Highest-Paying Camp Counselor Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of camp counselors that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of camp counselors:

• Senior Counselor is the highest-paid type of camp counselor with an average salary of $127,405 and an average hourly rate of $61.25.

• The second highest-paying type of camp counselor is program lead, with an average salary of $100,727.

• The average camp counselor salary is $24,340 per year, and the average hourly pay is $11.70.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a camp counselor, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of camp counselors are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of camp counselors:

1. Senior Counselor

   Average Salary: $127,405

   The responsibilities of a senior counselor will depend on one’s line of work or industry of employment. Most of the time, a senior counselor works with the youth, particularly children. They focus on facilitating recreational programs, ensuring a safe and fun experience for them. They may also assess the children’s condition and needs, providing them with the necessary assistance and guidance. Furthermore, when a senior counselor must reach out to parents and guardians, they may inform them of any concerns or progress.

2. Program Lead

   Average Salary: $100,727

   A program lead is responsible for managing a business program’s operation from its conceptualization to implementation. Program leads must have excellent communication and researching skills to monitor current industry trends, adjusting program techniques and strategies to meet society’s demands. They have a clear understanding of the organization’s long-term goals and outline plans to define those objectives, bringing new programs to light following clients’ specifications that would help the business grow revenues, maintain customer satisfaction, and keep its good reputation, and achieve profitability goals.

3. Group Leader

   Average Salary: $100,480

   A group leader is responsible for overseeing and distributing fair tasks to the members, ensuring clear instructions and procedures. Group leaders are mainly the ones leading the team towards their success. Duties of a group leader also include setting the team’s expectations, providing necessary resources to make the task successful, and sharing regular updates on the team’s performance. A group leader requires to have strong leadership and problem-solving skills to manage team concerns and resolve complaints quickly and efficiently.

4. Site Leader

   Average Salary: $64,886

   A site leader is responsible for managing the staff’s performance, ensuring the smooth delivery of daily operations, and guiding the successful project completion by maximizing the staff’s productivity within the specified timeframe and budget goals. Site leaders work closely with the clients, together with the site manager, to identify their specifications and requirements, as well as providing progress updates and suggesting design adjustments as needed. A site leader also performs safety inspections, making sure that all the staff follows the required operational procedures and regulations to prevent hazards and delays in project deliverables.

5. Activities Director

   Average Salary: $44,982

   An activities director is responsible for planning engaging events for the participants, considering individual interests and the safety of procedures and resources. Activities directors guide the activity staff on assisting the participants, ensuring that they are comfortable with joining the activities. Since most activities directors work at a healthcare facility or elderly institution, they must also monitor the health of the participants by conducting therapeutic activities and evaluate the participants’ progress for every program. The activities director must be a critical-thinker, as well as have excellent communication skills to coordinate with facilities personnel for successful activity completion.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various camp counselor that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Camp Counselors

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for camp counselors.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Camp Counselor Jobs FAQs

1. 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 is $ 61.25 hourly.

   The responsibilities of a senior counselor will depend on one’s line of work or industry of employment. Most of the time, a senior counselor works with the youth, particularly children. They focus on facilitating recreational programs, ensuring a safe and fun experience for them. They may also assess the children’s condition and needs, providing them with the necessary assistance and guidance. Furthermore, when a senior counselor must reach out to parents and guardians, they may inform them of any concerns or progress.

2. What is a good salary for a camp counselor?

   A good salary for a camp counselor is $24,340 or more. The average camp counselor salary is $24,340, so those making at least $24,340 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average camp counselor salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a camp counselor, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $24,340 average, as this includes all camp counselors of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Camp Counselor jobs pay well?

   No, camp counselor jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some camp counselor jobs pay better than others, but the average camp counselor salary of $24,340 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many camp counselor jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of camp counselors earning $0 a year on average.

   Camp Counselors’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a camp counselor. Do your research on the going rate for a camp counselor in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do camp counselors get paid the most?

   Camp Counselors get paid the most in Wyoming. In Wyoming, camp counselors earn an average annual salary of $31,749 and an average hourly wage of $15.26.

   Following WY, the states with the highest-paid camp counselors are North Dakota, Maine, and Louisiana, with average annual salaries of $30,832, $32,558, and $27,002 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid camp counselor salaries are:

   1. Omaha, NE – $35,605

   2. Boston, MA – $28,940

   3. Salem, OR – $28,625

Author

Chris Kolmar

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.