Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Credit Counselor Newly hired credit counselors receive
Education
and Training Credit counselors typically need a bachelor’s degree, usually in a field such as business, finance, or psychology. Candidates with a high school diploma may qualify for some positions, even if employers prefer to hire those who have a degree. Prospective credit counselors may begin preparing in high school by taking classes in subjects such as English, mathematics, and personal finance. After they are hired, credit counselors typically need several months of on-the-job training to attain competency. During this training, new counselors work with more experienced counselors to learn how to build a rapport with clients and how to perform other duties. Licenses, Certification, and Registrations Employers may prefer or require certification for credit counselors. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.
Training
on how to build a rapport with clients. Credit counselors typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Candidates with a high school diploma may qualify for some jobs. Once hired, workers typically need several months of on-the-job training to attain competency.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of credit counselors is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 2,000 openings for credit counselors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment The primary driver of demand for credit counselors is the need for individuals and businesses to manage their debt. Consumers will continue to need these counselors to assist them with planning debt payments, negotiating with creditors, and managing their budgetary goals. Credit counselors will be needed to develop debt management plans to help consumers with repayment of a variety of debts, including student loans, credit cards, and mortgages. However, automation software makes these workers more efficient and may temper employment growth over the projections decade. Credit Counselors Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Financial specialists 4% Credit counselors 3% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Credit Counselors Do
Credit counselors advise and educate individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt. They may also provide guidance on credit issues and on budgeting, mortgages, or student financial aid packages.
Duties
Credit counselors typically do the following:
- Interview clients by telephone or in person to gather financial information
- Explain services or policies, such as about managing debt, to clients
- Help clients understand obligations associated with financial aid options for postsecondary education
- Advise clients in planning for student loan repayment
- Assess clients' overall finances, including income, assets, debt, and expenses
- Calculate clients' available income to create debt management plans, set budgets, and prioritize debt obligations and repayment
- Prepare written documents to establish contracts with or communicate financial recommendations to clients
Credit counselors guide clients in understanding, assuming, and repaying debt associated with credit, loans, and similar financial contracts. These workers may explain various options and educate clients on the short- and long-term costs of borrowing money. Credit counselors also inform clients of the consequences of defaulting on debt, such as bankruptcy or home foreclosure.
Credit counselors advise clients on meeting their financial obligations. For example, prioritizing repayment may include reviewing how changes to personal or financial circumstances affect spending or budgeting. Counselors may negotiate with creditors on behalf of clients to arrange for payment adjustments, such as through interest rate reductions or time extensions. They also may refer clients to social service or community resources for help with food, medical, and other basic needs.
Some credit counselors specialize in a particular area of guidance. For example, housing counselors advise clients on rental agreements, homeownership, foreclosure prevention, and other housing matters. Student financial aid counselors help students apply for, select, and accept loans, grants, scholarships, and other awards to pay for college.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Credit counselors held about 31,200 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of credit counselors were as follows:
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; private | 23% |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state | 14 |
| Junior colleges; local | 8 |
| General medical and surgical hospitals; private | 6 |
| Credit intermediation and related activities (5221,3) | 6 |
Credit counselors typically work in an office setting. Their work may be stressful at times, such as when managing several accounts at once or keeping track of deadlines.
Work Schedules
Most credit counselors work full time. They usually work standard business hours but may need to work in the evenings or on weekends to meet with clients.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. Credit counselors must be able to assess income, expenses, and other financial information specific to each client. Attention to detail. Credit counselors often need to manage several client accounts at the same time and must be organized to ensure accuracy. Communication skills. Credit counselors must explain complex financial concepts in a way that clients understand. They also may mediate negotiations between clients and debt collectors. Decision-making skills. Credit counselors must determine the best approach for their clients to reduce debt and increase credit opportunities. Interpersonal skills. Counselors must establish a rapport with clients and respond thoughtfully to their questions and concerns. Problem-solving skills. Credit counselors must be able to help clients create a customized debt management plan.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about credit counselors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.