Registered Behavior Technician
Total Education Solutions – Columbus, OH
How much does an ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR in the United States is $29,680 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $14.
However, an ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $32,510 | $2,709 | $625 | $16 |
| Average | $29,680 | $2,473 | $571 | $14 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,235 | $2,270 | $524 | $13 |
An ADULT RESIDENTIAL 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an ADULT RESIDENTIAL 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR | less than 1 year | $28,901 |
| Early Career Level ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR | 1-2 years | $29,169 |
| Mid-Level Level ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR | 2-4 years | $29,758 |
| Senior-Level Level ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR | 5-8 years | $29,876 |
| Expert Level ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR | over 8 years | $29,955 |
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 ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELORs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR professionals enter the field with a high school 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 ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR with a high school is between $34,234 and $35,811.
| Typical Education for ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Degree | 1.3% |
| High School | 36.3% |
| Associate's Degree | 11.3% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 46.3% |
| Master's Degree or MBA | 5% |
| JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent | 0% |
Understanding how an ADULT RESIDENTIAL 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $32,510 | $2,709 | $625 | $16 |
| Average | $29,680 | $2,473 | $571 | $14 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,235 | $2,270 | $524 | $13 |
Salaries for an ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $34,358 in 2023 to around $34,107 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR salary trends, click here.
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $34,358 |
| 2024 | $34,664 |
| 2025 | $34,107 |
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The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for ADULT RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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