Counselors earn $60,320 median salary: Pay, jobs, and how to start
The typical counselor in the U.S. earns $60,320 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $29 an hour. The middle 50% of counselors earn between $39,250 and $100,900, so the field offers a wide range of pay depending on specialty, location, and experience.
How much Counselors earn
The national median salary for counselors is $60,320, with a mean annual wage of $66,300. At the 10th percentile, pay starts around $39,250, while top earners at the 90th percentile bring in $100,900 or more.
Pay varies by work setting. Counselors in elementary and secondary schools, for example, often follow a teacher salary schedule, while those in substance abuse or mental health clinics may have different pay structures. The hourly mean wage is about $31.87, though many counselors are salaried and work beyond a standard 40-hour week.
Pay by state
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not currently provide state-level breakdowns for counselors as a single occupation. However, counselors in states with higher costs of living and stronger public funding for mental health and education tend to earn more. For the most current state-specific data, check the BLS Occupation Employment and Wage Statistics page for your state.
How to become Counselor
Becoming a counselor typically requires a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field, along with supervised clinical experience and state licensure. A bachelor's degree in psychology or social work is a common starting point, but the master's is the standard entry-level credential for clinical roles.
Licensure requirements vary by state and specialty, but generally involve completing a graduate program, accumulating 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised post-degree practice, and passing a national exam such as the NCE or NCMHCE. School counselors need state certification, often with a distinct credential.
Typical path: 1) Earn a bachelor's degree (psychology, sociology, education). 2) Complete a master's in counseling from a CACREP-accredited program. 3) Accrue supervised experience (internship plus post-grad hours). 4) Pass required exams and apply for state licensure. 5) Maintain continuing education credits.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in a related field.
- Complete a master's in counseling from an accredited program.
- Finish supervised clinical hours (state-dependent).
- Pass licensure exams (NCE, NCMHCE).
- Apply for state license and maintain CEUs.
Job outlook
Employment projections for counselors from 2024 to 2034 are not available from the BLS at this time. Historically, demand for counselors has grown due to increased focus on mental health, school support, and substance abuse treatment. Check the BLS website for updated projections.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for counselors?
The national median salary for counselors is $60,320 per year, or about $29 per hour.
How much do counselors make per hour?
The mean hourly wage is $31.87, but many counselors are salaried.
What education do I need to be a counselor?
A master's degree in counseling or a related field is required for most clinical and school counselor roles.
Is the job outlook for counselors good?
Projected growth from 2024 to 2034 is not specified in BLS data, but long-term demand is expected to remain steady.
What is the salary range for counselors?
The 10th to 90th percentile range is $39,250 to $100,900.
Do counselors get licensed?
Yes, all states require licensure for clinical counselors, typically after a master's degree, supervised hours, and passing an exam.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Counselors data.