Average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary in Charleston, WV
In Charleston, WV, Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors earn an average annual salary of $51,360. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,060, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,600.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 200 individuals in this profession and a location quotient of 0.86, Charleston, WV, presents a slightly below-average concentration of these specialized roles compared to the national landscape. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for counselors and advisors within the region's educational and career support sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Charleston, WV earns-14.5%below the national average.
$24.7
$988
$4,280
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston, WV is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for mental health and career services, and evolving educational requirements.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Charleston, WV
Career progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Charleston, WV, is typically reflected in salary increases. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, with substantial percentile gaps indicating opportunities for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $35,580 | $17.1 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $38,520 | $18.5 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $47,650 | $22.9 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $64,200 | $30.9 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $71,600 | $34.4 |
Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,360 in Charleston, WV, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Charleston is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing relative to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
1.914
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Charleston, WV has 0.86x the national average concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors 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 0.86 signifies that Charleston, WV, has a slightly lower concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors than the national average. This suggests a market that is neither oversaturated nor experiencing extreme shortages, offering a moderate level of competition for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary | $59,090↑ 15% | 44 mi |
| Beckley, WV Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary | $55,370↑ 8% | 46 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary | $54,440↑ 6% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston, WV
Hiring Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Charleston, WV?
The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Charleston, WV is $51,360. This typically ranges from $35,580 for entry-level positions to $71,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston, WV is 14.5% lower than the national median of $60,060.
Is Charleston, WV a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $51,360 is below the national average of $60,060, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.
Is Charleston, WV a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston, WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH ($59,090) and Beckley, WV.
What is the average salary for a counselor in Charleston, WV?
The average annual salary for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Charleston, WV, is $51,360.
How does Charleston, WV's cost of living compare to the national average?
Charleston, WV, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
Is there high demand for counselors in Charleston, WV?
The location quotient of 0.86 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating stable but not exceptionally high demand.
How does experience affect counselor salaries in Charleston, WV?
Experience significantly impacts salary, with senior counselors earning considerably more than entry-level professionals, reflecting career progression and skill development.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Charleston, WV area with a job density of 1.914 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 Charleston, WV