What Is the Average Salary for a Counselor?

What Is the Average Salary for a Counselor?

Most counselors go into this field out of a desire to help people. They’re compassionate and passionate about seeing others heal and become healthier individuals; however, while that may be an admirable motivation, they still need to make ends meet.

A mental health counselor evaluates a client’s psychological and physical wellbeing, detects problematic behavior and assesses their readiness for treatment. They may work one-on-one or in group therapy settings; with expertise ranging from addiction recovery to trauma counseling and beyond in clinical mental health.

Counseling careers that deal with substance abuse and behavioral disorders can be highly rewarding. To be eligible, you must hold a master’s degree in counseling or related field, as well as certification or licensure in the area.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, rehabilitation counselors earned a median salary of $38,560 in 2021. Employment opportunities for rehabilitation counselors are expected to increase by 10% between 2020 and 2030.

Licensed marriage and family counselors (LMHCs) are among the highest paid professionals in counseling. Their salaries can range anywhere from $55,000 to $82,500 annually, according to ZipRecruiter. Furthermore, LMHCs enjoy high demand for employment within this field due to a strong job market.