Highest-Paying Camp Counselor Jobs in 2026
Research Summary: The Zippia data team has analyzed a combination of public government data, company reports, and thousands of job postings to create accurate average salary estimates for camp counselor positions across the United States. This comprehensive analysis highlights the highest-paying roles within the camp counselor profession based on their average annual salaries.
Here’s a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of camp counselors in 2026:
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Senior Counselor remains the highest-paid type of camp counselor, with an average salary of $127,405, which translates to an hourly rate of $61.25.
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The second highest-paying role is Program Lead, earning an average salary of $100,727.
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The average salary for camp counselors overall is $24,340 per year, or an hourly wage of $11.70.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging. While salary is an important consideration, it should not be the sole factor in your decision-making process. Understanding the earning potential of different camp counselor roles can significantly influence your career trajectory, especially as the landscape of employment continues to evolve.
Here are the top salaries for various types of camp counselors:
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Senior Counselor
Average Salary: $127,405
A senior counselor typically works with youth, particularly children, focusing on facilitating recreational programs while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. They may assess children’s needs and communicate with parents regarding any concerns or progress.
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Program Lead
Average Salary: $100,727
Program leads oversee the development and implementation of camp programs, requiring strong communication and analytical skills to adapt to industry trends and improve program effectiveness.
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Group Leader
Average Salary: $100,480
A group leader ensures that tasks are clearly defined and effectively delegated among team members, guiding them toward achieving common objectives with strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
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Site Leader
Average Salary: $64,886
Site leaders manage staff performance and project operations, ensuring client specifications are met while maintaining safety and compliance with regulations.
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Activities Director
Average Salary: $44,982
Activities directors plan and oversee engaging events, ensuring participants’ safety and well-being while monitoring overall progress and satisfaction with activities.
Below is a comprehensive table detailing the average pay for various camp counselor positions, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Camp Counselors
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Senior Counselor | |
| 2 | Program Lead | |
| 3 | Group Leader | |
| 4 | Site Leader | |
| 5 | Activities Director | |
| 6 | Camp Director | |
| 7 | Youth Counselor | |
| 8 | Counselor | |
| 9 | Activity Coordinator | |
| 10 | Orientation Leader | |
| 11 | Activities/Volunteer | |
| 12 | Head Counselor | |
| 13 | Camp Leader | |
| 14 | Recreation Assistant | |
| 15 | Activities Leader | |
| 16 | Recreation Leader | |
| 17 | Counselor And Coach | |
| 18 | Day Camp Counselor | |
| 19 | Recreation Aide | |
| 20 | Summer Camp Counselor |
Methodology
Zippia employs public data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to calculate salary estimates. Our data science team also reviews job postings and company-sourced information to ensure the most current salary data is used.
After gathering this data, we compute a weighted average for each job title. For further details on our methodology, please refer to our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Camp Counselor Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid camp counselor job?
The highest-paid camp counselor job is a senior counselor. Senior Counselors earn an average salary of $127,405, which equates to $61.25 per hour. Their responsibilities typically involve working closely with youth, conducting recreational programs, and communicating with parents about children’s progress and needs.
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What is a good salary for a camp counselor?
A good salary for a camp counselor is $24,340 or more. This average salary reflects the overall earning potential in the field. However, salaries can vary based on location and individual experience levels. If you’re just starting, keep in mind that entry-level positions may offer lower compensation.
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Do camp counselor jobs pay well?
No, camp counselor jobs generally do not pay well. While some positions offer higher salaries, the average camp counselor salary of $24,340 is below the national average salary of around $44,225 per year. However, there are opportunities for higher earnings, particularly for experienced counselors.
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Where do camp counselors get paid the most?
Camp counselors earn the highest salaries in Wyoming. In Wyoming, the average annual salary for camp counselors is $31,749, with an average hourly wage of $15.26. Following Wyoming, the states with the highest camp counselor salaries include North Dakota, Maine, and Louisiana.
The cities with the highest camp counselor salaries are:
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Omaha, NE – $35,605
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Boston, MA – $28,940
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Salem, OR – $28,625
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
