How Much Does a Counselor Make?

How much does a counselor make? For those looking to become a counselor, this question may come up at any time during your pursuit—but the answer depends on a number of factors. As in many fields, each individual counselor salary will vary by state (and even city), specialization, employer, and experience level.

Here are the median salaries for three different types of counselors in 2019, according to September 2020 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

• School and career counselors: $57,040
• Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors: $46,240
• Rehabilitation counselors: $35,950

Curious for more details? Click here to browse counselor salaries by type and state.

What Does a Counselor Do?

Counselors are helpers. Across specialties and state lines, they empower clients to overcome obstacles—and help to improve their overall quality of life.

Responsibilities in the profession vary from role to role, as well as counseling methods. While some counselors focus on mental health, others have specialties in areas such as addictions, children and adolescents, couples and families, military veterans, and more.

How Do I Become a Counselor?

Here are some common steps you can take to become a counselor:

• Complete a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for most counseling professions.
• Pursue a master's degree in counseling. Although not always required, online master’s in counseling degree programs help aspiring counselors obtain the professional skills and knowledge necessary for practice.
• Complete practicum and/or internship hours. Gain real-life experience in the field.
• Obtain counseling licensure and/or certification. Meet the specific requirements for your state. The process of obtaining licensure varies from state to state so be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms.
• Choose a counseling career path. Pinpoint what you’re most passionate about—whether that’s school counseling, substance abuse counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or another specialization.
• Advance your practice through continued learning. Stay on top of innovations in the field, with the goal of providing the best care possible. Completing continuing education credits may be one way to do this. You may also consider Ph.D. programs in counseling, of which there are a wide selection.

Counselor Salary Guide by Type and State

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the average counseling salaries for various specializations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The pay data in this section is sourced from the BLS. As we’ve already explained, counseling salaries can vary based on several factors, including specialization and qualifications. Qualifications may include the number of years spent working as a counselor, whether or not you have a master’s in counseling, and what types of special certifications you hold.

Skip ahead to:

• Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor Salary
• Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselor Salary
• Rehabilitation Counselor Salary

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor Salary

BLS salary information for Education, Guidance and Career Counselors as of May 2019.

For more information see our guide on how much school counselors make.

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Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselor Salary

BLS salary information for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors as of May 2019.

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Rehabilitation Counselor Salary

BLS salary information for Rehabilitation Counselors as of May 2019.

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Last updated: September 2020.