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Job outlook for area counselors in the United States
Are area counselor jobs in demand?
Area counselor job and salary trends over time
Area counselor jobs over time
Area counselor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 254 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 246 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 246 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 240 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 235 | 0.00% |
Average area counselor salary over time
Area counselor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $51,394 | $24.71 | +3.2% |
| 2025 | $49,787 | $23.94 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $48,957 | $23.54 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $48,285 | $23.21 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $47,843 | $23.00 | +2.0% |
Area counselor jobs by state
Most common states for area counselors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 123 | 18% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 85 | 8% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 78 | 8% |
| 4 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 46 | 8% |
| 5 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 533 | 7% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 407 | 7% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 275 | 7% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 267 | 7% |
| 9 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 70 | 7% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 49 | 7% |
| 11 | Vermont | 623,657 | 41 | 7% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 821 | 6% |
| 13 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 582 | 6% |
| 14 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 490 | 6% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 437 | 6% |
| 16 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 381 | 6% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 372 | 6% |
| 18 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 116 | 6% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 83 | 6% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 49 | 6% |
Most common cities for area counselors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hutchinson | 1 | 2% | $40,014 |
| 2 | Kansas City | 1 | 1% | $40,224 |
Area Counselor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of area counselor experts
Louisiana State University at Shreveport
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Vanguard University
Portland State University
Angelo State University
What will help Area Counselors increase their earning potential?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: Psychologists should be aware of what others in their field are making for similar positions. It is important to ask for what your work is worth in an initial position to assure raises are based on a solid starting salary. Newer psychologists may also consider asking for an early review that prompts an early conversation around potential raises, bonus, or other job benefits.
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Director, Master of CounselingLouisiana State University at Shreveport
Department Of Psychology
What hard/technical skills are most important for Area Counselors?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: It is important that counselors are able to effectively take notes and summarize progress, interpret assessments, memorize and recall information, and keep clear yet concise records.
What type of skills will young Area Counselors need?
Dr. Thomas Dearden Ph.D.: Indeed, the way we work is changing. The skills that young graduates will need are diverse. Transferable skills and soft skills will certainly be marketable. These include traditional crafts such as communication, but I also think the world expects more empathy from its employees. Young graduates with an understanding of racism, sexism, and environmental responsibility will become increasingly important.
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.
Dr., Assistant Professor of Historical and Systematic TheologyVanguard University
Religion, Undergraduate Religion
What general advice would you give to an Area Counselor?
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.: Opportunities come in many different shapes and sizes, but they are still out there. Whether you are seeking to land a job in education or the non-profit sector, you will need to familiarize yourself and get used to all things digital, for the sake of communicating effectively. The younger your student or service partner's mindset, the more digitally savvy you will need to be, especially in the classroom and in the non-profit world.
Dr. Javier Casado Pérez Ph.D.
Counselor EducationPortland State University
Mental Health Counseling
What general advice would you give to an Area Counselor?
Dr. Javier Casado Pérez Ph.D.: New professionals entering the mental health counseling professions must expect substantive differences in the client's needs and goals for the counseling process. The global pandemic has increased both stress and social isolation, making the counselor's job even more critical, as they are often the client's only non-work-related virtual interaction. With the global pandemic and widespread anti-racist demonstrations, counselors should anticipate clients' desire to discuss work stress and burnout, parenting and caretaker stress, culture, identity development, and racial trauma, virtual fatigue, and difficulties in social relationships.
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.
Director, Quality Enhancement Plan Program Coordinator, M.S. Professional School Counseling Associate Professor, Curriculum and InstructionAngelo State University
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Area Counselors in the next 3-5 years?
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.: Graduates will need to learn to use technology in which virtual platforms are taking place and web conferencing platforms. Numerous platforms are being used, so the particular platform itself is not as crucial as being well-versed in how virtual education differs from face-to-face environments. Typically, the instructional role in online learning is more of a facilitator, as the educator guides the students to think critically, integrate, and apply new knowledge. This may be difficult for educators who would rather stand in front of a classroom and pass on their knowledge through lecture-based formats. Additionally, being well-versed in various web conferencing platforms will benefit graduates, as they move into a career that is currently requiring communication in virtual environments.