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Career Transition Counselor Salary in California

How much does a Career Transition Counselor make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Career Transition Counselor in California is $55,078 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $64,126
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $49,962 to $59,814
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $45,303
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Career Transition Counselor Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Career Transition Counselor Salaries

A Career Transition 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 Career Transition Counselor Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Career Transition 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): $52,237
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $52,406
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $54,421
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $56,262
  • Expert (over 8 years): $56,394
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Career Transition Counselor less than 1 year $52,237
Early Career Level Career Transition Counselor 1-2 years $52,406
Mid-Level Level Career Transition Counselor 2-4 years $54,421
Senior-Level Level Career Transition Counselor 5-8 years $56,262
Expert Level Career Transition Counselor over 8 years $56,394

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

  • District of Columbia: $55,288.
  • California: $55,078.
  • Massachusetts: $54,344.

Top Paying Cities for Career Transition 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: $55,173
  • West Hollywood: $55,133
  • Dodgertown: $55,173

Career Transition Counselor Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Career Transition 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, Career Transition Counselor positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Career Transition Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Career Transition Counselor

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Government $57,832 $28.0 5%

Career Transition Counselor Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Career Transition 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
$49,962
Average $55,078/year
$59,814
$4,163
Average $4,590/month
$4,985
$961
Average $1,059/week
$1,150
$24
Average $26/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $59,814 $4,985 $1,150 $29
Average $55,078 $4,590 $1,059 $26
25th Percentile $49,962 $4,163 $961 $24

Find Your Next Career Transition Counselor Job

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

  • Mindful Solutions Ltd | Los Angeles, CA

    Professional Development Associate Career Transition

    Mindful Solutions Ltd | Los Angeles, CA

    Are you ready to step into a role that redefines your future and offers you flexibility and autonomyIf you are an experienced consultant facilitator or man... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Mindful Solutions Ltd | Los Angeles, CA

    Business Development Executive Career Transition

    Mindful Solutions Ltd | Los Angeles, CA

    Are you a seasoned Business Development professional looking to break free from the usual 9-5 and step into a remote future-focused pathway that values ini... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Career Systems Development Corporation | LIMESTONE, ME

    Career Counselor

    Career Systems Development Corporation | LIMESTONE, ME

    Description. Job Summary: Responsible for counseling students in all aspects of center life. e.g., personal and social development, vocational and educatio... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Career Systems Development Corporation | OTTUMWA, IA

    Career Transition Specialist Monday

    Career Systems Development Corporation | OTTUMWA, IA

    Description. Interested in making a difference in young adults' lives between the ages of 16-24. If so we may have the perfect job for you. Job Corps is a ... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Career Systems Development Corporation | TROUTDALE, OR

    Admissions Counselor

    Career Systems Development Corporation | TROUTDALE, OR

    Description. Job Summary: Assists and provides guidance to prospective Job Corps enrollees by determining basic eligibility, conducting screening, and prov... more

    11 Days Ago

  • Career Systems Development Corporation | ROSWELL, NM

    Substance Abuse Counselor

    Career Systems Development Corporation | ROSWELL, NM

    Description. Join Roswell Job Corps, where we recruit and support young adults on their path to education, career training, and long-term success. Job Summ... more

    10 Days Ago

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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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