Career Counselor Salary Guide

Career counselors advise individuals on the best career path based on their skills, qualifications, interests, and more. In this role, the career counselor assesses a person’s character traits and abilities using aptitude tests and other therapeutic evaluations to devise a professional plan. Although some entry-level positions may require a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree is sometimes the minimum requirement, along with licensure and certification. Educational requirements vary by location and industry.

You can find career counselor jobs in various industries, including education, health care, human resources, and more. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), expect an average growth rate of 4 percent over the next decade in this profession as the rate of school enrollment and the need for employment continues to rise [1]. The need for career counselors and the expected salary for career counselors have been steadily increasing for years—trends experts anticipate will continue. 

What is a career counselor?

A career counselor guides and advises students or individuals seeking employment on potential career paths that best fit their needs, skills, and interests. Career counselors may work in various educational settings, such as schools and colleges, and outside the education industry. You can find career counselors in other fields, such as health care or human resources, in roles like social workers or career coaches. 

Career counselors may use aptitude tests to measure an individual’s skills and determine the best career path. The counselor’s goal is to understand more about the client and their history while helping them learn more about themselves and their abilities. Together, they may create goals based on those skills and the individual’s interests, along with a strategy to help them achieve those career goals. 

Depending on their client’s age, career counselors may collaborate with teachers, parents, or other caregivers to devise a plan. Career counselors also help to prepare students for transitions into college or into the workforce. You may also work as a career counselor for adults in varying stages of their professional life. For example, you might help unemployed individuals find a new job or aid those interested in switching careers to find a new path. 

Preparation is vital when starting a new career, and career counselors set students and adults up for success by providing them with the resources they’ll need. These resources can range from mock interviews to assistance with writing a resume and cover letter. The goal of a career counselor is to help people find what motivates them, gain employment, and stay in a career that meets their financial needs and interests. Part of the job of a career counselor, then, is to help people to apply for jobs and identify job openings.

Another important part of a career counselor’s role is identifying factors hindering someone from meeting academic or professional goals. Career counselors may find and discuss behavior patterns or habits with individuals and offer assistance in overcoming those negative behaviors. Like a therapist, a career counselor will establish a relationship with their client to assess long-term strategy goals and motivations.

How much does a career counselor make?

According to the BLS, the median pay for career counselors in 2023 was $61,710 annually. This means the median career counselor salary per hour stands at $29.67 per hour [1]. The highest-earning 10 percent of career counselors in the US earn a median salary of $100,050 annually, while the lowest-earning 10 percent earn $40,140  [2].

What is the average career counselor's salary? 

According to various job listing sites, career counselors earn an average of $44,870 to $61,710 in base pay annually. Five different organizations give salary ranges for career counselors as [3, 4, 5, 6, 2]: 

Remember, the amount you will ultimately earn depends on various factors. Your education level, professional experience, where you work, and the industry you work in all impact the wages you can anticipate.

Factors that affect salary

Your salary as a career counselor may be affected by multiple factors, including where you work and live, your qualifications, the degrees and certifications you hold, and your professional experience. Understanding these factors better can help you calculate your average earnings as a career counselor. 

Education

According to Zippia, 60 percent of career counselors hold a bachelor’s degree, while 23 percent have a master’s. Another 12 percent have earned an associate degree, and 2 percent hold just a high school diploma [8]. 

On average, a career counselor with a master's degree earns $49,014 a year, whereas a career counselor with a bachelor’s degree earns $42,779 a year [8]. You’ll also earn slightly more if you have a doctorate, at an average annual salary of $49,844 annually [8]. 

While some career counselors step into career counseling with a bachelor’s degree, it’s important to note you’ll often need to gain licensure or certification as a career counselor in your state. Because every state has unique requirements for career counselors, research what your state mandates to ensure you get all the necessary education, training, and credentials. State certification or licensure programs typically require applicants to hold a master’s degree, complete an internship, and pass an exam. As part of the licensure or certification process, applicants must complete a certain number of hours of professional experience. 

For example, to earn certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), you’ll need to complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of postgraduate counseling work experience over two years. Earning additional certifications is one of the best ways to increase your pay grade as a career counselor. 

Experience

Gaining work experience as a career counselor positively affects your chances of getting hired. Experience can boost your earning potential compared to other candidates with less professional experience. 

Completing internships and practicums as part of your advanced degree program helps your chances of getting into an entry-level career position and gaining experience in job placement roles and employment services. These positions are ideal for gaining professional experience if you’re near graduating from college with your bachelor’s or master’s degree.  

The type of experience may also matter and sometimes depends on the school or organization you want to work for. For example, some schools may prefer to hire career counselors with some teaching experience and a teaching license.

Here’s a look at how different levels of experience can affect your salary, according to Glassdoor [4]:

• Entry level (0-1 year): $51,848

• Mid-level (4-6 years): $60,188

• Senior level (10-14 years): $72,954 

Industry

Your salary as a career counselor varies by the industry in which you work and your employer. The top-paying industries for career counselors include government and public administration, human resources, information technology, education, and management and consulting. 

According to Glassdoor, the median annual total income for the highest-paying industries for career counselors are [4]: 

• Government and public administration: $80,211 

• Human resources and staffing: $63,705 

• Information technology: $66,609

• Education: $63,172

• Management and consulting: $62,851 

Some career counselors are self-employed and manage their own practice. Self-employed career counselors may earn above the national average for career counselors employed within other industries, earning an annual average salary of $71,915 [9]. This average includes all licensed counselors, not just career counselors. 

Location

Where you live and work as a career counselor impacts your earning potential. Factors such as demand for services and industry trends affect how much you may earn based on where you’re employed as a career counselor. To better understand how much you may earn based on location, look on job search boards. Use the location feature to compare salaries by location for career counselors to get a clearer picture of what you might earn in your area as a career counselor. 

These are the top five highest-paying states for career counselors according to BLS [7]: 

1. California: $85,820 a year

2. Washington: $81,280

3. Massachusetts: $79,670

4. New Jersey: $79,030

5. Maryland: $76,250

Career counselor salary by location: Top 5 highest-paying cities 

According to the BLS, these cities are among the highest-paying metropolitan areas within the US for career counselors [7]. 

Job outlook

The BLS states that career counselor jobs are growing at an average rate. According to their projections, education, guidance, and career counseling can expect a 4 percent growth from 2023 to 2033, adding an estimated 29,100 openings over that decade [10]. Some reasons for this high growth rate are an increased need for career assistance and planning resources for students and a continued rise in learner enrollment. 

Schools and universities that want to provide these resources to students about to graduate may open career centers or hire career counselors to have staff to meet these needs. Career counselors may also help veterans transition into the civilian workforce, assist people who experienced a layoff to find work, or work with someone who wants a career change. 

Getting started in career counseling with Coursera

Career counselors advise and guide people on potential career paths that best meet their needs, interests, and long-term goals. These professionals work as counselors and advisors, equipping students and job seekers with the knowledge and tools to enter a career or career transition.

From assisting in discovering your motivations to helping you set attainable goals, career counselors actively engage in finding employment with hopes of a successful launch into a career their clients will love. You may enjoy this profession if you like helping people. Many people find career counseling to be a rewarding job.

Explore the career counseling profession with Goodwill Career Coach and Navigator Professional Certificate on Coursera. This Professional Certificate teaches you skills critical to navigating others on their career path.