Counseling is a career that professionals tend to enter not to make a fortune, but to do good – public service, after all, isn’t a big money-making endeavor. But some jobs in counseling pay better than others, so when students are considering their choices, it’s a good idea to think about where to specialize to find the highest-paying counseling jobs.

• 1. Marriage and Family – $63,780 
• 2. School – $67,670
• 3. Career – $51, 091
• 4. Geriatric – $52,978
• 5. Mental Health – $59,190
• 6. Grief – $59,190
• 7. Telehealth- $59,979
• 8. Veteran – $58,510
• 9. Pediatric – $59,190
• 10. Substance Abuse – $59,190

Counseling Specialty	Average 2025 Salary
Marriage and Family Counselor	$63,780
School Counselor	$67,670
Career Counselor	$51,091
Geriatric Counselor	$52,978
Mental Health Counselor	$59,190
Grief Counselor	$59,190
Telehealth Counselor	$59,979
Veteran Counselor	$58,510
Pediatric Counselor	$59,190
Substance Abuse Counselor	$59,190

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• What is the Highest Paying Job in Education?

1. Marriage and Family Counselor

In order to become a marriage and family counselor you will have to earn a Bachelor’s degree. Once you have a Bachelor’s degree, you will need to earn a Master’s degree with a focus on family therapy. Your Bachelor’s degree should be in psychology or social work so that you have a solid foundation for when you enroll in your Master’s degree program.

2. School Counselor

You can become a school counselor once you have earned a Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or other related fields. Graduates are encouraged, however, to pursue a Master’s degree in school counseling with a focus on family or child psychology. Accredited programs are often the best type of program. Accreditation ensures that you have received the level of education you need to be an effective counselor.

3. Career Counselor

To become a career counselor tart your education with a Bachelor’s degree in human services or sciences. Behavioral sciences is another option. After you have completed your Bachelor’s program, complete a Master’s degree with a specialization in counseling. You can then go on to graduate work or enter into an internship program. Once you have met the requirements, you can apply for certification or licensure. Many schools offer certification programs that allow you to prepare for your state exam.

4. Geriatric Counselor

The first step in becoming a geriatric counselor is to receive a Bachelor’s degree in psychology/counseling with specializations in family and elderly care. It is recommended that you continue on and earn a Master’s degree. You may, however, be able to earn your license to practice earlier if you can enroll in an internship that meets the licensing requirements. Internships can often be completed in nursing homes and other types of facilities for the elderly.

5. Mental Health Counselor

The first step in becoming a mental health counselor is to complete a Bachelor’s degree program specializing in mental health counseling. Your next step should include evaluating your skills and abilities to determine if this type of career is right for you. You will also need to complete a Master’s degree program in counseling that is in compliance with mental health standards on a national level. Licensing is required in most states. You will need to learn what is required and make sure you are eligible to sit for the test.

6. Grief Counselor

To be a grief counselor, you must have completed both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree program with a specialization in mental health counseling, family counseling, or community counseling. You can also include specializations for social work or gerontology. Grief counselors may be required to apply for and complete an internship as well as sit for a state licensing exam.

7. Telehealth and Online Therapy Counselor

Telehealth and online therapy continue to reshape the counseling profession, creating new pathways for virtual mental health counseling and expanding access for clients nationwide. The rapid growth of telehealth counseling has made it easier for individuals to receive support from home, while telehealth family therapy allows counselors to work with couples, parents, and children even when they live in different locations. As digital care becomes standard in clinics and private practice, online therapy jobs for LPCs and MHCs are increasing, especially in hybrid roles that blend in-person and virtual sessions.

Major digital therapy platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace have accelerated this shift, offering flexible online counseling careers for licensed professionals who want remote work or supplemental income. With telehealth now integrated across the mental health system, counselors with skills in virtual communication, teletherapy ethics, and online treatment planning are in especially high demand.

8. Veteran Counselor

In order to work with veterans as a counselor, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in social science, behavioral science, or other psychology-related fields. The next step is earning a Master’s degree in any of the previously listed sciences as well as a specialization in working with military populations. It is also beneficial to have been in the military at some point. Many veterans will respond better to someone who has a military affiliation.

9. Pediatric Counselor

In order for you to become a pediatric or child counselor, you will have to earn a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in behavioral science or other psychology-related fields. During your Master’s program, you will need to have a specialization in child/adolescent behavior and development. In addition to your degrees, you will have to complete an internship as well as pass any type of state license or certification that is required.

10. Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance abuse counselors need to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in psychology or behavioral sciences. A Master’s degree in behavioral sciences, psychology, or other types of social work is also beneficial. You may also apply for certification courses and internship programs as well. Licensing is sometimes required depending on where you live and what type of counseling you will be offering.

Counseling Salary Outlook (2026–2036)

The next decade is projected to be one of the strongest periods of growth ever recorded for counseling professions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for counselors across specialties continues to surge due to nationwide shortages, increased mental health awareness, and expanding insurance coverage.

• Mental Health Counselors: +18% job growth
  Driven by rising demand for therapy services, integrated behavioral health programs, and expanded telehealth options.
• Substance Abuse Counselors: +18% job growth
  Growth is fueled by the ongoing need for addiction treatment, opioid recovery initiatives, and court-mandated counseling programs.
• Marriage & Family Therapists (MFTs): +15% job growth
  Increased focus on family systems therapy, child development, and couples counseling is boosting demand across clinical and private-practice settings.

What This Means for Future Counselors

• These growth rates are more than triple the national average for all occupations.
• Counselors in high-growth fields often enjoy strong job security, easier entry into full-time roles, and more opportunities to specialize.
• As demand rises, so do wages—particularly for counselors with advanced credentials, dual licensure, or specialized training.

This outlook makes counseling one of the most stable and promising public-service career paths heading into 2036.

FAQ

Which type of counselor gets paid the most?

Marriage and family therapists and school counselors are among the highest-paid counseling professionals, with national averages often exceeding $63,000–$68,000 per year, depending on location and experience.

Which counseling careers require a master’s degree?

Most clinical roles require a master’s degree, including mental health counselors (LPC/LMHC), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), school counselors, career counselors, and clinical rehabilitation counselors.

What is the fastest counseling specialization?

Substance abuse counseling is typically the fastest specialization to enter because many states allow entry-level positions with a bachelor’s degree and certification, with accelerated pathways into full licensure.

Do school counselors make more than mental health counselors?

Yes, school counselors generally earn higher salaries than mental health counselors, averaging around $67,670, compared to $59,190 for mental health counselors.

Can counselors work remotely?

Absolutely. Many counselors now offer remote and telehealth services, and virtual roles are expanding rapidly through platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and telehealth clinic networks.

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