How much does a counselor make in Washington?
$70,610a year
Median yearly pay for counselors in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area. That is $33.95 an hour or $5,884 a month.
- Hourly
- $33.95
- Vs. national median
- +39%
- Rank among cities
- 12 of 100
- Jobs in the area
- 540
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $39,740Median: $70,610Highest 10%: $136,600
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $39,740 | $19.11 | |
| 25th | $54,500 | $26.20 | |
| Median | $70,610 | $33.95 | |
| 75th | $99,520 | $47.85 | |
| 90th | $136,600 | $65.69 |
Other cities in District of Columbia
Median yearly pay for counselors.
| No other city in the state with data. |
Related jobs in Washington
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Health Education Specialist | $124,600 |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $95,460 |
| Social Worker | $93,220 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | $80,710 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker | $78,210 |
| Educational | $77,420 |
| Child | $75,550 |
| Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist | $73,610 |
| Substance Abuse | $65,270 |
| Clergy | $61,170 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a counselor make an hour in Washington?
The median hourly pay in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area is $33.95 ($70,610 a year).
Do counselors make more in Washington than the national average?
Yes: $70,610 against $50,860 nationally, 39% more.
How does Washington compare with the rest of District of Columbia?
The median in District of Columbia is $93,720, so Washington pays 25% less.
Where does Washington rank for counselor pay?
12 of 100 metro areas with data.
How much does a counselor make starting out in Washington?
The lowest-paid 10% make $39,740 or less a year; the top 10% make $136,600 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.