Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary in U.S.
In U.S., educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors earn $65,140 at the median — $31.32 an hour. The range runs from $44K at the entry level to $106K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $65K get you in U.S.?
About educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors (10th percentile) start around $44K. Mid-career wages sit at $65K.Top earners bring in $106K or more - a $62K spread from bottom to top.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $94K | +45% | 44,160 |
| Washington | $84K | +29% | 5,910 |
| District of Columbia | $80K | +23% | 1,800 |
| Alaska | $80K | +23% | 660 |
| Massachusetts | $79K | +21% | 11,850 |
| New Jersey | $78K | +20% | 7,590 |
| New Mexico | $76K | +17% | 1,760 |
| Maryland | $75K | +15% | 6,210 |
| Oregon | $74K | +14% | 3,330 |
| Delaware | $72K | +11% | 1,750 |
| Rhode Island | $72K | +10% | 1,400 |
| Connecticut | $70K | +8% | 3,670 |
| New York | $70K | +7% | 22,660 |
| New Hampshire | $68K | +5% | 1,530 |
| Virginia | $67K | +3% | 8,810 |
Track educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors make in U.S.?
The median is $65,140 a year - that works out to about $31.32 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $43,580, and experienced educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors can clear $105,870. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $65K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,518/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 31.3% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors salary is worth about $65,140 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.