Quick Highlights:
- Counseling offers meaningful careers with emotional rewards and various high-paying roles.
- Top-paying counseling jobs include school counselors, marriage therapists, and mental health counselors.
- School and career counselors can earn up to $100,000 annually while marriage and family therapists earn a median salary of $56,570 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Substance abuse counselors and mental health counselors earn around $49,710 annually.
If you’re considering a career in counseling and aiming for lucrative opportunities, you’re in the right place. While counseling may not be the highest paying field, many counseling jobs offer emotional fulfillment and a sense of purpose that goes beyond financial compensation. However, for those seeking higher salaries, specialized roles within counseling typically offer greater earning potential. In this article, we’ll explore some of the highest paying jobs in the field of counseling. Whether you’re interested in working with individuals, families, or communities, there are numerous paths within counseling that can lead to impressive salaries. From school counselors specializing in helping children and young adults to marriage and family therapists guiding couples through challenges, the demand for skilled counselors continues to rise. Some of the best paying counseling careers include:
- School and Career Counselor or Advisor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Mental Health Counselor
- Rehabilitation Counselor
If you’re to learn more about a fulfilling and financially rewarding career in counseling, continue reading!
What are the Highest-Paying Counseling Careers?
Counseling Career | Average Salary |
---|---|
School and Career Counselor or Advisor | $60,140 |
Marriage and Family Therapists | $56,570 |
Substance Abuse Counselor | $49,710 |
Mental Health Counselor | $49,710 |
Rehabilitation Counselor | $39,900 |
Related:
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Profiles: The Highest-Paid Counseling Jobs
School and Career Counselor or Advisor
What is a School and Career Counselor or Advisor?
A School and Career Counselor or Advisor is someone who helps students figure out what they want to do in school and beyond. They give advice on classes to take, college or career options, and help with personal issues that might affect school. They’re like guides who support students in making important decisions about their education and future job paths. They can also provide resources and support to help students succeed academically and professionally. School Counselors can also work with students on social and emotional issues. They can make referrals to appropriate offices or outside agencies if an individual needs additional support.
School Counselors usually work in P-12 schools. Career Counselors are typically found working in a college or a career center.
How do I Become a School and Career Counselor or Advisor?
To become a School and Career Counselor or Advisor, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, education, or a related field. Many positions require a master’s degree. After completing your education, you’ll likely need to obtain certification or licensure, which often involves gaining supervised counseling experience and passing an exam. In Illinois, for example, School Counselors must have a master’s degree. They must also complete an internship and practicum to be eligible for licensure.
How Much Can I Make?
School and Career Counseling is one of the top earning counseling specialties according to the BLS. While the salary range for these roles vary considerably, this is an area of counseling where the highest earners make close to $100,000. The lowest paid 10% of School and Career Counselors make under $38,280 while the highest paid make over $98,530. The highest paying industry for these roles is elementary and secondary schools while the lowest paying industry is healthcare and social assistance.
Marriage and Family Therapist
What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?
A Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is a type of counselor who helps people with their relationships. They work with couples, families, and sometimes individuals to:
- improve communication
- resolve conflicts
- strengthen relationships
They listen to people’s concerns and provide support and guidance to help them overcome challenges. Marriage and Family Therapists use different techniques like talking therapy to help their clients understand each other better and find solutions to their problems. They aim to create a safe and supportive environment where families can work through their issues and build stronger, happier relationships.
How do I Become a Marriage and Family Therapist?
To become a Marriage and Family Therapist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field. After that, you’ll pursue a master’s degree from an accredited Marriage and Family Therapy program. Many programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. While not a requirement, there are benefits to choosing one of these master’s degree programs. Students receive a quality education in MFT and are well prepared for licensure after they complete their clinical experience.
Following your education, you’ll need to gain supervised clinical experience, often by working under the guidance of a licensed therapist. Once you’ve completed your supervised hours, you’ll need to obtain licensure, which typically involves passing a licensing exam and meeting other state-specific requirements. To maintain your license, you’ll likely need to participate in continuing education courses to stay current with therapy techniques and regulations. Some therapists choose to specialize in specific areas such as working with couples, children, or addressing particular issues like addiction or trauma, which may involve additional training and experience.
How Much Can I Make?
MFTs can have a lucrative career. While the lowest paid 10% make under $36,840, the highest paid 10% make over $98,700. The highest paid industry for MFTs is state government while the lowest paid industry is individual and family services. MFTs who are in private practice can have a lucrative career by developing a specialty area to reach a wider clientele and grow their business.
Substance Abuse Counselor
What is a Substance Abuse Counselor?
A Substance Abuse Counselor is someone who helps people struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol. They:
- listen to their clients’ concerns
- provide support
- guide them through the process of overcoming addiction
Substance Abuse Counselors offer counseling sessions where they talk about the challenges of addiction and help clients develop strategies to stay sober. They may also connect clients with support groups, treatment programs, and other resources to aid in their recovery journey. The goal of a Substance Abuse Counselor is to help individuals break free from addiction and lead healthier, substance-free lives.
An Addiction Counselor is a closely related professional, but they have a broader scope. Addiction Counselors may work with individuals with substance abuse issues, but they may also work with individuals with other types of addictive behaviors like:
- gambling
- eating disorders
- internet addiction
Despite the slight differences in focus, both types of counselors aim to support individuals in overcoming addictive behaviors and leading healthier lives.
How do I Become a Substance Abuse Counselor?
Substance Abuse Counselors or Addiction Counselors need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field. Some positions may require a master’s degree. During your education, it’s helpful to complete specialized training or coursework in addiction counseling, which might be included in your degree program or completed separately.
While certification is not always mandatory, obtaining certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor can enhance your credentials and job opportunities. Certification requirements vary by state but often involve completing supervised hours and passing an exam. In Michigan, for example, a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor must have a master’s degree and supervised clinical hours to be eligible for licensure.
How Much Can I Make?
Substance Abuse Counselors have a median annual wage of $49,710. The highest paying industry for this career is hospitals. The lowest paying industry is residential mental health. Students considering a career as a Substance Abuse or Addiction Counselor should consider pursuing an advanced degree to increase their opportunities for advancement (and higher pay). Working with special populations like veterans or teens can also improve your salary prospects. Earning a certification in behavior analysis or completing EMDR training can make you more marketable and lead to higher paying positions.
Mental Health Counselor
What is a Mental Health Counselor?
A mental health counselor is someone who helps people deal with their emotional and psychological challenges. They:
- listen to their clients’ concerns
- offer support
- provide guidance to help them cope with issues like depression, anxiety, stress, or relationship problems
Mental health counselors use various therapeutic techniques, such as talk therapy, to help clients understand their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. They create a safe and confidential space where clients can express themselves freely and work towards improving their mental well-being. The goal of a mental health counselor is to empower their clients to overcome difficulties and live happier, healthier lives.
How do I Become a Mental Health Counselor?
Mental Health Counselor’s need at least a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, like psychology or social work, after completing a bachelor’s degree in a related subject. Throughout your graduate studies, you’ll receive training in areas like:
- counseling techniques
- psychology
- human behavior
- ethical practices
These course content areas will prepare you to work with clients in diverse mental health settings.
Following your education, you’ll need to obtain licensure, as most states mandate licensing for mental health counselors. Licensing criteria usually requires counselors to complete a specific number of supervised clinical hours and pass a licensing examination. For example, Licensed Professional Counselors are master’s level counselors with supervised clinical experience who passed the National Counselor Examination. To maintain licensure, you’ll need to complete continuing education courses or workshops.
How Much Can I Make?
The BLS includes Mental Health Counselors with Substance Abuse Counselors in their salary data. Mental Health Counselors can boost their salary prospects by adding skills in group therapy or cognitive behavior therapy. Counselors who are fluent in another language like Spanish can also make more money. With an 18% projected growth rate for counseling jobs, the demand might be greater than the supply of licensed professionals. This demand could help raise the average mental health counselor salary.
Rehabilitation Counselor
What is a Rehabilitation Counselor?
A Rehabilitation Counselor is someone who helps people with disabilities live independent and fulfilling lives. They assist these individuals to overcome barriers to:
- employment
- education
- daily living activities
Rehabilitation Counselors assess their clients’ needs, strengths, and goals, and then create personalized plans to help them achieve their objectives. They provide:
- counseling
- vocational training
- support services
The ultimate goal of a Rehabilitation Counselor is to empower their clients to live as independently and productively as possible despite their disabilities.
How do I Become a Rehabilitation Counselor?
Rehabilitation counselors have at least a bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. Many Rehabilitation Counselors have a master’s degree. During college you’ll learn about:
- counseling techniques
- disability studies
- case management
You’ll need to gain practical experience through internships or supervised counseling placements in rehabilitation settings. This hands-on experience will be important as you learn to work effectively with clients who have disabilities.
Many states require Rehabilitation Counselors to be licensed or certified. Licensing requirements vary by state but often include completing a certain number of supervised hours and passing a licensing exam. Some employers may also require certification through a professional organization, such as the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). The CRCC is the gold standard of certification for Rehab Counselors. Their certification process has strict eligibility requirements including advanced education and qualifying work experience. Candidates must also pass the CRC examination.
Continuing education is essential to stay updated on best practices and maintain licensure or certification. Rehabilitation Counselors may also choose to pursue specialized training or certifications in areas such as vocational rehabilitation, mental health counseling, or assistive technology.
How Much Can I Make?
While the average pay for a Rehabilitation Counselor leaves a little to be desired, those with certification and experience have an increased salary potential. The highest 10% of earners makes more than $71,270. The highest paying industry for this role is state government. The lowest paid industry for these professionals is nursing and residential care facilities.