Headway
East Irvine, CA
Headway | East Irvine, CA
Headway is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor to join our innovative team. As a leader in mental health services, Headwa... more
15 Days Ago
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