Head counselor vs program counselor

The differences between head 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 a head counselor and a program counselor. Additionally, a program counselor has an average salary of $43,820, which is higher than the $31,654 average annual salary of a head counselor.

The top three skills for a head counselor include camper safety, leadership and CPR. The most important skills for a program counselor are developmental disabilities, patients, and community integration.

Head counselor vs program counselor overview

	Head Counselor	Program Counselor
Yearly salary	$31,654	$43,820
Hourly rate	$15.22	$21.07
Growth rate	10%	10%
Number of jobs	35,991	133,491
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 73%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age	42	41
Years of experience	4	4

Head counselor vs program counselor salary

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

	Head Counselor	Program Counselor
Average salary	$31,654	$43,820
Salary range	Between $13,000 And $71,000	Between $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 head counselor and program counselor education

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

	Head Counselor	Program Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 73%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	Duke University	California State University - Long Beach

Head counselor vs program counselor demographics

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

	Head Counselor	Program Counselor
Average age	42	41
Gender ratio	Male, 44.0% Female, 56.0%	Male, 35.9% Female, 64.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.0% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 60.9% 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 Percentage	8%	15%

Differences between head counselor and program counselor duties and responsibilities

Head counselor example responsibilities.

Manage the dispute resolution/litigation process; responding to and resolving threaten litigation; responding to subpoenas and regulatory inquiries and investigations.
Complete full CPR training with certification.
Perform CPR and first aid when necessary.
Point person overseeing all phases of successful ACA accreditation visit.
Analyze product promotional initiatives, advisory board proposals, and medical education initiatives for fraud and abuse and FDA compliance.
Prepare ACA accreditation visit binder.

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.

Head counselor vs program counselor skills

Common head counselor skills

Camper Safety, 44%
Leadership, 16%
CPR, 12%
Role Model, 8%
Conflict Resolution, 4%
Staff Training, 4%

Common program counselor skills

Developmental Disabilities, 11%
Patients, 11%
Community Integration, 9%
CPR, 8%
Social Work, 8%
Medication Administration, 7%