Average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Auburn-Opelika, AL earn an average annual salary of $59,060. This figure is slightly below the national average of $60,060, indicating a minor disparity in compensation. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the educational and career services sector in the Auburn-Opelika area likely contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,470.
- Outlook: The Auburn-Opelika area supports a local workforce of 320 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors. With a Location Quotient of 1.99, this profession is significantly more concentrated in this region than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for these specialized roles within the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-1.7%below the national average.
$28.4
$1,136
$4,922
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Auburn-Opelika have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased student populations, evolving career landscapes, and a greater emphasis on mental health and academic support services typically drive salary increases in this field.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Career progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior counselors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of the value placed on accumulated knowledge and proven effectiveness in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $42,320 | $20.3 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $44,295 | $21.3 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $60,180 | $28.9 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $73,825 | $35.5 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $75,470 | $36.3 |
Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $59,060 in Auburn-Opelika, AL, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
4.421
Per 1K Jobs
1.99
Location Quotient
Auburn-Opelika, AL has 2.0x the national concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.99 for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Auburn-Opelika signifies that this profession is nearly twice as concentrated in this area compared to the national average. This suggests a highly competitive job market with a strong presence of these professionals, potentially indicating both abundant opportunities and a significant pool of qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $59,060. This typically ranges from $42,320 for entry-level positions to $75,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 1.7% lower than the national median of $60,060.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary is close to the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage. However, the high concentration of these roles suggests strong local demand.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($63,540) and Montgomery, AL.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $59,060, which is slightly lower than the national average of $60,060.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.99?
An LQ of 1.99 means that the concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Auburn-Opelika is almost double the national average, indicating a higher prevalence and potentially greater demand for these roles in the local job market.
How does the cost of living in Auburn-Opelika affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Auburn-Opelika's cost of living is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the $59,060 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the total local workforce number imply?
A total local workforce of 320 for this profession indicates a substantial presence of these roles within the Auburn-Opelika economy, contributing to the high Location Quotient.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 4.421 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Auburn-Opelika, AL