Counselor salary
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
A counselor earns a median of $50,860 a year ($24.45 an hour) in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The average is $58,210. About 28,580 people work in this job.
Take-home pay on $50,860
- Gross pay
- $1,956.15
- Federal income tax
- −$150.89
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$121.28
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$28.36
- Texas income tax
- $0.00No state income tax on wages
- Take-home pay
- $1,655.62
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $50,860
- Federal
- $3,923
- FICA
- $3,891
- State + local
- $0
- Net
- $43,046
- Marginal federal rate
- 12.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 0.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
Similar jobs
- Community Health Worker: $51,850
- Director: $52,100
- Rehabilitation Counselor: $46,850
- Social and Human Service Assistant: $45,930
- Religious Worker: $45,280
- Community and Social Service Specialist: $56,730
- Substance Abuse: $59,350
- Social Worker: $59,550
BLS occupation: Counselors, All Other. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 21-1019). Excludes the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a counselor make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $24.45; the average is $27.99.
What is the salary range for a counselor?
The bottom 10% earn under $36,240 and the top 10% earn over $91,940 a year.
How much is $50,860 after taxes?
About $43,046 a year in Texas (no state income tax) or $41,294 in California for a single filer in 2026.
Your business here? Sponsor this calculator from $19/week. See placements
Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.