As of May 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Entry Level Counselor in the US is $50,626, equivalent to $24 per hour, $974 weekly, or $4,219 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Entry Level Counselor in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.
Annually Salaries for Entry Level Counselor in the US vary widely, spanning from $42,041 to $61,117. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($46,132) and 75th percentile ($56,117), while top earners (90th percentile) make $61,117 per year. This $9,985 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Planning or Child Development, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Entry Level Counselor often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 33 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit to offset market challenges.