Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary in San Diego, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Median annual salary $82,830 +27.2% vs national
Median hourly $39.82
10th percentile $50,100
90th percentile $134,920
Employed locally 3,590
National median $65,140

Compare Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how San Diego, CA stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
in
San Diego, CA
vs

    In San Diego, CA, educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors earn a median annual salary of $82,830, which is significantly higher than the national median of $65,140 for this occupation. This positions them well above the area's median household income of $102,285, indicating that individuals in this profession typically earn more than the average San Diego household. Despite a local unemployment rate of 4.30%, these professionals are in stable demand, with an estimated employment figure of 3,590 in the region.

    Salaries for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors in San Diego vary based on experience. Entry-level positions fall at or below the 10th percentile, earning approximately $50,100 annually, while those in more experienced roles may reach up to the 90th percentile with salaries of $134,920 per year. The substantial salary increase from entry-level to experienced workers is driven by factors such as years of experience, advanced qualifications, and specialized expertise within subfields like higher education or vocational counseling. Additionally, proficiency in addressing complex student needs and demonstrating effective guidance can further enhance earning potential for these professionals.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $50,100
    25th
    $66,500
    50th (median)
    $82,830
    75th
    $121,930
    90th
    $134,920

    San Diego economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,285 2023 • Census ACS
    Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors salary vs area income 81% Median Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors salary is 19% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make per hour in San Diego?

    The median hourly wage for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in San Diego, CA is $39.82, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $64.52 or more per hour.

    Is San Diego above or below average for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors salaries?

    The median Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors salary in San Diego, CA is 27.2% above the national median of $65,140. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in San Diego?

    Entry-level Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors (10th percentile) earn around $50,100 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $66,500.