What is the median salary for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $76,230.

Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is -5.0% versus the District of Columbia state median of $80,280.

How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is +12.1% versus the BLS national figure of $68,023.

What is the salary range for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors in Washington, D.C.?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $47,250 and the 90th-percentile at $119,830 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.

What education is required for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Master's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors Salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Median annual$76,230

Mean annual$81,130

Range (10th to 90th)$47,250 to $119,830

Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment7,250

State vs national+12.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. educational, guidance, and career counselors fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $61,930 and $101,050, with a median of $76,230.

Typical entry

Education
Master's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge
4.8 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
4.4 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
4.3 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
4.3 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
4.3 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
4.2 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
4.1 / 5
Service Orientation
Technical
4.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools.
02
Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, administrators, and other professionals to discuss children's progress, resolve behavioral, academic, and other problems, and to determine priorities for students and their resource needs.
03
Identify cases of domestic abuse or other family problems and encourage students or parents to seek additional assistance from mental health professionals.
04
Counsel individuals to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their educational or vocational situations.
05
Counsel students regarding educational issues, such as course and program selection, class scheduling and registration, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and career planning.
06
Review transcripts to ensure that students meet graduation or college entrance requirements, and write letters of recommendation.
07
Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
08
Provide students with information on topics such as college degree programs and admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $76,230.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is -5.0% versus the District of Columbia state median of $80,280.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is +12.1% versus the BLS national figure of $68,023.
What is the salary range for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors in Washington, D.C.?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $47,250 and the 90th-percentile at $119,830 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.
What education is required for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Master's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Washington, D.C. CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.