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The differences between residence counselors and clinical 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 residence counselor and a clinical counselor. Additionally, a clinical counselor has an average salary of $54,191, which is higher than the $34,931 average annual salary of a residence counselor.
The top three skills for a residence counselor include developmental disabilities, CPR and community resources. The most important skills for a clinical counselor are social work, patients, and foster care.
| Residence Counselor | Clinical Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $34,931 | $54,191 |
| Hourly rate | $16.79 | $26.05 |
| Growth rate | 36% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 78,872 | 146,133 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Residence counselors are professionals who are responsible for providing services such as one-to-one therapy and crisis support to clients who are living in group homes or assisted-living facilities. These counselors must assist adults with moderate intellectual disabilities to find employment while monitoring their work performance. They must facilitate and supervise daily personal care and activities for developmentally disabled adults. Residence counselors must also encourage clients to participate in community activities that can contribute to the development of skills necessary for independent living.
A Clinical Counselor interviews clients to assess their mental health and behavioral problems. They examine issues such as substance abuse, depression, stress, aging and self-image.
Residence counselors and clinical counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Residence Counselor | Clinical Counselor | |
| Average salary | $34,931 | $54,191 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $43,000 | Between $43,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Phoenix, AZ | Bethesda, MD |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Maryland |
| Best paying company | McLean Hospital | Novo Nordisk |
| Best paying industry | Education | Professional |
There are a few differences between a residence counselor and a clinical counselor in terms of educational background:
| Residence Counselor | Clinical Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between residence counselors' and clinical counselors' demographics:
| Residence Counselor | Clinical Counselor | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% | Male, 28.4% Female, 71.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 | 15% | 15% |