SalaryNode

Average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary in Worcester, MA

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Worcester, MA, command an impressive average annual salary of $81,440. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $60,060, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher cost of doing business or specialized need for these professionals within the Worcester area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $81,440 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $106,060.
  • Outlook: Worcester's job market for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors appears robust, evidenced by a local workforce of 1,230 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.58 suggests a concentration of these professionals that is 58% higher than the national average, pointing to a healthy and potentially growing demand for their services within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$81,440

The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Worcester, MA earns+35.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$39.2

Weekly

$1,566

Monthly

$6,787

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Worcester, MA

Career progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Worcester typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. The gap between lower and higher percentile earnings reflects the value placed on experience, specialized skills, and demonstrated success in guiding individuals through educational and career pathways.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$52,170$25.1
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$61,080$29.4
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$77,400$37.2
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$101,800$48.9
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$106,060$51

Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$81,440

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$81,440

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $81,440 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), professionals in Worcester, MA, experience strong purchasing power. The nominal salary translates directly to real income comparable to the national standard, making Worcester an attractive location for these roles from a financial perspective.

Job Market Context

1,230

Total Jobs

3.507

Per 1K Jobs

1.58

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Worcester, MA has 1.6x 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.

The Location Quotient of 1.58 for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Worcester signifies a notable concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation to secure top talent, while also indicating a strong ecosystem of support and opportunity for professionals in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Worcester, MA?

The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Worcester, MA is $81,440. This typically ranges from $52,170 for entry-level positions to $106,060 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Worcester, MA is 35.6% higher than the national median of $60,060.

Is Worcester, MA a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?

Yes, Worcester, MA is a lucrative location for these professionals.The average salary of $81,440 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent earning potential.

Is Worcester, MA a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?

The Cost of Living Index in Worcester, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Worcester, MA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($82,500) and Providence-Warwick, RI-MA.

How does the Worcester job market compare to the national average for this role?

Worcester's job market shows a higher concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors, with a Location Quotient of 1.58, indicating greater demand relative to the national average.

What is the significance of the Jobs per 1,000 Workers metric?

The 3.507 jobs per 1,000 workers metric shows the density of these roles within Worcester's overall workforce, suggesting a consistent need for these specialized services.

How does experience impact salary for Counselors in Worcester?

Experience significantly influences salary, with senior counselors earning considerably more than entry-level professionals, reflecting a clear career progression path.

Is the high salary in Worcester due to a higher cost of living?

No, the salary advantage is not driven by a higher cost of living, as Worcester's Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,230 employees in the Worcester, MA area with a job density of 3.507 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.