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
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. PayThe median annual wage for credit counselors was $52,230 in May 2025. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for credit counselors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of credit counselors with similar occupations. 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.
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 credit counselors was $52,230 in May 2025. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for credit counselors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of credit counselors with similar occupations. 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.
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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for credit counselors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of credit counselors with similar occupations. 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.
What They Do
Credit counselors advise and educate individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt. They also may provide guidance on credit issues and on budgeting, mortgages, or student financial aid packages.
Work Environment
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.
How to Become a Credit Counselor
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for credit counselors was $52,230 in May 2025.
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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for credit counselors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of credit counselors with similar occupations.
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.
Work Environment
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.
How to Become a Credit Counselor
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for credit counselors was $52,230 in May 2025.
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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for credit counselors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of credit counselors with similar occupations.
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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for credit counselors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of credit counselors with similar occupations.
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.
More Information
Learn more about credit counselors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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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.