Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area earn an average annual salary of $72,250. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $60,060, indicating a robust local demand and potentially higher cost of operations or specialized needs within the region's educational and career support sectors that drive this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $72,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $103,000.
- Outlook: The Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington region supports a substantial workforce of 6,420 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors. With a Location Quotient of 1.01, the concentration of these professionals is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and established job market that consistently requires these vital services.
Salary Overview
The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns+20.3%above the national average.
$34.7
$1,389
$6,021
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 the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing demand for specialized counseling services and adjustments for inflation and cost of living.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Career progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors typically involves a salary increase tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior counselors with extensive experience, advanced degrees, or specialized certifications can command salaries significantly above the average, reflected in the higher percentiles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $47,870 | $23 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $54,188 | $26.1 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $66,940 | $32.2 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $90,313 | $43.4 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $103,000 | $49.5 |
Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$72,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$72,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $72,250 in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington 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 region is equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
6,420
Total Jobs
2.238
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.01 indicates that the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area has a slightly higher concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive job market where demand is slightly outpacing the national average, offering good opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Comparing salaries near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Hiring Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $72,250. This typically ranges from $47,870 for entry-level positions to $103,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 20.3% higher than the national median of $60,060.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.The average salary of $72,250 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($78,340) and Vineland, NJ.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
With 6,420 professionals in the field, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area has a substantial existing workforce, suggesting a mature market with consistent demand for counselors and advisors.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.01 signify?
A Location Quotient of 1.01 means the concentration of these roles in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is very close to the national average, indicating a stable and balanced job market.
How does experience affect salary for these roles locally?
As with most professions, experience is a key driver of salary. Entry-level counselors will earn less, while senior professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can expect to earn significantly more than the average.
Is the cost of living a major factor for counselors in this area?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area's cost of living is exactly average, meaning the $72,250 salary offers standard purchasing power compared to the rest of the nation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,420 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 2.238 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD