Grief Counselor Salary Guide 2026
Grief counselors provide emotional support to bereaved individuals and families. Salaries depend on licensure level, setting, and experience.
Updated October 9, 2026
$73,694
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $125,320 | $95,680 – $166,400 | 4 |
| Utah | $90,480 | $70,720 – $110,240 | 4 |
| Michigan | $88,400 | $83,200 – $93,600 | 1 |
| New Jersey | $83,651 | $67,875 – $99,426 | 1 |
| Washington | $81,120 | $62,400 – $104,000 | 3 |
| Pennsylvania | $79,110 | $41,823 – $124,800 | 2 |
| Minnesota | $73,840 | $66,560 – $81,120 | 1 |
| Kentucky | $73,500 | $62,000 – $85,000 | 1 |
| West Virginia | $71,760 | $56,160 – $87,360 | 1 |
| Florida | $70,766 | $55,232 – $86,300 | 3 |
| Georgia | $69,638 | $48,636 – $87,436 | 2 |
| Virginia | $66,123 | $52,000 – $82,726 | 6 |
| Oregon | $66,040 | $45,760 – $91,520 | 2 |
| Texas | $64,872 | $45,760 – $90,456 | 5 |
| Montana | $64,700 | $56,600 – $72,800 | 1 |
| North Dakota | $64,480 | $49,920 – $79,040 | 1 |
| Mississippi | $63,900 | $51,120 – $76,680 | 1 |
| New Mexico | $62,500 | $62,000 – $63,000 | 1 |
| New York | $61,798 | $39,520 – $89,713 | 3 |
| New Hampshire | $61,677 | $50,109 – $73,245 | 1 |
| Illinois | $58,600 | $47,840 – $66,560 | 2 |
| Colorado | $56,320 | $39,520 – $75,000 | 2 |
| Idaho | $55,120 | $39,520 – $70,720 | 1 |
| Connecticut | $50,960 | $49,920 – $52,000 | 1 |
| Indiana | $46,800 | $41,600 – $52,000 | 6 |
Grief Counselor Salary FAQ
What is the average Grief Counselor salary?
The average Grief Counselor salary in the United States is about $73,694 per year, from about $35,000 at entry level to $70,000 or more for top earners.
What state pays the most for Grief Counselor jobs?
Among current job postings with pay listed, California has the highest average Grief Counselor pay at about $125,320 per year.