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Adoptions Counselor Salary in California

How much does an Adoptions Counselor make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Adoptions Counselor in California is $54,147 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $65,906
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $49,433 to $60,302
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $45,141
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Adoptions Counselor Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Adoptions Counselor Salaries

An Adoptions 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 Adoptions Counselor Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Adoptions 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): $52,515
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $53,036
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $54,318
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $54,574
  • Expert (over 8 years): $54,745
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Adoptions Counselor less than 1 year $52,515
Early Career Level Adoptions Counselor 1-2 years $53,036
Mid-Level Level Adoptions Counselor 2-4 years $54,318
Senior-Level Level Adoptions Counselor 5-8 years $54,574
Expert Level Adoptions Counselor over 8 years $54,745

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

  • District of Columbia: $54,353.
  • California: $54,147.
  • Massachusetts: $53,425.

Top Paying Cities for Adoptions 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: $54,240
  • West Hollywood: $54,201
  • Dodgertown: $54,240

Adoptions Counselor Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Adoptions Counselor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Adoptions Counselor positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Adoptions Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Adoptions Counselor

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $59,562 $29.0 10%

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

Understanding how an Adoptions 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 October 01, 2026
$49,433
Average $54,147/year
$60,302
$4,119
Average $4,512/month
$5,025
$951
Average $1,041/week
$1,160
$24
Average $26/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $60,302 $5,025 $1,160 $29
Average $54,147 $4,512 $1,041 $26
25th Percentile $49,433 $4,119 $951 $24

Find Your Next Adoptions Counselor Job

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

  • University of New Mexico - Hospitals | ALBUQUERQUE, NM

    COUNSELOR SOCIAL WKR CLIN CERT

    University of New Mexico - Hospitals | ALBUQUERQUE, NM

    Receive 17% Weekday Nights, 26% Weekend Nights and 15% Weekend Day shift differentials Compensation Disclaimer Compensation for this role is based on a num... more

    9 Days Ago

  • NewYork-Presbyterian | NEW YORK, NY

    Substance Abuse Counselor

    NewYork-Presbyterian | NEW YORK, NY

    Location. New York, New York Shift: Day (United States of America). Description. Experience a Mission-Driven Career Empower Healing. Promote Recovery. Tran... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Virginia Economic Development Partnership | CAPITOL VIEW, VA

    Tourism Counselor

    Virginia Economic Development Partnership | CAPITOL VIEW, VA

    The Virginia Tourism Corporation is seeking a Tourism Counselor for its Virginia Welcome Center at Main Street Station who is willing to work a minimum of ... more

    18 Days Ago

  • Children and Families First Delaware Inc | WILMINGTON, DE

    School Counselor

    Children and Families First Delaware Inc | WILMINGTON, DE

    Provide intensive therapy for elementary school age children. Assist youth to reduce symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety and behavioral challenges with... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Vocational Instruction Project | NEW YORK, NY

    Residential Aide

    Vocational Instruction Project | NEW YORK, NY

    POSITION TITLE: Counselor Assistant REPORTS TO: Shift Supervisor SALARY: $21.00/Hourly Per Diem Roles available as well. ORGANIZATION VIP Community Service... more

    11 Days Ago

  • SENIOR CARE THERAPY | LAWNDALE, PA

    Licensed Professional Counselor

    SENIOR CARE THERAPY | LAWNDALE, PA

    Licensed Professional Counselor LPC Are you passionate about working with an underserved and rewarding population. Looking for a clinical role without the ... more

    12 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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