Average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary in Virginia
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Virginia earn an impressive average annual salary of $70,720, significantly surpassing the national average of $60,060. This elevated compensation reflects Virginia's robust economy and the specific demand for skilled professionals within its educational and career development sectors. The state's commitment to fostering educational attainment and workforce readiness directly influences the earning potential for these vital roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,910.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,810 individuals in this field and a Location Quotient of 0.98, the market for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Virginia is nearly on par with the national concentration. This indicates a stable and consistent demand for these professionals, suggesting a healthy job market that can support the existing workforce while offering opportunities for new entrants.
Salary Overview
The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Virginia earns+17.7%above the national average.
$34
$1,360
$5,893
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 Virginia have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased demand for mental health support, evolving career landscapes, and a general rise in the cost of living likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation within this sector.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Virginia
Salary progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career progression pathways and increased earning potential as expertise grows.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $43,120 | $20.7 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $53,040 | $25.5 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $67,350 | $32.4 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $88,400 | $42.5 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $99,910 | $48 |
Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,744
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $70,720 in Virginia presents a favorable financial standing when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 101.4. This index, only slightly above the national average of 100, suggests that while some expenses may be marginally higher, the robust salary offers a strong purchasing power for counselors residing in the state.
Job Market Context
8,810
Total Jobs
2.168
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Virginia has 0.98x 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 0.98 indicates that the concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Virginia is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the number of professionals aligns well with the demand, implying a competitive yet accessible environment for both employers seeking talent and individuals looking for employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Comparing salaries near Virginia
Hiring Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Virginia is $70,720. This typically ranges from $43,120 for entry-level positions to $99,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 17.7% higher than the national median of $60,060.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
Yes, Virginia offers lucrative opportunities for these professionals.The average salary of $70,720 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is only slightly above the national benchmark, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($63,690) and Richmond, VA.
How does Virginia's counselor salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Virginia is $70,720, which is notably higher than the national average of $60,060.
What is the concentration of counselors in Virginia compared to the rest of the US?
Virginia's Location Quotient of 0.98 indicates that the concentration of these professionals is nearly identical to the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.
Is the cost of living high for counselors in Virginia?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4, which is just slightly above the national average of 100, meaning expenses are marginally higher but manageable with the state's competitive salaries.
How many counselors are employed in Virginia?
There are approximately 8,810 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors employed within Virginia, representing 2.168 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,810 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 2.168 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 Virginia