Average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary in Merced, CA
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Merced, CA, command an impressive average annual salary of $83,310. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $60,060, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher living costs or specialized needs within the Merced region that drive this compensation. The concentration of these roles in Merced suggests a unique market dynamic at play.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $83,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $125,530.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 350 individuals in this specialized field and a Location Quotient of 2, Merced demonstrates a robust demand for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors. A Location Quotient above 1 signifies a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average, suggesting a healthy and potentially growing job market with ample opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Merced, CA earns+38.7%above the national average.
$40.1
$1,602
$6,943
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 Merced have experienced steady 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 likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory in this vital profession.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
Salary progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Merced, CA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $54,230 | $26.1 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $62,483 | $30 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $76,060 | $36.6 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $104,138 | $50.1 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $125,530 | $60.4 |
Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$83,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$83,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $83,310 in Merced, CA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that while the nominal salary is substantially higher than the national average for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average. Therefore, relocating to Merced for this role offers the benefit of a higher income without a disproportionate increase in everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
4.449
Per 1K Jobs
2
Location Quotient
Merced, CA 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.
Merced, CA, presents a notably concentrated job market for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2. This indicates that the presence of these professionals in Merced is twice as dense as the national average. Such a high concentration suggests strong local demand and potentially fewer competing professionals compared to national averages, making it a favorable environment for those in this career.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Merced, CA is $83,310. This typically ranges from $54,230 for entry-level positions to $125,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 38.7% higher than the national median of $60,060.
Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
Yes, Merced, CA offers a lucrative environment for these professionals.The average salary of $83,310 is significantly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, providing excellent earning potential.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($94,130) and Fresno, CA.
How does Merced's salary for Counselors compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Merced, CA, is $83,310, which is considerably higher than the national average of $60,060.
What is the job concentration for Counselors in Merced, CA?
Merced, CA has a high job concentration for these professionals, with a Location Quotient of 2, meaning the density of these roles is double the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the Merced salary for Counselors?
No, the cost of living in Merced, CA, is at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary offers greater purchasing power compared to areas with a higher cost of living.
How many Counselors are employed in Merced, CA?
There are approximately 350 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors employed within the Merced, CA workforce.
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 Merced, CA area with a job density of 4.449 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 Merced, CA