As of April 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Counselor in the United States is $31, which translates to an annual salary of about $64,441.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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Counselor Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $72,472 | $6,039 | $1,394 | $35 |
| Average | $64,441 | $5,370 | $1,239 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,313 | $4,943 | $1,141 | $29 |
Headway - Newburgh Heights, OH
Headway - Minerva Park, OH
Headway - Hyde Park, OH
Headway - Newburgh Heights, OH
A 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 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 Counselor | $62,757 |
| Intermediate Level Counselor | $63,140 |
| Senior Level Counselor | $63,676 |
| Specialist Level Counselor | $64,681 |
| Expert Level Counselor | $67,078 |
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 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:
Understanding how a 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 | $72,472 | $6,039 | $1,394 | $35 |
| Average | $64,441 | $5,370 | $1,239 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,313 | $4,943 | $1,141 | $29 |
Salaries for a Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $85,734 in 2023 to around $84,503 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $85,734 |
| 2024 | $85,399 |
| 2025 | $84,503 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Counselor and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Counselor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Provides medical or personal guidance and direction to individuals. Identifies objectives and helps individuals develop strategies and solutions to achieve their goals. Monitors progress, documents activities, and maintains files. May refer subjects to specialists or recommend additional services for further treatment. May require a bachelor's degree. May require State License to Practice. Typically reports to a supervisor. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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