How much does a Residential Counselor make?
Residential Counselors play a vital role in helping people in need. They work with individuals who may have mental health issues, addiction problems, or other challenges. These professionals earn a good salary for their important work. The average yearly salary for a Residential Counselor is around $41,883. This means they can support themselves and their families well.
The salary for Residential Counselors can vary based on experience and location. Some earn less than $32,000, while others make more than $64,000. Most counselors fall somewhere in between. This range shows that there are good opportunities for those who want to advance in their careers. With more experience, they can earn higher salaries and take on more responsibilities.
What are the highest paying cities for a Residential Counselor?

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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $65,148
In Seattle, you can find rewarding work with organizations like Childhaven and The Salvation Army. The city's vibrant community and supportive environment make it a great place to help others. Seattle offers a mix of urban and natural settings, providing a unique backdrop for impactful work.
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Memphis, TN
Average Salary: $60,971
Memphis provides a chance to work with companies such as Baptist Memorial Health Care and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. The city's rich culture and strong community spirit create a fulfilling atmosphere for those in this role. Memphis offers a blend of historical charm and modern opportunities.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $57,453
Santa Rosa is home to organizations like Redwood Empire Council and Catholic Charities. The city's beautiful landscapes and welcoming community make it an excellent place to make a difference. Santa Rosa offers a peaceful environment with plenty of outdoor activities.
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Akron, OH
Average Salary: $55,247
In Akron, you can work with Summit Behavioral Healthcare and The Salvation Army. The city's diverse culture and strong community ties make it a great place for impactful work. Akron offers a mix of urban and suburban settings, providing a unique backdrop for helping others.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $54,515
San Francisco offers opportunities with companies like The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities. The city's innovative spirit and diverse community create a dynamic environment for those in this role. San Francisco provides a vibrant setting with plenty of cultural and recreational activities.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $53,169
Denver is home to organizations like The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities. The city's outdoor lifestyle and supportive community make it an ideal place to help others. Denver offers a mix of urban and natural settings, providing a unique backdrop for impactful work.
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Cedar Rapids, IA
Average Salary: $52,413
In Cedar Rapids, you can work with organizations like The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities. The city's friendly community and strong support systems create a fulfilling atmosphere for those in this role. Cedar Rapids offers a blend of urban and rural settings, providing a unique backdrop for helping others.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $51,715
San Jose offers opportunities with companies like The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities. The city's tech-driven environment and diverse community create a dynamic setting for impactful work. San Jose provides a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of opportunities for growth and development.
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New Orleans, LA
Average Salary: $51,591
New Orleans provides a chance to work with organizations like Catholic Charities and The Salvation Army. The city's rich culture and strong community spirit create a fulfilling atmosphere for those in this role. New Orleans offers a vibrant setting with plenty of cultural and recreational activities.
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Eugene, OR
Average Salary: $50,498
In Eugene, you can work with organizations like Catholic Charities and The Salvation Army. The city's progressive environment and supportive community make it a great place to help others. Eugene offers a blend of urban and natural settings, providing a unique backdrop for impactful work.
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What are the best companies a Residential Counselor can work for?

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HealthRIGHT 360
Average Salary: $62,877
HealthRIGHT 360 offers rewarding Residential Counselor jobs. They provide care in California, Colorado, and Washington. Their programs focus on mental health and addiction recovery.
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Chesterfield County
Average Salary: $61,385
Chesterfield County provides excellent opportunities for Residential Counselors. They operate in Virginia, focusing on community health and safety. Their programs support youth and families.
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Bay Area Community Services
Average Salary: $57,000
Bay Area Community Services offers a variety of Residential Counselor positions. They serve in California, providing mental health and substance abuse services. Their work helps individuals lead healthier lives.
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Youth Villages
Average Salary: $55,933
Youth Villages offers Residential Counselor jobs in multiple states. They focus on children and family services. Their programs aim to provide a safe and nurturing environment for young people.
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Jefferson Center for Mental Health
Average Salary: $54,669
Jefferson Center for Mental Health provides Residential Counselor positions in Colorado. They offer a range of mental health services. Their goal is to support individuals in achieving mental wellness.
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Edgewood Center for Children and Families
Average Salary: $51,762
Edgewood Center for Children and Families offers Residential Counselor jobs in Illinois. They focus on children's mental health and family services. Their programs aim to support children and families in need.
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Gateway Foundation
Average Salary: $51,669
Gateway Foundation offers Residential Counselor positions in multiple states. They provide addiction treatment services. Their work helps individuals overcome addiction and lead healthier lives.
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Victor Community Support Services
Average Salary: $50,789
Victor Community Support Services offers Residential Counselor jobs in California. They provide mental health and substance abuse services. Their programs aim to support individuals in achieving recovery.
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ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES
Average Salary: $50,667
ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES offers Residential Counselor positions in California. They provide mental health services. Their work focuses on supporting individuals in their recovery journey.
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City of Alexandria, VA
Average Salary: $50,611
The City of Alexandria, VA, offers Residential Counselor jobs. They focus on community health and safety. Their programs support individuals and families in need.
How to earn more as a Residential Counselor?
Residential Counselors play a vital role in helping individuals in need. They can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining more experience and skills can lead to higher-paying positions. Specializations in areas like mental health or substance abuse can also open up better-paying opportunities. Networking with other professionals can lead to job openings that pay more. Continuing education and certifications can help counselors stay competitive in the job market. Seeking out roles in higher-demand areas can also lead to better compensation.
To maximize earnings, counselors should consider these factors. First, gaining experience in different settings can make a counselor more versatile. Second, obtaining certifications in specialized areas can increase job opportunities. Third, building a strong professional network can lead to higher-paying positions. Fourth, staying updated with the latest training and education can keep skills sharp. Lastly, seeking roles in areas with a high demand for counselors can lead to better pay. By focusing on these areas, Residential Counselors can improve their earning potential.
- Experience: Gaining experience in various settings can make a counselor more versatile.
- Certifications: Obtaining certifications in specialized areas can increase job opportunities.
- Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to higher-paying positions.
- Education: Staying updated with the latest training and education can keep skills sharp.
- Demand: Seeking roles in areas with a high demand for counselors can lead to better pay.



