As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a College/University Student Counselor in the United States is $59,700. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $45,563 to a high of $79,187, with most professionals earning between $52,300 and $69,900.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $69,900 | $5,825 | $1,344 | $34 |
| Average | $59,700 | $4,975 | $1,148 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,300 | $4,358 | $1,006 | $25 |
An entry-level College/University Student Counselor with less than 1 year of experience earns about $57,270. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $57,491. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $58,375. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $62,745, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $65,028.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level College/University Student Counselor | $57,270 |
| Intermediate Level College/University Student Counselor | $57,491 |
| Senior Level College/University Student Counselor | $58,375 |
| Specialist Level College/University Student Counselor | $62,745 |
| Expert Level College/University Student Counselor | $65,028 |
| Entry Level | 4% |
| Mid Level | 4% |
| Senior Level | 2% |
| Top Level | 5% |
| Experienced | 9% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in College/University Student Counselor compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $62,089 in 2023 to approximately $62,405 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of College/University Student Counselor salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of College/University Student Counselor information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see College/University Student Counselor job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for College/University Student Counselor and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $59,700 | 70.6% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,567 | 5.4% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,925 | 3.5% | ||
| Disability | $955 | 1.1% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,371 | 7.5% | ||
| Pension | $2,507 | 3.0% | ||
| Time Off | $7,577 | 9.0% | ||
| Total Compensation | $84,603 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 1.0% |
| Associates | 0.3% |
| Bachelors | 11.9% |
| Masters | 82.5% |
| Doctorate | 3.8% |
What Am I Worth?
Most school counselors hold a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field, along with a master's degree in counseling and a state-issued license to practice. Their salaries typically range from $56,100 to $74,700, with a median salary of $64,800, reflecting their education and experience in the field.
To become a college academic counselor, a bachelor's degree is essential, with many positions preferring candidates who hold a master's degree. Ideal fields of study include psychology, education, or communications, which equip you with the necessary skills for the role. Salaries for this position typically range from $56,100 to $74,700, with a median salary of $64,800.
Yes, student counselors do get paid. According to salary data, the minimum salary for a College/University Student Counselor is $56,100, with a mid-range salary of $64,800 and a maximum salary of $74,700. While some states may offer higher salaries, these figures provide a general overview of compensation in this field.
To become a college student counselor, start by completing a bachelor's degree in a behavioral or social science field. Next, earn a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work. Gain necessary internship experience for licensure, pass required exams, and apply for licensure. Salaries for college counselors typically range from $56,100 to $74,700, with a median of $64,800.
Counselors typically do not make six figures, as the salary data indicates a range from $56,100 to $74,700. While it's possible for some to reach higher earnings, especially in private practice, most counselors earn below that threshold. Building a successful practice requires careful planning and time to achieve significant income.
The demand for mental health counseling is on the rise, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. This growing awareness has led to a significant need for counselors, especially in educational institutions. With salaries ranging from $56,100 to $74,700, this field offers competitive compensation for those pursuing a career in mental health support.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
