Post Job

What is a hiv counselor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted Expert
Dr. Bill Buker
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a hiv counselor. For example, did you know that they make an average of $19.81 an hour? That's $41,215 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 6% and produce 1,000 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a HIV Counselor?

Dr. Bill BukerDr. Bill Buker LinkedIn Profile

Associate Dean and Professor of Professional Counseling, Oral Roberts University

In response to your first question, my general advice to graduates beginning their career in theological and ministerial studies, is to be aware of the manifold and diverse opportunities for meaningful ministry in today's world due, in no small part, to Covid-19. While traditional forms of ministry may be limited, new and creative ways of connecting are emerging. In the context of this current pandemic, the inherent human quest for meaning has people asking the big questions. In their attempts to make sense of what is happening in the world, people are open to discussions and reflections on which theology has much to contribute. Engaging in such conversations, by becoming caring and competent listeners, not only opens doors for ministry, it constitutes ministry. However, I would add this reminder that listening well to the struggles of others goes far beyond what theological and ministerial graduates have learned in the classroom. It has everything to do with who they are as persons, which means that their spiritual formation will be the critical variable as they seek to incarnate Jesus in their contexts of ministry.
ScoreHIV CounselorUS Average
Salary
3.2

Avg. Salary $41,215

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
-

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.24%

Asian 3.48%

Black or African American 15.60%

Hispanic or Latino 11.12%

Unknown 5.06%

White 63.50%

Gender

female 63.69%

male 36.31%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Complexity Level
1.8

Complexity Level is simple

7 - challenging

HIV Counselor career paths

Key steps to become a hiv counselor

  1. Explore hiv counselor education requirements

    Most common hiv counselor degrees

    Bachelor's

    58.9 %

    Master's

    15.3 %

    Associate

    13.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific hiv counselor skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Hiv Testing26.46%
    Public Health16.12%
    Medical Care14.34%
    Patients5.95%
    Community Outreach4.20%
  3. Research hiv counselor duties and responsibilities

    • Conduct NARCAN enrollments to program clients and training to community agencies.
    • Educate consumers on overdose prevention, including proper use of Narcan.
    • Work with qualify staff social workers in the development and implementation of caregiver support groups.
    • Counsele children and adolescents individually and in groups around the death of a significant caregiver or sibling.
  4. Prepare your hiv counselor resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your hiv counselor resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a hiv counselor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable HIV Counselor Resume templates

    Build a professional HIV Counselor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your HIV Counselor resume.
    HIV Counselor Resume
    HIV Counselor Resume
    HIV Counselor Resume
    HIV Counselor Resume
    HIV Counselor Resume
    HIV Counselor Resume
    HIV Counselor Resume
    HIV Counselor Resume
    HIV Counselor Resume
  5. Apply for hiv counselor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a hiv counselor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First HIV Counselor Job

Zippi

Are you a HIV Counselor?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average hiv counselor salary

The average HIV Counselor salary in the United States is $41,215 per year or $20 per hour. Hiv counselor salaries range between $26,000 and $63,000 per year.

Average HIV Counselor Salary
$41,215 Yearly
$19.81 hourly

What Am I Worth?

salary-calculator

How do hiv counselors rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

HIV Counselor reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

The ability to convince clients to make informed decision with regards to knowing their status and accepting their status irrespective of the outcome. Secondly, working with PLWHIV is a job I do with passion, my joy is when I see my clients smile after some months on treatment and tell me they feel better and grateful for my services.

Cons

Disclosing results sometime is difficult but I mature in it daily.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

Change agent when people are stuck and need support in the process of restoration. One on one and group processing is powerful.


Working as a HIV Counselor? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse community and social services jobs