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Activities counselor vs program counselor

The differences between activities counselors and program counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an activities counselor and a program counselor. Additionally, a program counselor has an average salary of $43,820, which is higher than the $31,084 average annual salary of an activities counselor.

The top three skills for an activities counselor include CPR, youth ages and direct supervision. The most important skills for a program counselor are developmental disabilities, patients, and community integration.

Activities counselor vs program counselor overview

Activities CounselorProgram Counselor
Yearly salary$31,084$43,820
Hourly rate$14.94$21.07
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs31,248133,491
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4241
Years of experience44

Activities counselor vs program counselor salary

Activities counselors and program counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Activities CounselorProgram Counselor
Average salary$31,084$43,820
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $39,000Between $33,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Russell Sage College
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between activities counselor and program counselor education

There are a few differences between an activities counselor and a program counselor in terms of educational background:

Activities CounselorProgram Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Activities counselor vs program counselor demographics

Here are the differences between activities counselors' and program counselors' demographics:

Activities CounselorProgram Counselor
Average age4241
Gender ratioMale, 38.8% Female, 61.2%Male, 35.9% Female, 64.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 5.0% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 3.2% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%15%

Differences between activities counselor and program counselor duties and responsibilities

Activities counselor example responsibilities.

  • Lead groups of children and youth weekly in spiritual growth, bible study, and fellowship.
  • Educate campers to manage their diabetes independently bypracticing in team excercises.
  • Provide supervision and manage delinquent youthful offenders, in a secure residential correctional treatment facility.
  • Certify lifeguard, CPR, archery instructor, and adventure course team member.
  • Certify lifeguard, first-aid, & CPR leader who ensure safety and well-being for all campers.
  • Plan and run children's activities on the ship.
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Program counselor example responsibilities.

  • Lead recreational activities for adolescents with ADHD and other behavior disorders.
  • Provide education, within hospital setting, to adolescent psychiatric patients regarding substance abuse and dependency issues.
  • Receive CPR and first aid certifications.
  • Attend and receive CPR and basic restraint technique certifications.
  • Assist each client with compassion to encourage them on their journey to recovery.
  • Encourage and mentore residents during their recovery and rehabilitation process.
  • Show more

Activities counselor vs program counselor skills

Common activities counselor skills
  • CPR, 26%
  • Youth Ages, 21%
  • Direct Supervision, 11%
  • Mental Health, 6%
  • Front Desk, 5%
  • RAN, 3%
Common program counselor skills
  • Developmental Disabilities, 11%
  • Patients, 11%
  • Community Integration, 9%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Social Work, 8%
  • Medication Administration, 7%

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