As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Career Development Counselor in the United States is $50,298 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Career Development Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Career Development 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 Career Development 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 Career Development Counselor | $47,993 |
| Intermediate Level Career Development Counselor | $48,162 |
| Senior Level Career Development Counselor | $50,298 |
| Specialist Level Career Development Counselor | $52,756 |
| Expert Level Career Development Counselor | $52,931 |
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 Career Development Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.79% |
| Business Strategy | 1.81% |
| First Aid | 1.49% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
UI
|
$57,842 |
15%
|
|
Analysis
|
$55,328 |
10%
|
|
Leadership
|
$53,316 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$53,316 |
6%
|
|
PowerPoint
|
$52,813 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$52,813 |
5%
|
For Career Development Counselor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't., offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Career Development Counselor positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Career Development Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. | $57,842 | $28.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Career Development Counselors enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 Career Development Counselor with a Associate's Degree is between $46,979 and $50,104).
Career Development Counselor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 9.5% |
| Associates | 8.6% |
| Bachelors | 59.0% |
| Masters | 21.4% |
| Doctorate | 1.0% |
Understanding how a Career Development 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Career Development Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $50,364 in 2023 to around $50,670 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Career Development Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $50,364 |
| 2024 | $51,122 |
| 2025 | $50,670 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Edu., Gov't. industry offers the highest average compensation for Career Development Counselor roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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