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Counselor Salary in California, United States
How much does a Counselor make in California, United States?
$86,288 (USD)/year
Average Bonus
$1,691 (USD)
per Year
Total Compensation
$86,923.24
Entry Level
$62,413
Median
$85,232
Senior Level
$97,616
As of July, 23, 2026, the average counselor gross salary in California, United States is $86,288 or an equivalent hourly rate of $41. In addition, counselors earn an average bonus of $1,691. An entry level counselor with 1-3 years of experience earns an average salary of $62,413. At the higher end of the pay range, a senior level counselor with 8+ years of experience earns an average salary of $97,616. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data collected directly from employers in California, United States.
Data powered by ERI
Salary Potential for a Counselor
Explore the estimated salary growth for a Counselor in California, United States for up to 5 years. The estimated salary of a Counselor will be $88,592 in 1 year and $98,441 in 5 years.
View Salary by Year
Estimated Salary
$90,958
Average Growth
5.4 %
The estimated salary for a Counselor in 2 years is $90,958, which is 5.4 % average growth. This information is based on ERI's compensation database.
Typical Counselor Education
This chart displays the highest level of education for Counselors.
- 0% of Counselors have less than a High School Diploma
- 8% of Counselors have a High School Diploma
- 4% of Counselors have an Associate's Degree
- 29% of Counselors have a Bachelor's Degree
- 56% of Counselors have a Master's Degree
- 3% of Counselors have a Doctorate Degree
The typical field of study for a Counselor is Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
See how education can impact your salaryPopular Skills for a Counselor
Provides guidance
96%
Information analysis
79%
Provides counseling
1%
These are the most popular skills for Counselors. About 96% of Counselors have a skill in Provides guidance. The top 3 most popular skills for Counselors are provides guidance, information analysis, and provides counseling.
See how skills can impact your salaryAre you getting paid what you're worth?
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Where can a Counselor earn more?
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Counselor Salaries in Other Locations
Salaries for Similar Job Titles in California, United States
Counselor Jobs
View moreCost of Living in California, United States
The cost of living in California, United States is 40% higher than the national average.
40% higher
than the national average
Whether you're planning to move or just want to see the cost of living in different locations, our cost-of-living calculator is the place to start. Compare salaries for other locations by city, U.S. ZIP code, state, or country.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Counselor do?
Advises and provides guidance services with personal, family, educational, mental health, and career decisions and problems. Collects, organizes, and analyzes information about individuals through records, tests, interviews, and professional sources. Counsels individuals and provides group educational and vocational guidance services. Excludes paraprofessional positions.
How much does a Counselor make in California, United States?
The average salary for a Counselor is $86,288 per year or $41.48 per hour in California, United States. Top earners have reported making up to $97,616. However, the typical pay range in California, United States is between $62,413 and $97,616 annually.
What is the salary trajectory for a Counselor?
Counselor is projected to see a 14.1 % salary change in 5 years.
How can you increase your salary?
Increasing your salary often starts with understanding your value in today’s job market. You can increase your earning potential by building your skills, advancing your education, moving into a new role or industry, switching companies, or negotiating pay.
How can you negotiate a salary offer?
Negotiating a salary offer involves preparation and finding our your market value. Use our salary calculator to find out how much you should be paid based on what someone in your area, with similar experience, earns. Use this personalized report to help negotiate a higher salary offer or find your dream career.
What are some factors that impact Counselor salaries?
Several factors can impact your salary, including experience, company size, job market, location, industry, and more. Understanding how these factors affect your role can help you spot pay gaps and provide opportunities for a competitive salary.
About Our Data
This page is an excerpt of the much more complete compensation information available in ERI's Assessor Series.
ERI compiles the most robust and accurate salary, cost-of-living, and executive compensation survey database available. Data are analyzed using AI and traditional statistics, depending on which approach is best for a particular application. ERI collects salary survey data from five different sources, which you can learn about here.
Verified Sources
Data sourced from internal salary surveys, purchased surveys, public sources, HRIS data, and proprietary databases.
Real-Time Data
Our salary database is updated and verified approximately every six weeks.
Quality Assurance
Along with our data scientists, we have included AI in our rigorous process to analyze and provide the highest quality data.
For Employers
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