How much does a credit counselor make?
Answer: A typical credit counselor in the United States makes $52,230 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 28,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Credit counselor pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $38,350 | $52,230 | $80,440 | about 28,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $67,120 | about 2,000 |
| Massachusetts | $63,240 | about 770 |
| New York | $63,030 | about 2,000 |
| Washington | $62,360 | about 560 |
| Minnesota | $62,160 | about 580 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can vary with experience and education, location, and the employer’s industry. Some employers prefer or require certification, and counselors may specialize in housing or student aid, so roles can differ too.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a credit counselor do?
Advise and educate individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt. May provide guidance in determining the best type of loan and explain loan requirements or restrictions. May help develop debt management plans or student financial aid packages. May advise on credit issues, or provide budget, mortgage, bankruptcy, or student financial aid counseling.
What's a typical day like?
They talk with clients by phone or in person and review income, expenses, debts, and credit reports. Then they build a budget or debt plan, discuss payment changes with creditors, and update client records.
How to get this job
In the U.S., a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or psychology is common, though some jobs accept a high-school diploma. New hires train for months; employers may require certification, and NFCC’s credential includes an exam.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like keeping things organized and helping and teaching.
Did you know?
Some credit counselors do more than discuss debt: they may connect clients with community help for food, medical care, and other basic needs.
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Business and Financial Operations jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/credit-counselors.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-2071.00
- www.nfcc.org/faqs/how-do-i-become-a-credit-counselor
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY