Credit Counselors
Advise and educate individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt. May provide guidance in determining the best type of loan and explain loan requirements or restrictions. May help develop debt management plans or student financial aid packages. May advise on credit issues, or provide budget, mortgage, bankruptcy, or student financial aid counseling.
Also called: Accredited Financial Counselor, Branch Credit Counselor, Budget Counselor, Budget Credit Counselor, Certified Consumer Credit and Housing Counselor, Certified Credit Consultant
Median pay
$52,230
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$38,350 – $80,440
People employed
27,770
Holland code
CSE
Conventional · Social · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 2.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 5.Do you want the same hours every week?
Credit Counselors pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What credit counselors do
- 01Create debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets to assist clients to meet financial goals.
- 02Assess clients' overall financial situations by reviewing income, assets, debts, expenses, credit reports, or other financial information.
- 03Calculate clients' available monthly income to meet debt obligations.
- 04Recommend strategies for clients to meet their financial goals, such as borrowing money through loans or loan programs, declaring bankruptcy, making budget adjustments, or enrolling in debt management plans.
- 05Advise clients or respond to inquiries about financial matters in person or via phone, email, Web site, or Internet chat.
- 06Explain general financial topics to clients, such as credit report ratings, bankruptcy laws, consumer protection laws, wage attachments, or collection actions.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Economics and Accounting
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from credit counselors
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks88% · −4%
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents88% · +51%
- Financial Managers87% · +219%
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs85% · +4%
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists82% · +50%
Change into credit counselors
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks86% · $50,020
- Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers81% · $80,730
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs80% · $54,210
- Insurance Sales Agents80% · $62,280
- Social and Human Service Assistants78% · $45,930
Majors that lead here
- Banking and Financial Support Services
- Financial Planning and Services
- Credit Management
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.