Counsellors Pay Data UK — 2025

Counsellors roles in the UK earn a median of £31,225 per year, equivalent to £17.91 per hour as of 2025. This represents a 6.2% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £24,981 to £40,755 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Counsellors roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Counsellors

Counsellors provide counselling services to clients with a wide variety of problems by means of assisting them to reach their own resolutions to the difficulties they face. Counsellors may specialise in a particular area or client group or address a wide range of issues.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• meets clients face-to-face, working either one-to-one or with couples or families, or by telephone or internet
• encourages clients to discuss their feelings in relation to their problems, aiming to ensure that an understanding of the issues is achieved
• presents different perspectives to the problem areas identified
• refers to other appropriate sources of help
• keeps accurate and confidential records

Entry Routes and Qualifications

There are no formal qualifications requirements for entry but relevant experience is necessary. Many employers will expect entrants to have achieved or be working towards accreditation with a professional body via certification or a diploma in counselling. Background checks including a DBS check are likely to be required for counsellors working with vulnerable adults and/or families.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.