Grief Counselor Salary Guide 2026
Grief counselors provide emotional support to bereaved individuals and families. Salaries depend on licensure level, setting, and experience.
$41,827
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 |
| Florida | $76,652 | $50,000 – $98,994 | 10 |
| Missouri | $76,356 | $62,389 – $90,323 | 1 |
| New York | $75,722 | $68,838 – $82,605 | 1 |
| DC | $73,733 | $58,986 – $88,479 | 2 |
| Maryland | $70,720 | $62,400 – $79,040 | 1 |
| Michigan | $54,296 | $44,139 – $64,453 | 1 |
| Washington | $52,669 | $38 – $131,123 | 2 |
| Texas | $26,663 | $50 – $70,000 | 4 |
| Georgia | $22,549 | $24 – $82,017 | 3 |
| Ohio | $20,615 | $18 – $55,000 | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | $15,762 | $18 – $76,327 | 4 |
| California | $40 | $23 – $63 | 2 |
| Oregon | $39 | $30 – $48 | 1 |
| Connecticut | $39 | $38 – $39 | 1 |
| Colorado | $37 | $34 – $39 | 1 |
| Illinois | $35 | $28 – $42 | 1 |
| Arizona | $31 | $26 – $35 | 1 |
| Alabama | $23 | $18 – $28 | 2 |