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The average salary for a Student Services Counselor in the United States is approximately $41,175 per year, equating to around $20 per hour. Salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and the specific educational institution. For instance, counselors in states like California and New York often see higher salaries due to the cost of living and demand for qualified professionals.
Additionally, experience levels greatly influence earnings. Entry-level positions may start around $30,000, while those with several years of experience can earn upwards of $50,000. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for job seekers aiming to maximize their salary potential.
To enhance your earning potential, consider applying in regions with higher demand for student services counselors. Locations such as major metropolitan areas often provide better compensation packages. Regularly reviewing salary estimates from various job platforms can help you stay informed about market trends.
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The highest-paying states for student services counselors are New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maryland. The lowest average student services counselor salary states are Wyoming, Kansas, and Indiana.
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | $48,618 | $23.37 |
| 2 | New Jersey | $50,124 | $24.10 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $51,995 | $25.00 |
| 4 | New York | $44,576 | $21.43 |
| 5 | Connecticut | $44,435 | $21.36 |
| 6 | Maryland | $48,233 | $23.19 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | $39,853 | $19.16 |
| 8 | Virginia | $46,983 | $22.59 |
| 9 | Delaware | $44,230 | $21.26 |
| 10 | California | $47,993 | $23.07 |
| 11 | Minnesota | $35,975 | $17.30 |
| 12 | Maine | $37,629 | $18.09 |
| 13 | Vermont | $43,061 | $20.70 |
| 14 | West Virginia | $42,817 | $20.59 |
| 15 | Illinois | $35,981 | $17.30 |
| 16 | North Dakota | $38,484 | $18.50 |
| 17 | Alaska | $33,617 | $16.16 |
| 18 | Arizona | $33,173 | $15.95 |
| 19 | Rhode Island | $35,412 | $17.02 |
| 20 | Tennessee | $32,240 | $15.50 |
| 21 | New Hampshire | $36,556 | $17.57 |
| 22 | Michigan | $34,176 | $16.43 |
| 23 | Iowa | $31,036 | $14.92 |
| 24 | Ohio | $35,106 | $16.88 |
| 25 | Nebraska | $32,393 | $15.57 |
| 26 | Wisconsin | $36,410 | $17.50 |
| 27 | Florida | $32,481 | $15.62 |
| 28 | Georgia | $33,477 | $16.09 |
| 29 | Mississippi | $32,852 | $15.79 |
| 30 | New Mexico | $31,803 | $15.29 |
| 31 | Hawaii | $30,652 | $14.74 |
| 32 | North Carolina | $33,039 | $15.88 |
| 33 | Arkansas | $29,344 | $14.11 |
| 34 | Washington | $30,690 | $14.75 |
| 35 | Colorado | $31,757 | $15.27 |
| 36 | Nevada | $30,721 | $14.77 |
| 37 | Oregon | $30,006 | $14.43 |
| 38 | Alabama | $31,958 | $15.36 |
| 39 | Louisiana | $29,802 | $14.33 |
| 40 | Texas | $31,185 | $14.99 |
| 41 | South Carolina | $29,331 | $14.10 |
| 42 | Wyoming | $27,230 | $13.09 |
| 43 | South Dakota | $28,828 | $13.86 |
| 44 | Idaho | $28,274 | $13.59 |
| 45 | Missouri | $29,723 | $14.29 |
| 46 | Montana | $24,363 | $11.71 |
| 47 | Kentucky | $27,605 | $13.27 |
| 48 | Indiana | $25,697 | $12.35 |
| 49 | Kansas | $26,458 | $12.72 |
| 50 | Utah | $25,659 | $12.34 |
| 51 | Oklahoma | $24,242 | $11.65 |
The highest-paying cities for student services counselors are Boston, MA, Glendale, CA, and Richmond, VA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston, MA | $48,514 | $23.32 |
| 2 | Glendale, CA | $48,208 | $23.18 |
| 3 | Richmond, VA | $46,546 | $22.38 |
| 4 | New York, NY | $44,776 | $21.53 |
| 5 | Burlington, VT | $42,668 | $20.51 |
| 6 | Philadelphia, PA | $40,400 | $19.42 |
| 7 | Lewiston, ME | $37,306 | $17.94 |
| 8 | Superior, WI | $35,943 | $17.28 |
| 9 | Columbus, OH | $34,428 | $16.55 |
| 10 | Tucson, AZ | $33,681 | $16.19 |
| 11 | Atlanta, GA | $33,397 | $16.06 |
| 12 | Knoxville, TN | $32,896 | $15.82 |
| 13 | Miramar, FL | $32,750 | $15.75 |
| 14 | Laredo, TX | $32,579 | $15.66 |
| 15 | Pueblo, CO | $32,450 | $15.60 |
| 16 | Seattle, WA | $30,796 | $14.81 |
| 17 | Saint Charles, MO | $29,932 | $14.39 |
| 18 | Pocatello, ID | $28,131 | $13.52 |
| 19 | Henderson, KY | $27,017 | $12.99 |
| 20 | West Lafayette, IN | $25,437 | $12.23 |
A student services counselor's salary ranges from $27,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $60,000 at the 90th percentile.

| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $60,000 | $5,000 | $29 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,000 | $4,167 | $24 |
| Average | $41,175 | $3,431 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,000 | $2,750 | $16 |
| 10th Percentile | $27,000 | $2,250 | $13 |
The highest paying types of student services counselors are lead counselor, school counselor, and guidance counselor.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Worker | $25,735 | $2,145 | $12.37 | 82,353 |
| Counselor | $36,225 | $3,019 | $17.42 | 77,536 |
| Education Counselor | $45,465 | $3,789 | $21.86 | 40,323 |
| Lead Counselor | $178,478 | $14,873 | $85.81 | 74,247 |
| Admissions Counselor | $39,298 | $3,275 | $18.89 | 43,413 |
| Enrollment Counselor | $41,151 | $3,429 | $19.78 | 77,998 |
Top companies hiring student services counselors now:
Student services counselor salaries at Kern Community College District and Strategic Education are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average student services counselor salary at companies like Misericordia University and Harvard University are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kern Community College District | $72,515 | $34.86 |
| 2 | Strategic Education | $64,845 | $31.18 |
| 3 | Misericordia University | $61,036 | $29.34 |
| 4 | Harvard University | $56,302 | $27.07 |
| 5 | Middlebury College | $53,941 | $25.93 |
| 6 | Emory University | $53,623 | $25.78 |
| 7 | Midwestern University | $52,966 | $25.46 |
| 8 | MCPHS University - Boston | $51,574 | $24.80 |
| 9 | University of California | $51,031 | $24.53 |
| 10 | The City University of New York | $50,575 | $24.31 |
| 11 | University of California-Berkeley | $50,259 | $24.16 |
| 12 | California State University | $49,474 | $23.79 |
| 13 | Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center | $48,131 | $23.14 |
| 14 | Mercy College | $45,238 | $21.75 |
| 15 | University of Vermont | $42,719 | $20.54 |
| 16 | University of Washington | $42,408 | $20.39 |
| 17 | Alameda County Office of Education | $42,039 | $20.21 |
| 18 | Roberts Wesleyan College | $40,541 | $19.49 |
| 19 | Grand Canyon University | $40,494 | $19.47 |
| 20 | Lindenwood University | $39,287 | $18.89 |
The average student services counselor salary has risen by $2,827 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average student services counselor earned $38,348 annually, but today, they earn $41,175 a year. That works out to a 7% change in pay for student services counselors over the last decade.
Compare student services counselor salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Compare student services counselor salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $41,200 | $19.80 | +1.9% |
| 2024 | $40,400 | $19.43 | +1.3% |
| 2023 | $39,900 | $19.18 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $39,300 | $18.87 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | $38,700 | $18.58 | +1.6% |
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blinn College | Student Worker-Disability Services and Counseling, By Campus | Brenham, TX | 06/11/2025 | $22,957 |
| Cuny | Cuny Office Assistant Junior Provisional)-Student International Services | New York, NY | 06/06/2025 | $35,588 |
| Columbus State University | Counselor, Military-Connected Student Services | Columbus, GA | 06/03/2025 | $35,868 |
| California State University System | Disability Support Services Counselor, Student Affairs | San Marcos, CA | 05/31/2025 | $66,480 |
| City University of New York | Student Psychological Counselor | New York, NY | 05/23/2025 | $86,645 |
| Glendale Community College | Disabled Students Programs and Services (Dsps) Counselor | Glendale, CA | 05/19/2025 | $70,667 |
| Grand Canyon Education | Ground Student Services Counselor I | Phoenix, AZ | 05/16/2025 | $43,000 |
| Farmington Public Schools | Clerk II School and Student Services | Farmington, CT | 05/11/2025 | $51,841 |
| Laboratory Institute of Merchandising | Student Financial Services Counselor | New York, NY | 03/28/2025 | $52,000 |
| Cuny | Student Psychological Counselor, Office of Counseling and Wellness Services, Division of Student AFF | New York, NY | 03/21/2025 | $79,188 |
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