Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, command an average annual salary of $62,540. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $60,060, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher compensation for these vital roles within the region's educational institutions and career services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $85,510.
- Outlook: The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, area demonstrates a robust job market for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 350 professionals. The high Location Quotient of 2.15 strongly suggests that this profession is significantly more concentrated here than the national average, pointing to a healthy and sustained demand for these specialized skills.
Salary Overview
The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA earns+4.1%above the national average.
$30.1
$1,203
$5,212
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts and increasing emphasis on student support services likely contribute to a steady or upward trajectory in compensation for these counselors.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
Career progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior counselors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting their accumulated expertise and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $43,990 | $21.1 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $46,905 | $22.6 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $63,270 | $30.4 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $78,175 | $37.6 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $85,510 | $41.1 |
Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $62,540 in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
4.772
Per 1K Jobs
2.15
Location Quotient
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA has 2.1x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.15, the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, market is considerably more concentrated with Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive job market where demand may outstrip supply, offering good opportunities for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Comparing salaries near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $62,540. This typically ranges from $43,990 for entry-level positions to $85,510 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 4.1% higher than the national median of $60,060.
Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for these professionals.The average salary of $62,540 significantly exceeds the national average, and with a cost of living at the national average, your earnings provide strong purchasing power.
Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
The Cost of Living Index in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Roanoke, VA ($64,240) and Beckley, WV.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, is $62,540, which is higher than the national average of $60,060.
What is the concentration of this job in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.15, indicating that this profession is more than twice as common in this area compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
The cost of living in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $62,540 salary has average purchasing power.
What does the job market size suggest for counselors in this area?
With 4.772 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 350 in this field, the market indicates a solid presence and demand for these professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area with a job density of 4.772 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 Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA