Grief Counselor Salary Guide 2026
Grief counselors provide emotional support to bereaved individuals and families. Salaries depend on licensure level, setting, and experience.
$32,858
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 |
| Missouri | $76,356 | $62,389 – $90,323 | 1 |
| Florida | $75,759 | $50,000 – $133,234 | 18 |
| New Jersey | $75,000 | $74,000 – $76,000 | 1 |
| DC | $73,733 | $58,986 – $88,479 | 2 |
| Virginia | $65,797 | $30 – $108,894 | 5 |
| Texas | $40,609 | $50 – $75,000 | 6 |
| Michigan | $39,781 | $45 – $70,000 | 3 |
| Wisconsin | $36,268 | $28 – $75,000 | 2 |
| New York | $35,352 | $21 – $108,311 | 6 |
| Washington | $35,128 | $38 – $131,123 | 3 |
| Maryland | $23,595 | $19 – $79,040 | 3 |
| Pennsylvania | $23,326 | $18 – $85,200 | 8 |
| New Mexico | $20,718 | $21 – $68,931 | 3 |
| Illinois | $20,023 | $28 – $62,000 | 3 |
| Georgia | $16,919 | $24 – $82,017 | 4 |
| Ohio | $11,464 | $18 – $55,000 | 9 |
| California | $44 | $23 – $64 | 9 |
| Connecticut | $39 | $38 – $39 | 1 |
| US | $37 | $26 – $60 | 3 |
| Oregon | $37 | $27 – $48 | 2 |
| Colorado | $37 | $34 – $39 | 2 |
| Massachusetts | $33 | $24 – $39 | 3 |
| Arizona | $31 | $26 – $35 | 1 |
| Alabama | $23 | $18 – $28 | 2 |