Credit Counselors
Credit counselors advise individuals and organizations on managing debt, acquiring loans, and financial planning. They help clients understand loan options, develop debt management strategies, and navigate credit issues. Credit counselors work in nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, government agencies, and private counseling firms.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against credit counselors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A credit counselor's week includes one-on-one client sessions reviewing financial situations and creating budgets. Counselors explain loan types, interest rates, and repayment options tailored to each client's circumstances. They develop debt management plans, help organize financial documents, and may assist with student loan or mortgage applications. Administrative work includes documenting client progress, updating case files, and staying current on lending regulations and financial products.
Who this work suits
Holland code CSE. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You enjoy helping people solve practical problems and prefer structured, rule-based work. You're organized, detail-oriented, and good at explaining complex financial concepts clearly. You find satisfaction in direct client relationships and seeing measurable improvements in people's financial situations.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $56,040 | $67,120 | $81,860 | 2,160 |
| Georgia | $48,560 | $64,080 | $64,080 | 460 |
| District of Columbia | $58,670 | $63,580 | $81,800 | 110 |
| Massachusetts | $53,340 | $63,240 | $79,350 | 770 |
| New York | $53,390 | $63,030 | $79,370 | 2,020 |
| Nebraska | $50,970 | $62,510 | $80,650 | 260 |
| Washington | $57,780 | $62,360 | $75,130 | 560 |
| Minnesota | $53,310 | $62,160 | $66,290 | 580 |
| Maryland | $52,210 | $60,450 | $64,680 | 350 |
| Oregon | $49,990 | $59,150 | $68,600 | 280 |
| New Hampshire | $48,570 | $58,830 | $67,230 | 170 |
| Rhode Island | $49,600 | $58,480 | $75,050 | 130 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) — National Association of Home Builders
- Credit and Collection Complaince Officer (CCCO) — Association of Credit and Collection Professionals
- Certified Credit Union Financial Counseling (FiCEP) — Credit Union National Association
- Specialist in Housing Credit Management (SHCM) — National Affordable Housing Management Association
- Credit and Collection Compliance Officer (CCCP) — Association of Credit and Collection Professionals
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against credit counselors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-2071.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.