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Academic/Guidance Counselor Salary in California

How much does an Academic/Guidance Counselor make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Academic/Guidance Counselor in California is $53,502 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, an Academic/Guidance Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $62,291
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,532 to $58,103
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,007
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Academic/Guidance Counselor Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Academic/Guidance Counselor Salaries

An Academic/Guidance Counselor's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Academic/Guidance Counselor Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Academic/Guidance Counselor's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $50,743
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $50,907
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $52,863
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $54,653
  • Expert (over 8 years): $54,780
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Academic/Guidance Counselor less than 1 year $50,743
Early Career Level Academic/Guidance Counselor 1-2 years $50,907
Mid-Level Level Academic/Guidance Counselor 2-4 years $52,863
Senior-Level Level Academic/Guidance Counselor 5-8 years $54,653
Expert Level Academic/Guidance Counselor over 8 years $54,780

How Do Academic/Guidance Counselor Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Academic/Guidance Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $53,706.
  • California: $53,502.
  • Massachusetts: $52,789.

Top Paying Cities for Academic/Guidance Counselor

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $53,595
  • West Hollywood: $53,556
  • Dodgertown: $53,594

Academic/Guidance Counselor Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Academic/Guidance Counselor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Government, offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, Academic/Guidance Counselor positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Academic/Guidance Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Academic/Guidance Counselor

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Government $56,177 $27.0 5%

Academic/Guidance Counselor Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Academic/Guidance Counselor's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$48,532
Average $53,502/year
$58,103
$4,044
Average $4,459/month
$4,842
$933
Average $1,029/week
$1,117
$23
Average $26/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $58,103 $4,842 $1,117 $28
Average $53,502 $4,459 $1,029 $26
25th Percentile $48,532 $4,044 $933 $23

Find Your Next Academic/Guidance Counselor Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Academic/Guidance Counselor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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