Average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary in Wilmington, NC
In Wilmington, NC, Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors earn an average annual salary of $53,470. This figure falls below the national average of $60,060, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand influence compensation levels in this coastal city. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the salary differential warrants a closer look at the local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $69,120.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Wilmington, NC, comprises approximately 320 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.77, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions. The rate of 1.706 jobs per 1,000 workers further contextualizes the presence of these professionals within the broader employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Wilmington, NC earns-11.0%below the national average.
$25.7
$1,028
$4,456
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington, NC is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors, increased demand for specialized guidance, and inflation typically contribute to upward salary adjustments in most professional fields.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
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 for Wilmington is unavailable, it's common for experienced professionals to command higher salaries, reflecting accumulated expertise, specialized skills, and a proven track record. The gap between entry-level and senior roles often signifies substantial career development and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $39,610 | $19 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $40,103 | $19.3 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $56,930 | $27.4 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $66,838 | $32.1 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $69,120 | $33.2 |
Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $53,470 in Wilmington, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Wilmington is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the salary is lower than the national average for the profession, it is balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
1.706
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 0.77x 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.
Wilmington, NC, exhibits a Location Quotient of 0.77 for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled professionals, though overall demand might be less intense than in areas with a higher LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Wilmington, NC is $53,470. This typically ranges from $39,610 for entry-level positions to $69,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 11.0% lower than the national median of $60,060.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $53,470 is below the national average of $60,060, although the cost of living is comparable. This indicates that while your earnings will go as far locally as they do nationally, the absolute earning potential is lower in Wilmington.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($52,990) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers affect the job market for counselors in Wilmington?
With 1.706 jobs per 1,000 workers, the rate suggests a steady presence of counseling roles within Wilmington's workforce, neither exceptionally high nor low, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding job market for these professionals.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.77 mean for counselors in Wilmington?
A Location Quotient of 0.77 signifies that Wilmington has fewer Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors per capita than the national average. This could imply less competition but also potentially lower overall demand compared to national benchmarks.
How does the total local workforce size impact job prospects?
A total local workforce of 320 professionals in this specific field suggests a moderately sized professional community. This size is neither so small as to be insignificant nor so large as to indicate extreme saturation, pointing towards a balanced job market.
Should I consider Wilmington for a career in counseling based on salary alone?
Based solely on salary, Wilmington, NC, offers compensation below the national average for counselors. However, the equivalent cost of living means your earnings will maintain their purchasing power, making it a viable option if other lifestyle factors are appealing.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 1.706 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 Wilmington, NC