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Counseling Salaries

Counseling salaries vary. Know what to expect.

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Counseling Salaries by Specialty

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median annual ranges for counseling salaries vary by specialty:

School and career counselors $34,430 - $58,400
Substance abuse counselors $25,840 - $40,130
Mental health counselors $25,660 - $43,370
Marriage and family counselors $30,260 - $49,990

The average annual salary for doctoral-level psychologists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $72,830 in 2001. Master's level psychologist earned on average $33,300 in 2001.

Reports from PayScale.com* in October 2006 show the following median annual salaries for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC):

Median Annual Salary - Nationwide

Mental health counselors $36,950
Chemical dependency counselors $35,000
Rehabilitation counselors $35,000
Clinical Therapist $35,000

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Where you practice can make a difference to your income. PayScale.com reports poll the following major cities:

Median Annual Salary by City

Chicago $35,000
Atlanta $37,000
Dallas $35,000
Phoenix $42,500
Minneapolis-St. Paul $37,500
Seattle $40,000
Houston $37,500

There are three factors that significantly effect counseling salaries:

  • Location (city, state)
  • Years of experience
  • Size of business

Larger employers such as hospitals, schools and colleges offer more competitive salaries for counselors than smaller, non-profit social organizations.

Counselors in private practice earn a similar range of income, which is also greatly affected by location and years of experience.

*counseling salary information by PayScale.com

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School Spotlight

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walden online

Walden Online
Earn a counseling degree from a highly respected online university.

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capella online

Capella Online
Get your counseling degree at a leading online university.

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argosy online

Argosy Online
A smart choice with flexible online programs and 18 campuses.