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Job outlook for sales and marketing consultants in the United States
Sales and marketing consultant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected sales and marketing consultant job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 33,700 new jobs for sales and marketing consultants are projected over the next decade.
Sales and marketing consultant salaries have increased 8% for sales and marketing consultants in the last 5 years.
There are over 60,429 sales and marketing consultants currently employed in the United States.
There are 191,510 active sales and marketing consultant job openings in the US.
The average sales and marketing consultant salary is $55,455.
Are sales and marketing consultant jobs in demand?
Sales and marketing consultant job and salary trends over time
Sales and marketing consultant jobs over time
Sales and marketing consultant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 60,429 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 56,438 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 55,942 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 52,259 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 49,059 | 0.01% |
Average sales and marketing consultant salary over time
Sales and marketing consultant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $55,455 | $26.66 | +3.9% |
| 2024 | $53,380 | $25.66 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $52,382 | $25.18 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $51,578 | $24.80 | +0.8% |
| 2021 | $51,169 | $24.60 | +1.9% |
Sales and marketing consultant jobs by state
Most common states for sales and marketing consultants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 419 | 60% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 291 | 47% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 392 | 37% |
| 4 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 321 | 37% |
| 5 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,123 | 36% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 455 | 34% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 422 | 31% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 315 | 30% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,123 | 29% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,542 | 28% |
| 11 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1,004 | 28% |
| 12 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 208 | 28% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,480 | 27% |
| 14 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 158 | 27% |
| 15 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,222 | 26% |
| 16 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 1,762 | 26% |
| 17 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 536 | 26% |
| 18 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,744 | 25% |
| 19 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,184 | 24% |
| 20 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 441 | 24% |
Most common cities for sales and marketing consultants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clearwater | 1 | 1% | $61,165 |
Sales And Marketing Consultant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of sales and marketing consultant experts
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Weber State University
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Salem State University
Texas Christian University
Siena College
Webster University
University of Scranton
University of San Francisco
Towson University
University of Central Oklahoma
Southeast Missouri State University
University of West Georgia
Auburn University-Montgomery
Adecco USA
Liberty University
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
St. John Fisher College
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
What general advice would you give to a Sales And Marketing Consultant?
Zachary Moore Ph.D., M.B.A.: Marketing is a very diverse field, and salaries can vary considerably depending on the types of jobs young marketers pursue. But generally, taking a bet on oneself by pursuing jobs with a commission-based compensation plan can lead to higher earnings in the long term. In marketing, these positions tend to be in sales. Being willing to take risks and betting on yourself to succeed are important determinants of your career earnings potential.
What Sales And Marketing Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Zachary Moore Ph.D., M.B.A.: Marketing is a dynamic, rapidly evolving field. It always has been, and it always will be. Marketing tactics are driven by the popular culture of the societies companies serve. This said, aspiring marketers must realize that as things change, they must be willing to adapt their tactics to meet the consumer where they are. However, just as things change, there are enduring truths that shape marketing practice. Consumers want to be valued and heard. By keeping these touchstones in mind and staying up to date with modern trends, marketers can develop long-lasting careers and maintain relevancy as society evolves. My biggest advice is to be a successful marketer, you must do three things: 1. Keep your customers at the heart of what you do. 2. Meet your customers where they are. 3. Create value for your customers, company, and self. If a marketer can accomplish these three things, they can develop a career that will withstand the forces of change.
Ryan McKeehan
Weber State University
General Sales, Merchandising And Related Marketing Operations
What Sales And Marketing Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ryan McKeehan: At the start of one’s career, there are numerous ways to maximize one’s salary potential. One way is to change jobs every few years. The traditional stigma around job hopping has diminished, and each job change can bring new opportunities for salary upgrades and skill acquisition. By demonstrating a willingness to work hard and continuously upgrade skills, one can develop rare and valuable expertise that will be in high demand, opening doors to better opportunities and higher earnings.
What will help Sales And Marketing Consultants increase their earning potential?
Ryan McKeehan: With the rapid advancement of AI and other technologies, the role of salespeople is evolving. In this changing landscape, superior soft skills will be in high demand. The ability to communicate effectively, provide exceptional customer service, and sell ethically will be more crucial than ever. By honing these skills, one can stay ahead in the job market.
What will help Sales And Marketing Consultants increase their earning potential?
Paul Yankey: Remember that a job is really not yours to turn down until you get an offer. Know that you are valuable, first for who you are, also for your education and experiences. Do extensive research on a company you are interviewing with. Practice your interview and self story. Be highly aware of key industry phrases and incorporate them.
What general advice would you give to a Sales And Marketing Consultant?
Jean-Paul James Ph.D.: Starting a career in marketing requires a draw from many different disciplines. Profit and Loss (P&L;) management from accounting is important. Being able to manage marketing efforts is key. I always tell my students that Marketing is part art and part science. In our modern world and moving forward, marketers will have to become more data-driven in their decisions. This requires a skill set in being able to interpret market research data but also extract insights from that data. Marketing is creative in the sense that you must eventually make fact-based informed decisions that sometimes lie in intuition. A skill set that will become more prevalent will be in the coming years will be someone who is “Artificial Intelligence (AI)-literate”. Just as people have to be computer literate to do the jobs of today, marketers will have to understand how to use AI to be more effective in their jobs and decision-making. You will forever need human intuition to optimize marketing decisions.
What will help Sales And Marketing Consultants increase their earning potential?
Barrie Silver M.Ed.: Be nimble! Marketing is a fast-paced, ever-changing field and marketers need to be able to keep up. I encourage my students to take a variety of courses -- both in school and online -- and do as many internships as they can. For example, students in my 'Strategic Online Community Management' class are expected to complete social media certifications from HubSpot or Meta. Students in my 'Integrated Marketing and Communication' class work with local businesses and nonprofits to develop comprehensive integrated marketing campaigns. Along with our other coursework, this gives them hands-on, real-world experience -- and may also give them a leg up on other candidates when they start their job search.
Ken Corbit Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in MarketingTexas Christian University
Specialized Sales, Merchandising And Marketing Operations
What general advice would you give to a Sales And Marketing Consultant?
Ken Corbit Ph.D.: Strategic
Company Selection:
Focus on joining companies with robust sales training programs, emphasizing consultative selling. Look for organizations that invest in your development, providing live calling experiences, quota-driven sales processes, and exposure to tools like Salesforce.
Tech
Proficiency and Sales Tools Mastery:
Familiarize yourself with cutting-edge sales technologies, including CRM tools like Salesforce. Your proficiency in these tools will not only streamline your sales processes but also position you as a tech-savvy professional in the competitive sales landscape.
Hands-On
Experience:
Actively engage in live calling, take ownership of sales funnels, and work with senior hiring authorities during your training. This hands-on experience will not only build your confidence but also prepare you for the challenges of consultative selling.
Research
and Decision-Making Skills:
Develop strong research skills to evaluate companies based on fit, growth opportunities, compensation structures, and overall potential. This informed decision-making approach will set you apart and empower you to navigate the sales landscape strategically.
Mentorship
and Networking:
Seek mentorship both within and outside your organization. Building relationships with mentors who invest in your sales skills and knowledge will provide valuable insights. Additionally, actively participate in online forums to connect with practical sales
knowledge and best practices.
Allison Lauenstein
Teaching Instructor of MarketingSiena College
Marketing Department
What skills will help Sales And Marketing Consultants earn the most?
Allison Lauenstein: Leadership and collaboration will go a long way. The best ideas can come from anywhere, and it's not always about who has the best idea but who can execute the idea the best. Good marketers must understand that if you cannot successfully execute or effectively communicate a great idea, it may not be so great.
Sung Eun Park
Assistant Professor, Advertising and Marketing CommunicationsWebster University
Communications & Journalism
What skills stand out on Sales And Marketing Consultant resumes?
Sung Eun Park: Companies hiring marketing consultants look for someone with strong communication and leadership skills that can translate to great candidates. In addition, a strong background in data analysis will definitely stand out from other candidates. Unlike many beliefs, people who get jobs as marketing consultant comes from various education backgrounds including advertising and English major. It is an indication that companies are open to people with diverse perspectives that can bring fresh eyes to the team. The resumes showcasing a person with various experiences highlighting strong leadership skills (not just strictly marketing) in a team environment will get noticed.
What soft skills should all Sales And Marketing Consultants possess?
Sung Eun Park: In a marketing team, time management and communication will still be valued a lot, given that a lot of projects are contingent on timeliness. These skills are also tied to social skills within a team that ultimately helps the team's performance. Team members spend a lot of time together working on a project, so it is essential that they work in a team that offers support while encouraged to voice their opinion without prejudice. In sum, strong interpersonal skills are critical.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Sales And Marketing Consultants?
Sung Eun Park: It depends on the type of work the company does but usually marketing department will benefit from having someone with excellent data analysis skills. Understanding where and how to get the data, analyzing the given data, and understanding the significance of the findings will be crucial in marketing. For example, spotting outliers from data and how the outliers should be interpreted regarding the market situation could play a role for the consultant. Any certificates demonstrating their skills in data and trend analysis would help.
What skills will help Sales And Marketing Consultants earn the most?
Sung Eun Park: Although marketing is often viewed as a discipline with hard data, those successful in the field get most of their success by being creative and strategic thinkers. Even with the help of data available, your marketing plan may not generate great success. Often you need to have different and novel perspectives to make things more niche. Those who have a good understanding of data analysis with a creative and strategic approach to the problem will make the most of their career in marketing.
Abhijit Roy
Professor of MarketingUniversity of Scranton
School of Management
What soft skills should all Sales And Marketing Consultants possess?
Abhijit Roy: These are very important, yet harder to quantify skills, not only for marketing professionals but for business graduates in general. They include the ability to make sound decisions under pressure, having a high emotional intelligence quotient (EQ) as embodied by having empathy towards coworkers and subordinates, delegating appropriately, mentoring, communicating, time management, maintaining positivity despite setbacks and adapting to unforeseen challenges, being flexible, being persuasive and assertive at appropriate moments, yet being collaborative, seeking feedback, and the ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts when needed, amongst others.
Soft skills are typically more instrumental in enabling candidates to fit into an organization's culture and be strong candidates for promotion. Most marketing jobs involve candidates representing their brand initiatives and building strong client relationships, so interpersonal, and other soft skills are often valued more than hard skills. The strongest case for having excellent soft skills is that they are more easily transferable across various jobs and industries.
Marthinus JC van Loggerenberg
Assistant Professor of AdvertisingUniversity of San Francisco
USF Advertising Program
What skills will help Sales And Marketing Consultants earn the most?
Marthinus JC van Loggerenberg: -Brand identity design
-Strategic brand communication planning that includes interpreting data towards viable insights and setting meticulous metrics
Consumer journey mapping
-Mastery of crafting strategies and creating content for multi-platform digital media advertising
... quite in demand at present is the ability to create brand community and influencer strategies
Erin Steffes Ph.D.
Department Chair and ProfessorTowson University
Marketing Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Sales And Marketing Consultants?
Erin Steffes Ph.D.: As a science and an art, marketing utilizes both soft skills and technical skills on a daily basis. While some technologies are industry-specific, having an understanding and basic mastery of data analysis, statistics, data visualization, digital marketing, marketing research, and customer relationship management will position a candidate well.
Stacia Wert-Gray Ph.D.
Professor of Marketing, ChairpersonUniversity of Central Oklahoma
Department of Marketing
What soft skills should all Sales And Marketing Consultants possess?
Stacia Wert-Gray Ph.D.: Communication is important in any job but especially in marketing. These professionals must be able to communicate with customers/clients about product/service benefits and must be able to listen and represent the needs of customers/clients to their own company.
Scott Thorne Ph.D.
InstructorSoutheast Missouri State University
Department of Marketing
What soft skills should all Sales And Marketing Consultants possess?
Scott Thorne Ph.D.: Team building, leadership, co-operation, salesmanship. I always tell my students to show any leadership positions they had while in school on their resumes as businesses value people who can both take the initiative and work well with others.
Dr. Sooho Lee
Director, Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program, Professor of Public Administration and PolicyUniversity of West Georgia
Department of Civic Engagement & Public Service
What hard/technical skills are most important for Sales And Marketing Consultants?
Dr. Sooho Lee: Quantitative analytical skills, budget and finance skills, and performance assessment skills.
What skills will help Sales And Marketing Consultants earn the most?
Dr. Sooho Lee: It depends on the nature of the job. Generally speaking, analytical competence, communication, strategic planning, and leadership skills will greatly help one earn more.
What will help Sales And Marketing Consultants increase their earning potential?
Jeff Bates: The same thing will help people in any field continue to increase their earning potential as in the past. If an employee can find a way to differentiate themselves in a positive manner and make themselves valuable or even invaluable to their company, they should see increased earnings potential. Learning a foreign language, computer skills such as Excel, good math skills, and the ability to communicate will prove to be extremely important in advancing one's career.
What technical skills for a Sales And Marketing Consultant stand out to employers?
Madeleine Felion: - In many hourly positions, math and measurement skills are increasingly sought after by companies - these skills can apply to several jobs from quality to CNC machining.
- Data entry and accuracy is a skill many nontraditional jobs are asking for as machines become more automated. Computer skills continue to stand out as it also applies to many in-demand roles.
- Other skills include experience working with ERP software systems such as SAP, Oracle and Syteline. Niche skills such as lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S and a variety of ISO quality standards are highly desired in most manufacturing companies.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Sales And Marketing Consultant job market given the pandemic?
Madeleine Felion: - Increased wages and a focus on upskilling and reskilling are some of the biggest trends we're seeing, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic further accelerates the demand for certain skillsets.
- The ability to work from home - if the position allows, remote work and the flexibility it offers is here to stay.
- Safety is also top of mind for employers. Companies have made production schedule changes to accommodate social distancing, as well as implemented virtual processes for the application and onboarding phases, such as video and telephone interviews replacing in-person interviews.
How have salaries changed over time for Sales And Marketing Consultants?
Madeleine Felion: - While we recruit in a wide range of positions, we are seeing hourly pay rates increase as the demand for a shrinking labor pool grows. Some career fields, where there is a significant skills gap, such as CNC machinists, industrial maintenance technicians and quality technicians, have seen significant salary growth as demand for these skills increases and the candidate pool remains stagnant.
- Salaried positions are also growing as the demand increases for experience in niche skills sets.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Sales And Marketing Consultants?
Chris Huseman Ph.D.: Certifications are being offered by a variety of organizations and entities. Job prospects need to critically evaluate the offering organizations of such and their reputations. Having several certifications myself and reviewing many that are offered, the Professional Certified Marketer certifications offered by the American Marketing Association are among the best investments a person in marketing can make. The PCM Digital Marketing, for example, is a rigorous certification that covers the digital marketing landscape extremely well. It is very affordable and is backed by one of the leading organizations in the field of marketing. In addition, specifically to the digital marketing field, Google Garage's Digital Marketing Certification is good and it's free along with several other free ones from Google. As well, Hubspot offers several wonderful certifications that are free and speak to the heart of skills required in the field of Digital Marketing.
How have salaries changed over time for Sales And Marketing Consultants?
Chris Huseman Ph.D.: Yes, salaries have changed in the marketing field because of the fragmentation of specialties that have developed especially in the digital marketing field. In the past, a marketing specialist was amongst the more common entry level positions. Today, I see less general entry level positions and more specific channel positions such as Social Media Specialists, E-mail Delivery Specialist, Paid Media Specialists and others. On the positive side, I see this as a benefit to new hires as it gives them the opportunity to focus within their responsibilities and develops their skillsets much quicker in that area than they would be if they were responsible for more general duties. From my observation and in talking with students, salaries are higher and there is a greater focus in such responsibilities. Smaller companies especially are realizing they can be more efficient with remote solutions while still maintaining camaraderie, production and cohesiveness of their staff members. On the other side, new hires seem to be less worried about higher salaries when they don't have to relocate or have expenses such as daily work travel, clothing expenses, and they can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Salaries have changed but the bigger change is in the work/life balance new hires are able to maintain, which is a high priority for students.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Sales And Marketing Consultant job market given the pandemic?
Chris Huseman Ph.D.: I can foresee several business reconsidering their business structure from a brick and mortar to continuing in a virtual office space. This can be a wonderful opportunity for businesses to gain a more diverse work force with enhanced skillsets that may have been limited in the past to geographical barriers, travel and moving expenses. Businesses will also, with this in mind, want to see more proof of a job candidate's competencies and offer them virtual "tests" to assess their abilities. This now can be done with far less costs than it was before. Candidates will be challenged to showcase their skillsets and a greater importance on their production, critical thinking and creativity will be demanded. We have seen many new graduates finish their schooling in a virtual on online context. Candidates are going to have to embrace a digital world but yet develop ways to still ensure they and the company they work for are able to communicate and provide a personable experience and brand to customers they serve. There will also be a high importance placed on a candidate's ability to be flexible and adapt to change like never before.
What technical skills for a Sales And Marketing Consultant stand out to employers?
Dr. Miguel Olivas-Luján Ph.D.: Of course, there is variation across industries, but the long lockdown months have highlighted the need for skills that make telecommuting and work from home more efficient and effective. The ability to use not just technologies but also work habits that allow collaboration mediated by information and communication tools has only become more valuable. With this, I mean that it is important to use Zoom, Teams, Skype, and similar technologies, but even more than that, scheduling, collaboration, creative, professional-grade, and timely delivery (in the absence of face-to-face interaction) is vital. If a higher proportion of work-from-home becomes predominant (as many commentators expect), these skills are likely to differentiate high-performers from their counterparts.
How have salaries changed over time for Sales And Marketing Consultants?
Dr. Miguel Olivas-Luján Ph.D.: Again, there is wide variation across industries and occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a nationwide drop (relative to the previous month) of 4 cents in average hourly earnings for workers on private payrolls, but an increase of 2 cents for private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees; little changes were observed for healthcare and information employers (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm). The largest gains (on a yearly basis) were reported by the Financial activities sector, and the lowest by Mining and logging (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t19.htm). Unfortunately, the BLS does not publish regional data, but I am confident that some states have observed more gains than others.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Sales And Marketing Consultant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Miguel Olivas-Luján Ph.D.: As the economy "reopens" (thanks to appeased fears of contagion driven by vaccination, herd immunity, people worn out by the lockdowns, warmer weather, etc.), we should see workforce adjustments across industries and occupations. Already in March, unemployment was returning to 6% (from a high of 14.8% in April 2020, but after a low of 3.5 in February 2020; https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LNS14000000). Barring unexpected resistance in the virus variants or other influences, the summer and fall months should give us better job market numbers, but this recovery seems to be benefitting some population segments more than others. The unemployed rate for teenagers was at 13%, followed by Blacks (9.6%), Hispanics (7.9%), Asians (6%), adult men (5.8%), and adult women (5.7%; more detail is available at https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm).
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Sales And Marketing Consultants?
Clair Smith Ph.D.: Yes, I'm sure there will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates. The latter part of their college experience was fundamentally different from what they expected. Besides the obvious changes to how classes were conducted, social, athletic, and internship opportunities were all diminished or altered. They lived something very different from what they were expecting. It was often hard. Yet for many of them, these challenges and struggles formed the crucible in which students developed adaptability and resilience. And those traits will be valuable for them going forward both personally and professionally.
What will help Sales And Marketing Consultants increase their earning potential?
Clair Smith Ph.D.: St. John Fisher is at its core a liberal arts college, and I'm a firm believer that a grounding in how to reason and make sound independent judgments is critical. And in Economics, that's what we do. I believe that graduates who can effectively reason and think through the implications of important decisions, who have quantitative skills to analyze and interpret data to inform those decisions, and who can powerfully communicate those arguments to others through the written and spoken word will have the greatest professional success and financial remuneration.
What's a good job out of college for Sales And Marketing Consultants?
Clair Smith Ph.D.: I don't think there is a simple answer to this. What constitutes a good job out of college varies widely. Ultimately I hope every graduate lands in a place where they can use their interests, skills, and passion to do something they find meaningful and for which they are fairly compensated. While some people may find that immediately upon graduation, others may have to gain additional experience and credibility to get there.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Sales And Marketing Consultants?
Dr. LaRae Jome Ph.D.: Yes, while we might try to get back to "normal" or pre-pandemic times, there will likely be an enduring impact on psychology graduates.
For those psychology students who have been finishing their college degrees during this time, they may not have been able to participate fully in internship, volunteer, or research experiences with faculty. These out-of-classroom experiences can be useful in obtaining employment after college or in having a more competitive applications to graduate schools in psychology. On the positive side, many of the "soft skills" that psychology undergraduates learn in college will be very valued in the post-pandemic workplace. We are seeing an increased need for workers who have good critical thinking, listening, and empathy skills.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Sales And Marketing Consultants?
Dr. LaRae Jome Ph.D.: College graduates with a psychology major have a number of valuable skills needed in the workplace, including critical thinking, communication, and empathy. The undergraduate psychology major prepares students for a wide range of jobs, but because, like other liberal arts majors, it does not provide training toward a particular job, psychology graduates will be competing with other graduates for similar entry-level jobs. Gaining internship or research experiences while in school can help students gain experience in specific areas, which can help with getting jobs. For psychology graduates who are interested in social service positions that do not require an advanced degree, the demand for these jobs will likely be high. While these jobs tend to be lower pay, compared to other jobs that require a college degree, there will likely be a great need for assistance in social service programs.
In order to get a job within the field of psychology, college graduates need to pursue a master's degree or doctoral degree and then get licensed to practice counseling or psychology in the state in which they live.
The impact of the pandemic on psychology students who continue on to pursue a master's or doctoral degree may actually be quite positive in terms of job prospects. The pandemic was a difficult time for most people, whether it was living in isolation, losing a job, being afraid of getting sick, or just the fear that comes with not knowing what is going to happen in the future. Many people sought mental health care during the pandemic to help with feelings of anxiety or depression, and the stigma of seeking counseling services is deceasing for many people. Master's level counselors and doctoral-level psychologists are trained to help people with a wide range of emotional issues and it is likely that as we move into a post-pandemic world, there will be an increased need for counseling services.
What will help Sales And Marketing Consultants increase their earning potential?
Dr. LaRae Jome Ph.D.: As with other fields, the higher the degree you have, the greater your earning potential. The master's degree in counseling typically requires two years of graduate school and a year of supervision before getting licensed as a counselor. The highest degree is the doctoral degree (either a PhD or a PsyD) and you need a doctorate and to be licensed in your state in order to be a psychologist.
One of the ways that counselors and psychologists can potentially increase their earning potential is by having their own private practice or by launching other services beyond individual client sessions, such as providing groups, workshops, and coaching or consulting services.