Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Master's degree
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors support people with academic, personal, and career-focused decisions. Nationally, about 376,000 people work in this field, and employment is projected to grow by 3.5%. With around 31,000 openings each year, this path offers consistent opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals considering a change. The national median annual salary of $65,140 places this career in a solid earnings range, with some states and metro areas offering higher pay. The work draws heavily on interpersonal communication, problem solving and decision making, and strong speaking and listening skills. It also calls for adaptability, leadership, and comfort with computers and information technology. A master’s degree is the typical educational requirement, making this a profession suited to those ready for graduate-level training. People interested in broader counseling or social service pathways may also look at related occupations such as counselors, community and social service specialists, and social workers.
Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors earn a national median annual salary of $65,140, providing a clear benchmark for evaluating pay offers. Earnings vary significantly by location. Among the top states by opportunity score, California reports a median of $86,500, Washington $82,670, Massachusetts $79,930, and New York $71,610, while Colorado is close to the national figure at $64,780. Top metro areas show even higher median salaries in some locations: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA stands at $95,390 and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA at $94,600, while Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $80,760. Large metros like New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV also post median pay above $77,000. These differences highlight the importance of considering both state and metro salary levels when planning where to work or relocate in this field.
This occupation has a substantial national employment base, with about 376,000 educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors working across the country. Projected employment growth of 3.5% indicates that demand is expected to increase over time. In addition, there are about 31,000 annual openings, reflecting a steady flow of job opportunities from both new positions and turnover in existing roles. The combination of an established workforce size and ongoing openings can be attractive for students and career changers seeking a path with continuing hiring activity. Growth of 3.5% is consistent across the highlighted states and metro areas, suggesting similar projected pace of expansion in those regions. When evaluating this career, the mix of an existing large employment base, projected growth, and recurring annual openings offers a clear picture of a field with ongoing entry points for qualified candidates.
Location plays a major role in both opportunity and pay for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors. Among states, California stands out with an opportunity score of 67.38, a median salary of $86,500, and employment of 45,140. Massachusetts and New York also offer strong opportunity scores above 65 and median salaries of $79,930 and $71,610, respectively. Washington and Colorado combine mid-50s opportunity scores with median pay from $64,780 to $82,670 and more moderate employment levels. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ post the highest opportunity scores, both above 77, with median salaries of $95,390 and $77,580. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA also offers high pay at $94,600. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH provide sizable employment bases and median salaries near or above $77,000, giving multiple regional options for strong career prospects.
The typical education for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors is a master’s degree, signaling a professional track that requires advanced study. This level of education aligns with the broad and complex skill set associated with the role. Key skills include interpersonal abilities, customer service, and strong speaking and listening, all of which support effective work with students or clients. Problem solving and decision making, critical and analytical thinking, and adaptability are also central, helping professionals navigate varied and sometimes challenging situations. Writing and reading skills contribute to clear communication and documentation, while creativity and innovation can support developing new approaches and resources. Comfort with computers and information technology is important, as digital tools and systems are part of the modern work environment. Leadership skills round out the profile, positioning professionals to guide individuals and contribute within organizations and programs where they practice.
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