Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary in California (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · First published: 2026-08-25 · Last updated: 2026-10-25
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Overview
The median wage for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors in California is $86,500 per year (gross, before tax) — 34.5% above the US national median of $64,330 for this occupation. Figures are from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 45,000 people work in this occupation in California. Negotiating an offer in California? A good salary negotiation guide helps you make the case for the upper percentiles.
California Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $51,890 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $63,910 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $86,500 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $119,790 | Experienced |
| 90th | $136,660 | Senior / highest decile |
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Start $1 Trial →How California Compares
| State | Median salary | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| California | $86,500 | +34.5% |
| Alaska | $82,900 | +28.9% |
| Washington | $82,670 | +28.5% |
| District of Columbia | $80,470 | +25.1% |
| Massachusetts | $79,930 | +24.2% |
| New Jersey | $77,910 | +21.1% |
| New Mexico | $77,880 | +21.1% |
| Maryland | $75,820 | +17.9% |
| Rhode Island | $75,000 | +16.6% |
| Delaware | $74,070 | +15.1% |
All states for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors →
Recommended Gear & Prep
Interviewing in California? Interview prep books cover the common question sets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors in California?
The median salary in California is $86,500 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS OES May 2025 data. The mean is $93,610.
How does California pay compare to the US national average?
California is 34.5% above the US national median of $64,330 for this occupation.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-10-25