How Much Does A Counselor Make?

CounselorIndividuals who find the field of counseling to be a viable career choice may have asked themselves an important question at some point: “How much does a counselor make?” Below you will find an answer to this question and several others that are relevant to the field of counseling.

The Counselor – A Brief Overview

Although broadly defined, the term counselor is typically used to reference an individual who operates in a therapeutic role. Some examples of counselors include marriage and family counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers. Typically, individuals who work as counselors conduct regular therapy sessions in order to help their clients become more productive, positive, and effective individuals.

Salaries

Individuals interested in pursuing a career in counseling should note that the opportunity to consistently earn a competitive salary is high. At the same time; however, it is important to note that several factors influence the salary that a counselor will garner. Some of those factors include job title, education, experience, level of expertise, and location. Below you will find more detailed information regarding the type of salary various counselors can expect to earn:

Psychologists

Psychologists are counselors that study emotional, social, and cognitive processes through the observation, interpretation, and recording of how individuals interact with others and their external environment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists earn about $69,280 each year. If you are interested in pursuing a career in psychological counseling, you should know that psychologists can work independently or as a member of a healthcare team. When working independently, psychologists will typically spend time with their clients or conduct research. As a member of a healthcare team, psychologists collaborate with social workers and physicians. In some cases, they may work in school settings and in conjunction with teachers, students, educators, and parents.

School and Career Counselors

School counselors are individuals who assist students in developing the social skills they will need to succeed in the school setting. Career counselors are those who assist individuals in making prudent vocational decisions through measures such as helping them select a career and/or the educational program that will help them accomplish their vocational goals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that school and career counselors can expect to earn about $53,610 per year.

Mental Health Counselors

Mental health counselors are individuals who help others manage and overcome any mental and/or emotional disorders they may have. To accomplish this goal, mental health counselors assist clients in understanding their own problems and subsequently devising strategies that will help them make the improvements necessary to attain and maintain mental health. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that mental health counselors earn about $41,500 per year.

Related Resource: Psychotherapist

Conclusion

If you have given any consideration to becoming a counselor, you should know that doing so can be both personally and professionally rewarding. In addition to contributing to another individual’s personal and vocational development, opting to become a counselor can present you with a means through which to earn a competitive salary. Now that you have a basic answer to the important question “How much does a counselor make?,” you can determine whether pursuing a career in this dynamic sector would be the best decision for you.