Position
Salary

How much does a Counselor make?

The average salary for a Counselor is $85,246 per year in the US.

Counselors help people with personal, educational, and career challenges. They work in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, and private practices. The average yearly salary for counselors is around $85,246. This means most counselors earn between this amount and more, depending on their experience and location.

For those new to the field, entry-level salaries start around $42,434. As counselors gain experience, they can expect to earn more. Top earners in this field make up to $180,000 per year. The salary can vary based on factors like education, specialty, and where they work. Counselors who work in urban areas or have specialized skills often earn more.

View Counselor jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Counselor?

Cities like Stamford, CT, and Honolulu, HI, offer some of the highest salaries for counselors. This makes these places very attractive for professionals in this field. Counselors can expect competitive pay, with benefits that often include health insurance and retirement plans. Beyond the top cities, locations such as Fayetteville, AR, and Little Rock, AR, also provide strong salaries for counselors. These areas combine a good cost of living with solid compensation packages. Charleston, SC, and Mobile, AL, follow closely, offering stable incomes and opportunities for career growth.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Counselor jobs, highlighting Stamford, CT with the highest at $181,516 and Allentown, PA with the lowest at $128,318.
  1. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $181,516
    Stamford offers a range of opportunities for those in the helping professions. The city’s commitment to education and well-being creates a strong demand for counselors in schools and private practices. Major employers include Stamford Public Schools and local mental health centers.
    Find Counselor jobs in Stamford, CT


  2. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $153,011
    In Honolulu, counselors find a vibrant community that values mental health. With a growing emphasis on wellness, professionals can work in schools, hospitals, or private practices. Notable employers include Hawaii Pacific Health and various non-profits focused on community support.
    Find Counselor jobs in Honolulu, HI


  3. Fayetteville, AR
    Average Salary: $147,895
    Fayetteville provides a supportive environment for counselors, particularly around education and military support. With institutions like the University of Arkansas and Fort Smith, there are ample opportunities for those specializing in student counseling and family support services.
    Find Counselor jobs in Fayetteville, AR


  4. Little Rock, AR
    Average Salary: $143,517
    Little Rock offers a rich setting for counselors, with a focus on community services and education. The presence of Arkansas Children's Hospital and local schools creates a steady demand for professionals. Counseling roles here often involve working with diverse populations.
    Find Counselor jobs in Little Rock, AR


  5. Charleston, SC
    Average Salary: $141,947
    Charleston’s focus on quality of life makes it a great place for those in counseling. The city's commitment to mental health services provides various opportunities in schools, private practices, and community health centers. Employers include MUSC Health and Charleston County School District.
    Find Counselor jobs in Charleston, SC


  6. Mobile, AL
    Average Salary: $140,538
    Mobile has a strong need for counselors, especially in community and educational settings. The city's dedication to health and wellness makes it a good place for those looking to make a difference. Key employers include Springhill Medical Center and local schools.
    Find Counselor jobs in Mobile, AL


  7. Jackson, MS
    Average Salary: $136,822
    Jackson offers a variety of opportunities for counselors, with a strong focus on mental health and education. The city’s schools and healthcare facilities create a steady demand for qualified professionals. Employers include the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Jackson Public Schools.
    Find Counselor jobs in Jackson, MS


  8. Evansville, IN
    Average Salary: $134,233
    Evansville provides a supportive community for counselors, with a focus on education and mental health. Local schools and community health centers offer numerous opportunities for those in the field. Key employers include the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation and local hospitals.
    Find Counselor jobs in Evansville, IN


  9. Reno, NV
    Average Salary: $130,616
    Reno offers a dynamic environment for counselors, with a strong emphasis on community and mental health. The city’s growth and diversity create a demand for professionals in schools, clinics, and private practices. Notable employers include the University of Nevada, Reno, and local health services.
    Find Counselor jobs in Reno, NV


  10. Allentown, PA
    Average Salary: $128,318
    Allentown provides a range of opportunities for counselors, with a focus on education and community services. The city’s dedication to health and wellness makes it a good place for those looking to help others. Key employers include Lehigh Valley Health Network and local schools.
    Find Counselor jobs in Allentown, PA

What are the best companies a Counselor can work for?

Counselors can earn great salaries at top companies. SonderMind offers an average salary of $183,159. Brightside Health and Mindful Therapy Group also provide high salaries, at $173,257 and $167,484 respectively. Other notable employers include Zeel, Talkspace, and Crossover Health.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Counselor jobs, highlighting SonderMind with the highest at $183,159 and Telemynd with the lowest at $125,000.
  1. SonderMind
    Average Salary: $183,159
    SonderMind values mental health highly. They offer rewarding positions for counselors across various locations. You'll find opportunities in states like Colorado and California. They use innovative platforms to connect patients with therapists.


  2. Brightside Health
    Average Salary: $173,257
    At Brightside Health, counselors play a key role in patient care. They have centers in New York and California. Brightside focuses on treating mental health with a blend of medication and therapy.


  3. Mindful Therapy Group
    Average Salary: $167,484
    Mindful Therapy Group provides a nurturing environment for counselors. They operate across the country, with notable centers in New York and Florida. Their mission is to offer accessible mental health services.


  4. Zeel
    Average Salary: $165,000
    Zeel is a growing company with opportunities for counselors in states like Texas and New York. They believe in making therapy more accessible and flexible, providing a variety of telehealth options.


  5. Talkspace
    Average Salary: $147,077
    Talkspace offers an online platform for therapists. They have locations in New York and California. Counselors can enjoy the flexibility of remote work while helping clients.


  6. Crossover Health
    Average Salary: $146,392
    Crossover Health is focused on whole-person health. They have offices in California and Washington. Counselors here get to work with a team dedicated to mental and physical well-being.


  7. Innovative Therapeutic Services, Corp
    Average Salary: $136,917
    This company offers many locations for counselors in Florida and New York. They aim to provide high-quality mental health care with a personal touch.


  8. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $129,168
    Sutter Health provides comprehensive mental health services. They have a presence in California and other states. Counselors here benefit from a supportive work environment.


  9. Cotler Healthcare
    Average Salary: $128,182
    Cotler Healthcare offers diverse opportunities for counselors. They operate in California and Arizona. Their focus is on integrating mental health with overall healthcare.


  10. Telemynd
    Average Salary: $125,000
    Telemynd provides mental health services through telemedicine. They have locations in Florida and California. Counselors here can work remotely while offering essential support to patients.

How to earn more as a Counselor?

Looking to earn more as a counselor? Here are some factors to consider. Raising earnings often comes down to gaining more skills, experience, and credentials. These can make a counselor more attractive to potential employers.

First, consider earning advanced degrees. A master’s or doctoral degree can lead to higher salary positions. Specialization in areas like marriage and family therapy or school counseling can also open doors to better-paying roles. Second, gaining certifications can boost earning potential. Credentials like Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) are often linked to higher wages. Third, building a strong professional network helps. Networking can lead to job opportunities that pay more. Fourth, gaining experience in different settings improves marketability. Experience in schools, hospitals, or private practices adds value. Finally, continuously learning and adapting to new counseling methods can lead to higher-paying positions.

These factors focus on education, credentials, and experience. Investing in these areas can significantly increase a counselor's earnings.

  1. Earn advanced degrees.
  2. Gain relevant certifications.
  3. Build a professional network.
  4. Gain diverse experience.
  5. Continuously learn and adapt.

Currently 2,883 Counselor job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Counselor in the US?

Learn what a Counselor does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Counselor today.
Position
Overview
Counselor
2,883 Job Openings