Grief Counselor Salary Guide 2026
Grief counselors provide emotional support to bereaved individuals and families. Salaries depend on licensure level, setting, and experience.
$34,653
National Average
$35,000
Entry Level
$70,000
Top Earners
Grief counselors working in funeral home settings provide a vital service to bereaved families. Those with clinical licensure (LPC, LCSW) command higher salaries than those with only a bachelor's degree.
Salaries range from $35,000 for entry-level positions to $70,000 for experienced, licensed counselors. Funeral homes that employ dedicated grief counselors typically pay $45,000–$55,000.
Many grief counselors in the funeral industry work part-time or as consultants, supplementing income from private practice or hospital/hospice positions.
Grief Counselor Salary by State
| State | Average Salary | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | $83,414 | $66,300 – $100,527 | 1 |
| Virginia | $82,239 | $58,986 – $108,894 | 4 |
| Missouri | $76,356 | $62,389 – $90,323 | 1 |
| New Jersey | $75,000 | $74,000 – $76,000 | 1 |
| Florida | $74,437 | $50,000 – $98,994 | 14 |
| DC | $73,733 | $58,986 – $88,479 | 2 |
| Maryland | $70,720 | $62,400 – $79,040 | 1 |
| New York | $41,584 | $28 – $82,605 | 3 |
| Texas | $40,609 | $50 – $75,000 | 6 |
| Washington | $35,128 | $38 – $131,123 | 3 |
| Michigan | $27,172 | $45 – $64,453 | 2 |
| New Mexico | $20,718 | $21 – $68,931 | 3 |
| Pennsylvania | $19,263 | $18 – $76,327 | 6 |
| Georgia | $16,919 | $24 – $82,017 | 4 |
| Ohio | $14,733 | $18 – $55,000 | 7 |
| California | $46 | $23 – $64 | 6 |
| Oregon | $39 | $30 – $48 | 1 |
| Connecticut | $39 | $38 – $39 | 1 |
| Massachusetts | $37 | $34 – $39 | 1 |
| Colorado | $37 | $34 – $39 | 2 |
| Wisconsin | $35 | $28 – $42 | 1 |
| Illinois | $34 | $28 – $42 | 2 |
| Arizona | $31 | $26 – $35 | 1 |
| US | $30 | $28 – $31 | 1 |
| Alabama | $23 | $18 – $28 | 2 |