Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area earn an impressive average annual salary of $81,130. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $60,060, indicating a strong demand and higher compensation for these vital roles within this specific metropolitan region. The concentration of educational institutions, government agencies, and a robust private sector likely contributes to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $81,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $119,830.
- Outlook: The job market for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region appears robust, with a local workforce of 7,250 individuals in this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.05 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying a stable and potentially growing demand for their services within this area.
Salary Overview
The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+35.1%above the national average.
$39
$1,560
$6,761
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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area 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 services likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Career progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the widening gap between starting salaries and those earned by seasoned professionals signifies substantial earning potential. Experience, specialized certifications, and demonstrated success in guiding clients through educational and career pathways are key drivers of salary advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $47,250 | $22.7 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $60,848 | $29.3 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $76,230 | $36.6 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $101,413 | $48.8 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $119,830 | $57.6 |
Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$81,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$81,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
Earning an average of $81,130 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area presents a favorable financial situation, especially considering the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary translates directly into strong purchasing power, allowing professionals in this field to maintain a comparable or potentially better standard of living than their counterparts in other regions.
Job Market Context
7,250
Total Jobs
2.325
Per 1K Jobs
1.05
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.05, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.05, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area exhibits a job market for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these professionals, indicating a competitive yet accessible market where opportunities are readily available for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $81,130. This typically ranges from $47,250 for entry-level positions to $119,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 35.1% higher than the national median of $60,060.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for these professionals.The average salary of $81,130 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent earning potential.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($69,870) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the average salary compare nationally?
The average annual salary of $81,130 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is substantially higher than the national average of $60,060 for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors.
What is the concentration of this job role in the area?
The Location Quotient of 1.05 indicates that Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors are slightly more concentrated in this region compared to the national average, suggesting a strong presence and demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living matches the national average. This means the higher salary of $81,130 offers strong purchasing power for residents in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area.
What is the total number of these professionals in the area?
There are approximately 7,250 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,250 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 2.325 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV