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Entry Level Counselor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Counselor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do entry level counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level counselor in Portland, OR is $26.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who gets paid more, LCSW or LMHC?

LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers) generally earn higher salaries than LMHCs (Licensed Mental Health Counselors) due to their broader scope of practice, additional clinical responsibilities, and often required supervision hours. Salary differences can vary by region and setting, but LCSWs tend to have higher earning potential in mental health roles.

What Does an Entry-Level Counselor Do?

An entry-level counselor position is the first step in a rewarding career as a counselor. In this field, you work with a patient to understand their concerns and struggles and advise them on ways to improve their situation. Your duties are to evaluate their current mental health, develop a treatment plan, and provide them with skills to reshape negative behavior. You can counsel an adult, student, or a young child depending on your specialty. Entry-level counselors work in various fields that require counseling responsibilities, including addiction recovery and substance abuse, mental health, college and other academic environments, relationship therapy, prisons for adults and juveniles, the foster system, and more.

How to make $200,000 as a therapist?

Entry level counselors typically earn less than $200,000 annually; reaching this income level usually requires advanced licensure, specialization, private practice, or working in high-demand settings. Building a strong client base, gaining additional certifications, and expanding services can increase earning potential over time.

How to become an entry level counselor?

To become an entry-level counselor, typically a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field is required. Gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work and obtaining any necessary state licensure or certification can also be important steps in qualifying for entry-level counseling positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Counselor, you need a foundational understanding of counseling theories, active listening, and a relevant degree in psychology, counseling, or social work. Familiarity with case management software, documentation standards, and possibly certifications like a state counseling license or associate credential are typical requirements. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build rapport help entry level counselors connect effectively with clients and colleagues. These competencies are crucial for providing effective support, maintaining ethical standards, and fostering positive client outcomes.

What does an entry level counselor do?

An entry level counselor provides support and guidance to individuals, often under the supervision of more experienced counselors. Their duties may include conducting intake assessments, helping clients set goals, facilitating group or individual counseling sessions, and maintaining client records. They often work in schools, community agencies, or healthcare settings, assisting clients with issues like stress, family relationships, or academic challenges. Entry level counselors use basic counseling techniques and refer clients to specialized resources when needed.

Is there a way to become a counselor without a degree?

Entry level counselors typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but most counseling roles require a relevant bachelor's degree in fields like psychology or social work. Some positions may accept related experience or certifications, but advanced counseling generally requires a degree and licensure or certification to practice legally and effectively.

What types of support and supervision can an entry level counselor expect in their first year?

Entry level counselors typically receive regular supervision from experienced, licensed professionals to help them navigate client cases and develop their skills. Most organizations offer weekly or bi-weekly meetings for reviewing client progress, discussing challenges, and ensuring ethical standards are met. New counselors may also participate in team meetings, training sessions, and case consultations to foster collaboration and continued learning. This supportive environment helps build confidence and paves the way for professional growth within the organization.
More about Entry Level Counselor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Counselor jobs in Portland, OR? For Entry Level Counselor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Counselor jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Counselor jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Entry Level Counselor jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Entry Level Counselor job openings:
Entry Level Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Counselor job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,432 per year, or $26.6 per hour.
Investment Counselor Wealthbuilder (Entry Level Financial Advisor Alternative)

Investment Counselor Wealthbuilder (Entry Level Financial Advisor Alternative)

Fisher Investments

Camas, WA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Fisher Investments rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Do you have a passion for helping others? Are you interested in developing a career assisting clients reach their long-term financial goals? We are looking to develop our next generation of Investments Counselors at Fisher Investments through the Investment Counselor – Wealthbuilder role.

The Opportunity:

The Investment Counselor – Wealthbuilder opportunity is designed to prepare qualified candidates for a lifelong career in the financial services industry. Through our specialized training, Fisher Investments offers an elevated finance and capital markets education program building a foundation and understanding of our unique approach.

Your journey will begin by obtaining the Series 65, where you will receive hands-on training from our dedicated training team. Once you have obtained the necessary license, the training doesn’t stop there. You will work directly with your assigned mentor to further develop an understanding of the technology and platforms we use and how we service our clients.

This role is a jumping off point to a licensed service role within our Private Client Group. As you progress, and hit important milestones within the first two years, the opportunity for additional responsibilities will grow including the potential to work your way up to our Premier Wealth Management team where you will manage your own roster of our high-net-worth clients.


The Day-to-Day:

  • Work collaboratively with your team, serving clients at a team level while being the liaison between our Investment Policy Committee (IPC) and our US clients
  • Connect with clients to review their asset allocation and ensure we are on the right track towards their long-term financial goals
  • Build trusting relationships with our clients and educate them on our top-down portfolio strategy, their investments and important market events
  • Respond and manage client communication while working directly with internal departments to fulfill client operational requests

Your Qualifications:

  • 1+ years of experience in an Operational, Administrative, Client-Facing, or Finance setting
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required
  • Required to pass the Series 65 (we provide robust training and support once you start)
  • A thoughtful consultative approach with an emphasis on client focus

Compensation:

  • $80,000 - $105,000 base salary per year in the state of WA. New hires should expect to start at the lower end of the range depending on experience.
  • Eligible for a discretionary bonus based on firm and individual performance

Why Fisher Investments:

We work for a bigger purpose: bettering the investment universe. We take great pride in our inclusive culture, our learning and development framework customized for every employee, and our Great Place to Work Certification. It's the people that make the Fisher purpose possible, and we invest in them by offering exceptional benefits like:

  • 100% paid medical, dental and vision premiums for you and your qualifying dependents
  • A 50% 401(k) match, up to the IRS maximum
  • 20 days of PTO, plus 10 paid holidays 
  • Family Support programs including 8 week Paid Primary Caregiver Leave, 10,000 fertility, family forming, and hormonal health assistance, and back-up child, adult, and elder care
  • This is an in-office role. Based on your role, tenure, and performance eligibility you may have the opportunity to participate in our hybrid work from home program. This program is subject to change. 

FISHER INVESTMENTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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