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Adjunct Counselor Salary in California

How much does an Adjunct Counselor make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Adjunct Counselor in California is $71,176 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $91,502
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,955 to $81,815
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,470
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Adjunct Counselor Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Adjunct Counselor Salaries

An Adjunct 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 Adjunct Counselor Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Adjunct 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): $66,264
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $66,509
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $67,489
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $71,915
  • Expert (over 8 years): $74,131
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Adjunct Counselor less than 1 year $66,264
Early Career Level Adjunct Counselor 1-2 years $66,509
Mid-Level Level Adjunct Counselor 2-4 years $67,489
Senior-Level Level Adjunct Counselor 5-8 years $71,915
Expert Level Adjunct Counselor over 8 years $74,131

How Do Adjunct 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 Adjunct Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $71,447.
  • California: $71,176.
  • Massachusetts: $70,227.

Top Paying Cities for Adjunct 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: $71,299
  • West Hollywood: $71,247
  • Dodgertown: $71,298

Adjunct Counselor Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Adjunct Counselor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Government, offers compensation 12% above the average. Conversely, Adjunct Counselor positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Adjunct Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Adjunct Counselor

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Government $80,073 $38.0 12%
Education $74,735 $36.0 5%

Adjunct Counselor Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Adjunct 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
$62,955
Average $71,176/year
$81,815
$5,246
Average $5,931/month
$6,818
$1,211
Average $1,369/week
$1,573
$30
Average $34/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $81,815 $6,818 $1,573 $39
Average $71,176 $5,931 $1,369 $34
25th Percentile $62,955 $5,246 $1,211 $30

Find Your Next Adjunct Counselor Job

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

  • BAART Programs | BENSON, NE

    COUNSELOR

    BAART Programs | BENSON, NE

    BAART Programs is seeking a Counselor Supervisor to join our compassionate and dedicated team in the Community & Social Services department. This position ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Medmark Treatment Centers | WASHINGTON, PA

    COUNSELOR

    Medmark Treatment Centers | WASHINGTON, PA

    MedMark Treatment Centers seeks a Counselor Supervisor to lead a team of counselors within our outpatient opioid treatment program. In this role, you will ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • HCA Healthcare | AURORA, CO

    COUNSELOR

    HCA Healthcare | AURORA, CO

    HCA Healthcare, a leader in medical services, is seeking a dedicated Adolescent Mental Health Nurse to join our caring professionals at our specialized ado... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Middlesex Recovery, P.C. | SALEM, NH

    Counselor Supervisor

    Middlesex Recovery, P.C. | SALEM, NH

    Middlesex Recovery, P.C. seeks a Counselor Supervisor for its Salem, NH outpatient clinic treating opioid use disorder. The role oversees a team of counsel... more

    8 Days Ago

  • BAART Programs | HARRISVILLE, UT

    SUD Counselor

    BAART Programs | HARRISVILLE, UT

    BAART Programs is seeking a compassionate SUD Counselor to provide counseling and case management services to individuals with opioid use disorder within o... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Middlesex Health | MIDDLETOWN, CT

    Genetics Counselor

    Middlesex Health | MIDDLETOWN, CT

    Middlesex Health is seeking a Genetics Counselor to provide expert genetic risk assessment, counseling, and testing coordination for patients and families.... more

    9 Days Ago

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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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