As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Behavioral Youth Counselor in the United States is $36,572 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Behavioral Youth Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Behavioral Youth 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 Behavioral Youth 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 Behavioral Youth Counselor | $36,190 |
| Intermediate Level Behavioral Youth Counselor | $36,458 |
| Senior Level Behavioral Youth Counselor | $37,031 |
| Specialist Level Behavioral Youth Counselor | $37,146 |
| Expert Level Behavioral Youth Counselor | $37,223 |
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 Behavioral Youth Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.83% |
| Medication Administration | 5.59% |
| Service Quality | 3.86% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Social Work
|
$40,961 |
12%
|
|
Leadership
|
$39,864 |
9%
|
|
Analysis
|
$39,864 |
9%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$38,401 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$38,035 |
4%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$38,035 |
4%
|
Understanding how a Behavioral Youth 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Behavioral Youth Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,221 in 2023 to around $41,063 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Behavioral Youth Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $41,221 |
| 2024 | $41,435 |
| 2025 | $41,063 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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