The Average Salary of Admission Counselors
- The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over 250,000 counselors related to education are working for an average annual wage of $55,030. Most of these counselors fall into the middle 50 percent of wages, ranging from $40,260 to $67,160 a year. However, an admissions counselor can average as low as $31,140 in the bottom 10 percent of wages, perhaps due to little experience. Those at the top of the profession with the most experience and holding the most coveted positions can fall into the top 10 percent of wages, averaging $84,080 annually.
- One of the primary factors involved in determining salaries for admissions counselors is cost of living. In Missouri, a state with a relatively low cost of living, the average salary for a counselor is well below the national average at $46,750 a year. Louisiana has the highest concentration of educational counselors in the country and an average mean wage of $50,430 a year. However, several states, such as New York, Rhode Island, Maryland and Alaska all pay between $61,000 and $64,000 a year on average. According to the BLS report, New Jersey is the highest-paying area of the nation, boasting a statewide national salary of $71,600 a year.
- The majority of admissions counselors work in elementary, middle and high schools. Over 138,000 counselors working in this setting earning an average annual wage of $61,190. Colleges and universities hire over 40,000 counselors at an average salary of $49,050 a year. Lower-paying employers may include vocational rehab organizations and individual and family service firms, averaging between $37,000 and $40,000 annually. The bureau states that the highest-paying employer for admissions counselors is the federal government, providing positions that pay $69,770 a year on average.
- The requirements to work as an educational or admissions counselor vary, but most positions are held for those with master's degrees. Most counselors study education, psychology, human services, career development and other social subjects during school. Many counselors also choose to pursue licensing or certification to be more competitive in the job market. Several years of experience in the field of education are also commonly required of counselors.
