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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Career Development Counselor in California is $55,478 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Career Development Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Career Development Counselor Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $62,063 | $5,172 | $1,194 | $30 |
| Average | $55,478 | $4,623 | $1,067 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,286 | $4,107 | $948 | $24 |
Bizzell Group - Long Beach, CA
Job Corps - San Francisco, CA
The Salvation Army, Community Integration Services - Los Angeles, CA
The Salvation Army, Community Integration Services - Santa Barbara, CA
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 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 | $52,936 |
| Intermediate Level Career Development Counselor | $53,123 |
| Senior Level Career Development Counselor | $55,478 |
| Specialist Level Career Development Counselor | $58,190 |
| Expert Level Career Development Counselor | $58,383 |
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:
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 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. | $63,800 | $31.0 | 15% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $62,063 | $5,172 | $1,194 | $30 |
| Average | $55,478 | $4,623 | $1,067 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,286 | $4,107 | $948 | $24 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Career Development Counselor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Paul Mitchell Schools
Sacramento, CA
Paul Mitchell Schools | Sacramento, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Paul Mitchell The School Sacramento in Sacramento, CA, is seeking a full-time Career Development Specialist to be the dri... more
7 Days Ago
Building Careers Foundation
Sacramento, CA
Building Careers Foundation | Sacramento, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job description. Career Development Manager. . Reports to. Director Workforce Dev more
7 Days Ago
EL PROYECTO DEL BARRIO
Sun Valley, CA
EL PROYECTO DEL BARRIO | Sun Valley, CA
Career Business Development RepresentativeWorkSource Center - Sun Valley, CA 91352OverviewSalary Range $23.15 - $32.41 HourlyDescriptionJob SummaryThis pos... more
9 Days Ago
SCTCA
La Mesa, CA
SCTCA | La Mesa, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job PostingJob title: Career Development. SpecialistLocation. La Mesa, CAApplication Deadline: Open until. filledCompensa... more
9 Days Ago
The Salvation Army Southern CA Division
Los Angeles, CA
The Salvation Army Southern CA Division | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Mission Statement. The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian churc... more
7 Days Ago
The Salvation Army Southern CA Division
Los Angeles, CA
The Salvation Army Southern CA Division | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Mission Statement. The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian churc... more
9 Days Ago
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