Academic Advisor Salary Guide

Academic Advisors support students in course selection, degree planning, academic progress, and career readiness. They interpret program requirements, help students navigate institutional policies, connect learners to campus resources, and often collaborate with faculty and services to improve retention and success.

What is the average Academic Advisor salary?

Entry Level

$40,000 - $50,000

Mid Level

$50,000 - $65,000

Senior Level

$65,000 - $85,000

How does Academic Advisor salary grow with experience?

$40,000 - $48,000

0-2

$48,000 - $60,000

3-5

$60,000 - $72,000

6-10

$72,000 - $90,000++

10+

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

Max: $90k

Academic Advisor salary by location

San Francisco Bay Area, CA$55,000 - $95,000

New York City, NY$52,000 - $90,000

Boston/Cambridge, MA$50,000 - $88,000

Chicago, IL$45,000 - $78,000

Remote / National Average (U.S.)$42,000 - $80,000

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

What factors affect a Academic Advisor's salary?

Type of institution (community college, public university, private college)
Geographic cost of living and local market pay scales
Level of education, certifications, and specialized advising expertise
Scope of role (caseload size, supervisory responsibilities, program management)
Funding source (institutional budget vs. grant-funded positions)

Frequently Asked Questions About Academic Advisor Salaries

How much does an Academic Advisor make on average?

In the U.S., Academic Advisors typically earn between $40,000 and $85,000 annually depending on experience, institution type, and location. Entry-level roles average $40K–$50K, mid-level $50K–$65K, and senior/advising managers $65K–$85K.

What factors most influence Academic Advisor pay?

Key factors include the institution type (private vs. public), geographic cost of living, level of experience, advanced degrees or certifications, and scope of responsibilities such as caseload size or supervisory duties.

Can Academic Advisors earn more than the typical range?

Yes. Advisors can exceed typical ranges by moving into leadership (director of advising), working at high-cost or well-funded institutions, securing specialized roles (transfer or career advising), or combining advising with enrollment management or grant-funded positions.

Is remote work common for Academic Advisors and does it affect pay?

Remote and hybrid advising roles have grown, especially in e-learning. Pay for remote roles may be aligned to the employer’s pay scale and cost-of-living adjustments; some employers reduce geographic differentials, others maintain local pay bands.