Admissions Counselor Salary in 2026
Recruit and evaluate prospective students for colleges and universities.
Median Salary
$45,000
$3,750/mo
Entry Level
$35,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$58,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Admissions Counselor Overview
Recruit and evaluate prospective students for colleges and universities.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Education
Total Jobs (US)
62K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Education
Hourly Rate
$21.63/hr
Monthly Pay
$3,750
Admissions Counselor Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Admissions Counselor salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Admissions Counselor Salary
$50,000
$4,167/month · $1,923/biweekly · $24.04/hr
Admissions Counselor Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Admissions Counselor field.
Entry-level Admissions Counselors earn around $35,000, while the top 10% earn $63,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Admissions Counselors
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $53,000 | +$8,000 |
| New York | $52,000 | +$7,000 |
| Massachusetts | $50,000 | +$5,000 |
| Illinois | $47,000 | +$2,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,000 | $0 |
Top Paying Cities for Admissions Counselors
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $53,000 | +$8,000 |
| Boston | $50,000 | +$5,000 |
| Los Angeles | $50,000 | +$5,000 |
| Chicago | $47,000 | +$2,000 |
| Philadelphia | $46,000 | +$1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Admissions Counselor Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Admissions Counselor from entry level to expert.
$35,000
0-2 years
$47,000
3-7 years
$58,000
8-14 years
$68,000
15+ years
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Admissions Counselor Salary FAQ
How much does a Admissions Counselor make in 2026?
The median salary for a Admissions Counselor in the United States is $45,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $35,000, while senior professionals earn up to $58,000. Top earners in the field can make $68,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Admissions Counselor?
A Admissions Counselor typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include Recruitment, Public Speaking, Data Analysis. Relevant certifications such as None required can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Admissions Counselors?
The job market for Admissions Counselors is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 62K Admissions Counselor positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 5%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Admissions Counselors the most?
The highest-paying states for Admissions Counselors include California, New York, Massachusetts. In California, the median salary is approximately $53,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Admissions Counselor salary?
To increase your Admissions Counselor salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Recruitment and Public Speaking. Pursue certifications such as None required. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Boston. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $35,000 to $58,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Admissions Counselor Salary
How we calculate Admissions Counselor salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $45,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Admissions Counselor in the Education sector.
- Entry-level ($35,000) and senior-level ($58,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 62K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Education sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $45,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Admissions Counselor compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Admissions Counselor job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Education
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Admissions Counselor salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Recruitment, Public Speaking, Data Analysis), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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