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Average Credit Counselors Salary in California

Credit Counselors in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $68,820, substantially exceeding the national average of $55,430. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust economy and higher operational costs, which necessitate competitive pay to attract and retain skilled professionals in financial advisory roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $68,820 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,310.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 2,160 Credit Counselors, California presents a notable, albeit not overwhelmingly concentrated, market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.65 suggests that while the profession is present, it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a steady demand that is not saturated, offering a stable environment for existing and aspiring professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$68,820

The average Credit Counselors in California earns+24.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$33.1

Weekly

$1,323

Monthly

$5,735

Credit Counselors Salary Distribution in California

Career progression for Credit Counselors in California typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior counselors with extensive experience and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average, reflecting their expertise and client management capabilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$44,970$21.6
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$51,615$24.8
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$65,820$31.6
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$86,025$41.4
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$94,310$45.3

Detailed Credit Counselors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$68,820

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$49,690

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The average annual salary of $68,820 in California must be viewed in the context of its high Cost of Living Index of 138.5. While the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the increased cost of goods and services in California means that the purchasing power of this salary may be more aligned with, or slightly above, what a lower salary would provide in a less expensive state.

Job Market Context

2,160

Total Jobs

0.119

Per 1K Jobs

0.65

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.65x the national average concentration of Credit Counselors jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.65 indicates that Credit Counselors are employed in California at a rate lower than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the market is not as densely populated with these professionals compared to other regions, potentially offering a less competitive landscape for job seekers but also implying a moderate level of demand relative to the overall workforce.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Credit Counselors

CitySalaryDist.
Visalia, CA Credit Counselors Salary$51,480↓ 25%25 mi
Fresno, CA Credit Counselors Salary$66,540↓ 3%46 mi

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Credit Counselorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Credit Counselors make in California?

The median annual salary for a Credit Counselors in California is $68,820. This typically ranges from $44,970 for entry-level positions to $94,310 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 24.2% higher than the national median of $55,430.

Is California a lucrative place for Credit Counselors?

Yes, but with considerations.California offers a significantly higher average salary for Credit Counselors compared to the national average. However, this is balanced by a substantially higher cost of living, which impacts real disposable income.

Is California a good place to live for Credit Counselors?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Visalia, CA ($51,480) and Fresno, CA.

How does California's average Credit Counselor salary compare nationally?

The average annual salary for Credit Counselors in California is $68,820, which is approximately 24% higher than the national average of $55,430.

What is the concentration of Credit Counselors in California?

California has a Location Quotient of 0.65 for Credit Counselors, meaning the profession is employed at a rate 35% lower than the national average, indicating a moderate presence.

How does the cost of living affect the Credit Counselor salary in California?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average. The higher salary helps offset these costs, but disposable income may not be proportionally higher than in lower-cost states.

What is the total number of Credit Counselors in California?

There are approximately 2,160 Credit Counselors employed in California, representing a specific segment of the state's financial services workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,160 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.119 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Credit Counselors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California