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How much does a Counselor make?

The average salary for a Counselor is $88,988 per year in the US.

Counselors work in many different settings, helping people with personal, social, and career challenges. They earn a good salary for their important work. The average yearly salary for a counselor is around $88,988. This means that most counselors make between $43,035 and $217,000 each year. The exact salary can change based on experience, location, and the type of counseling they do.

Counselors can work in schools, hospitals, private practices, and community centers. Each of these places may offer different pay rates. Some counselors also choose to specialize in areas like marriage and family therapy or substance abuse. These specialties can lead to higher pay. Counselors who work in big cities or areas with a high cost of living often earn more than those in smaller towns. Experience also plays a big role. New counselors start at the lower end of the salary range, but they can earn more as they gain more experience and skills.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Counselor?

Counselors can find some of the best pay in Stamford, CT, where the average salary reaches $174,278. Fayetteville, AR, and Honolulu, HI, also offer strong salaries for counselors, with averages of $148,016 and $146,638, respectively. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking rewarding careers in counseling.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Counselor jobs, highlighting Stamford, CT with the highest at $174,278 and Allentown, PA with the lowest at $126,735.
  1. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $174,278
    Stamford offers a vibrant environment for those in the helping professions. With top employers like Stamford Hospital and the Stamford Public Schools, professionals can find rewarding opportunities. The city's commitment to mental health and education makes it a great place to make a difference.
    Find Counselor jobs in Stamford, CT


  2. Fayetteville, AR
    Average Salary: $148,016
    In Fayetteville, counseling roles are in high demand. The presence of institutions like the University of Arkansas and local health care providers offers diverse opportunities. The community's focus on education and well-being creates a supportive setting for counselors.
    Find Counselor jobs in Fayetteville, AR


  3. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $146,638
    Honolulu provides a unique setting for counseling professionals. The city's diverse culture and strong community support make it an ideal place to work. With employers like Hawaii Pacific Health, counselors can help a wide range of clients.
    Find Counselor jobs in Honolulu, HI


  4. Mobile, AL
    Average Salary: $136,992
    Mobile offers a welcoming environment for those in counseling. The city's healthcare facilities and schools provide many opportunities. The community's emphasis on family and support makes it a fulfilling place to work.
    Find Counselor jobs in Mobile, AL


  5. Little Rock, AR
    Average Salary: $135,501
    Little Rock is a great place for counseling careers. With major employers like Arkansas Children's Hospital, professionals can find rewarding work. The city's focus on community health and education creates a supportive environment for counselors.
    Find Counselor jobs in Little Rock, AR


  6. Charleston, SC
    Average Salary: $131,427
    Charleston offers a vibrant setting for counseling professionals. The city's healthcare institutions and schools provide many opportunities. The community's emphasis on mental health and education makes it a fulfilling place to work.
    Find Counselor jobs in Charleston, SC


  7. Evansville, IN
    Average Salary: $130,704
    Evansville provides a supportive environment for counseling careers. With employers like Deaconess Hospital and local schools, professionals can find rewarding opportunities. The city's focus on community health and education creates a positive setting for counselors.
    Find Counselor jobs in Evansville, IN


  8. Billings, MT
    Average Salary: $127,374
    Billings offers a unique environment for counseling professionals. The city's healthcare facilities and schools provide many opportunities. The community's emphasis on mental health and support makes it a fulfilling place to work.
    Find Counselor jobs in Billings, MT


  9. Knoxville, TN
    Average Salary: $127,305
    Knoxville provides a vibrant setting for counseling careers. With major employers like the University of Tennessee and local health care providers, professionals can find rewarding work. The city's focus on education and well-being creates a supportive environment for counselors.
    Find Counselor jobs in Knoxville, TN


  10. Allentown, PA
    Average Salary: $126,735
    Allentown offers a supportive environment for counseling professionals. The city's healthcare institutions and schools provide many opportunities. The community's emphasis on mental health and education makes it a fulfilling place to work.
    Find Counselor jobs in Allentown, PA

What are the best companies a Counselor can work for?

Headway offers some of the highest salaries for counselors, with an average of $223,333. SonderMind also pays well, with an average salary of $184,429. Empower U, Inc. provides a competitive average of $169,999 for counselors. These companies value their counselors and offer attractive compensation packages. Counselors can expect to earn good salaries while making a positive impact on their clients' lives.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Counselor jobs, highlighting Headway with the highest at $223,333 and Crossover Health with the lowest at $131,469.
  1. Headway
    Average Salary: $223,333
    Headway offers rewarding Counselor jobs with a focus on mental health. They operate in multiple locations, providing flexible work options. Their commitment to quality care makes it a top choice for professionals.


  2. SonderMind
    Average Salary: $184,429
    SonderMind provides Counselor positions with competitive pay. They serve clients across various states, ensuring diverse experiences. Their innovative approach to mental health care is highly regarded.


  3. Empower U, Inc.
    Average Salary: $169,999
    Empower U, Inc. offers Counselor jobs with a strong emphasis on community support. They operate in several locations, offering a chance to make a meaningful impact. Their supportive environment is ideal for career growth.


  4. Zeel
    Average Salary: $165,000
    Zeel provides Counselor positions with attractive salaries. They serve clients in multiple regions, offering flexibility and growth opportunities. Their focus on client care creates a positive work atmosphere.


  5. Brightside Health
    Average Salary: $159,911
    Brightside Health offers Counselor jobs with a focus on mental health innovation. They operate in various locations, providing a chance to work with cutting-edge technology. Their supportive culture is great for professional development.


  6. Mindful Therapy Group
    Average Salary: $158,828
    Mindful Therapy Group provides Counselor positions with a strong emphasis on client care. They serve clients in multiple areas, offering diverse experiences. Their commitment to quality care makes it a top choice for professionals.


  7. Dreamchasers Community Services LLC.
    Average Salary: $157,615
    Dreamchasers Community Services LLC. offers Counselor jobs with a focus on community support. They operate in several locations, providing a chance to make a meaningful impact. Their supportive environment is ideal for career growth.


  8. Talkspace
    Average Salary: $146,163
    Talkspace provides Counselor positions with a strong emphasis on flexibility. They serve clients across various regions, offering diverse experiences. Their innovative approach to mental health care is highly regarded.


  9. El Camino Health
    Average Salary: $132,887
    El Camino Health offers Counselor jobs with a focus on comprehensive care. They operate in multiple locations, providing a chance to work in a supportive environment. Their commitment to quality care makes it a top choice for professionals.


  10. Crossover Health
    Average Salary: $131,469
    Crossover Health provides Counselor positions with a strong emphasis on holistic care. They serve clients in multiple areas, offering diverse experiences. Their supportive culture is great for professional development.

How to earn more as a Counselor?

Counselors can find several ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on these areas, professionals can enhance their skills and marketability. This leads to higher pay and more job satisfaction.

First, gaining more certifications can open new doors. Specializations in areas like marriage and family therapy or substance abuse can lead to higher-paying positions. Second, gaining experience in different settings, such as schools or private practices, can make a counselor more versatile. Third, pursuing a master's or doctoral degree can lead to higher-level positions. Fourth, taking on leadership roles, such as managing a team of counselors, can increase earnings. Finally, networking with other professionals and attending conferences can lead to new job opportunities and higher salaries.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a counselor:

  1. Obtain additional certifications.
  2. Gain experience in various settings.
  3. Pursue advanced degrees.
  4. Take on leadership roles.
  5. Network with other professionals.

Currently 4,023 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.
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Counselor
4,023 Job Openings