Guidance counselors make a varied salary depending on where they are located. In the United States and Canada, guidance counselors make a general average of $50,000. In the UK, a guidance counselor salary is approximately £29,000 ($34,000), while the salary in Australia averages around $40,000. The average salary in Switzerland equates to approximately $63,000. In Norway, a guidance counselor makes an average of 230,000 NOK (approximately $28,000).
If you are pursuing a career as a guidance counselor, you should learn how many factors will affect your salary – such as your location and experience, among many others. Continue reading for more information on these factors.
Guidance Counselor Salary Influencers
The reported guidance counselor salaries from reputable sources may vary across the board, but the factors that affect them remain the same regardless. The next few sections will provide details on these factors.
1. Industry
A guidance counselor is a person who assists children in school with choosing classes and the direction of their careers. You may also help children work on their personal interests and skills as they apply to their schoolwork and future. Because of the narrow definition of what a guidance counselor is, it is most likely that you will only be working in schools.
Depending on the type of school you work for, you may be paid more or less. Generally speaking, you may be paid more working for a public school compared to a private school. When you work for a public school, you are more or less working under the government, while private schools are more – as the name states – private.
2. Geographical Area
| Guidance Counselor Salary | Hourly Wage | Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| US | $17 | $49,239 |
| Canada | $25 | $49,703 |
| UK | $16 | $34,093 |
| Australia | $40 | $40,963 |
| Switzerland | $31 | $63,482 |
| Norway | n/a | $28,623 |
Guidance Counselor Salary in the US
A guidance counselor’s salary in the United States follows the general average salary across the country. You would be making approximately $49,000 a year or $17 an hour depending on how you are paid. Bonuses would be determined by where you work and your experience.
Guidance Counselor Salary in Canada
If in Canada, a guidance counselor’s salary would be approximately the same as in the United States at an average of around $49,000. However, the hourly rate is much higher at an average of $25. As previously said, your bonuses would be determined by your place of work and experience.
Guidance Counselor Salary in the UK
In the UK, the salary is slightly lower than in Canada or the US at approximately $34,000. If paid hourly, the hourly rate would be approximately $16. Although the salary may be lower, it seems to follow the average salary in the UK.
Guidance Counselor Salary in Australia
A guidance counselor’s salary in Australia is lower than the US or Canada but higher than in the UK at an average of $40,000. However, the hourly rate is considerably higher at an average of $40.
Guidance Counselor Salary in Switzerland
Compared to the other countries listed, Switzerland’s guidance counselor salary takes the prize at an average of over $60,000. If paid hourly, your rate would be around $30. This may seem high, but it is generally typical for salaries to be higher in Switzerland, so this would be of the norm.
Guidance Counselor Salary in Norway
The guidance counselor job description does not exist as such in Norway. However, one can approximate the earnings of a guidance counselor based on similar job positions. If you consider a guidance counselor to be a childcare assistant, then the salary would be approximately $28,000.
3. Experience
As with any job, your salary will rise as you gain more experience. You may also start with a higher salary if you have had more education. For example, a Master’s degree may or may not open opportunities for a higher starting salary. As you further yourself in the workplace, you will be given opportunities to move up and increase your salary depending on your location of work and – more importantly – your skills.
Working Hours
The working shifts of a guidance counselor would be full time. Luckily, however, they are easily defined as they would follow quite strictly the schedule of whatever school you would be working for. It is not likely for a guidance counselor to have to stay late after school other than predetermined hours to complete paperwork and other tasks.
Bonuses & Benefit Packages
Typically speaking, there are many bonuses and benefits available to those with a job as a guidance counselor. These bonuses and benefits, however, would depend on the specific place you work for. There will generally always be health insurance and other typical benefits available as most guidance counselors would be working full time. Further, bonuses and other benefits would depend primarily on your experience.
Job Outlook
With everything said, the guidance counselor industry would be a sound career choice for anyone who loves helping children in school. Because the role of a guidance counselor is very necessary in all schools and there are often several counselors in each school, there will always be a demand.
Because there will always be thousands of job openings in the field, it would be well worth your time and money to invest in an education. You will need at least a Bachelor’s degree, although some places may require you to have a Master’s degree.
Conclusion
Overall, a career as a guidance counselor may not pay a large amount, but it is an incredibly rewarding choice. Helping children shape their futures is a great trade for those who are interested. In the end, the salary shouldn’t matter when you’re a guidance counselor.
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