According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for counselors in the U.S. is $49,710. The salary range for counselors varies from $34,580 for the lowest ten percent of workers to $82,710 for the highest ten percent of earners. These numbers account for all positions across the country that require a counseling degree. It also includes positions that may not require a counseling license or that require additional training and education. Your specialization is the most important factor in determining your potential salary. Counseling is a wide-ranging discipline, so you will most likely choose a specialization during your master’s degree. The choice you make at that point can affect your income. For example, the median yearly salary for school and career counselors is over $60,000 - more than $10,000 higher than the median for all counseling positions.  Other factors that influence your earning potential include the following: • Your experience - The more experience you have, the higher your income is likely to be. • Where you work - Counselors in private practice tend to make far higher salaries than counselors who work in any other setting. • The geographic location in which you work - Counselors in urban areas usually have higher incomes than those in rural areas. • Licensure, certifications, and specialties - Counselors who are licensed, have advanced training, or highly specific specialties can often command a higher income.