Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
SeaHill Consulting Group – Ashburn, VA
How much does an Admissions Counselor/Recruiter make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Admissions Counselor/Recruiter in the United States is $57,377 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, an Admissions Counselor/Recruiter's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
Admissions Counselor/Recruiter Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $65,728 | $5,477 | $1,264 | $32 |
| Average | $57,377 | $4,781 | $1,103 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,516 | $4,293 | $991 | $25 |
An Admissions Counselor/Recruiter'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Admissions Counselor/Recruiter'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Admissions Counselor/Recruiter | less than 1 year | $53,787 |
| Early Career Level Admissions Counselor/Recruiter | 1-2 years | $53,955 |
| Mid-Level Level Admissions Counselor/Recruiter | 2-4 years | $56,217 |
| Senior-Level Level Admissions Counselor/Recruiter | 5-8 years | $59,465 |
| Expert Level Admissions Counselor/Recruiter | over 8 years | $59,697 |
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 Admissions Counselor/Recruiters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Admissions Counselor/Recruiter professionals enter the field with a Bachelor's degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Admissions Counselor/Recruiter with a Bachelor's is between $52,077 and $55,563.
| Typical Education for Admissions Counselor/Recruiter | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Degree | 0.5% |
| High School | 1.7% |
| Associate's Degree | 2.1% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 32.5% |
| Master's Degree or MBA | 59.3% |
| JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent | 4% |
Understanding how an Admissions Counselor/Recruiter'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $65,728 | $5,477 | $1,264 | $32 |
| Average | $57,377 | $4,781 | $1,103 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,516 | $4,293 | $991 | $25 |
Salaries for an Admissions Counselor/Recruiter can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $52,038 in 2023 to around $52,082 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Admissions Counselor/Recruiter salary trends, click here.
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $52,038 |
| 2024 | $52,286 |
| 2025 | $52,082 |
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