The pay range for counselors varies greatly among the industry and depends upon factors like skill, experience, location and type of counselor. The starting salary for counselors is averaged at $19,540 annually and the salary for very experienced counselors practicing for many years is averaged at about $70,320 annually. In 2002, the median annual pay rate for a counselor is about $44,100. Counselors who are self-employed, or those who are employed in group practices, generally have the highest annual earnings.
Within the next decade, employment for counselors is expected to grow faster than the average of all other occupations in the United States. According to National trends, during the next eight years, job positions are likely to rise about 24%. This means there will be approximately 6,350 job openings for counselors each year.
The job growth for school and career counselors is mainly attributed to the increasing student enrollment in secondary and postsecondary schools. Another reason for growth in this field is the recent requirement of counselors in elementary schools passed by state legislation.
Demand for mental health experts, marriage and family therapists and rehabilitation counselors can be attributed to many factors. One reason is the increased funding used to build statewide networks to improve certain services for children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances. These funds will also benefit family members of program participants. Growth in the counseling field is also attributed to advances in medicine and legislation requiring equal employment rights for people with disabilities. Counselors help disabled people make the transition to the workforce and help companies comply with new laws. Growth will also come from the Nation�s increasing comfort level with seeking out counseling professionals.
A career in counseling will allow you to work with people during critical and formative times in their lives. It is also a good way to develop your own relationship and communication skills while enjoying rewarding compensation and the satisfaction providing good advice that has visible results in other people's lives.
