What Does it Take to Be a Credit Counselor?
Example of Credit Counselor Job Advise and educate individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt. May provide guidance in determining the best type of loan and explaining loan requirements or restrictions. May help develop debt management plans, advise on credit issues, or provide budget, mortgage, and bankruptcy counseling.
Life As a Credit Counselor: What Do They Do?
- Refer clients to social service or community resources for needs beyond those of credit or debt counseling.
- Recommend 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.
- Negotiate with creditors on behalf of clients to arrange for payment adjustments, interest rate reductions, time extensions, or to set up payment plans.
- Explain general financial topics to clients, such as credit report ratings, bankruptcy laws, consumer protection laws, wage attachments, or collection actions.
- Estimate time for debt repayment given amount of debt, interest rates, and available funds.
- Prepare written documents to establish contracts with or communicate financial recommendations to clients.
Featured schools near , edit
Credit Counselor Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Credit Counselors say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Types of Credit Counselor Jobs
- Mortgage Loan Counselor
- Consumer Credit Counselor
- Counselor
- Financial Aid Assistant
- Financial Aid Officer
Credit Counselor Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 38,300 jobs in the United States for Credit Counselor. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 13.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,300 new jobs for Credit Counselor by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 3,800 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Credit Counselor are Utah, North Dakota, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Vermont, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Credit Counselors Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Credit Counselor ranges between $30,440 and $76,690.
Credit Counselors who work in District of Columbia, New Jersey, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Credit Counselors make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $48,260 |
| Arizona | $45,880 |
| Arkansas | $49,770 |
| California | $53,170 |
| Connecticut | $57,500 |
| Delaware | $52,360 |
| District of Columbia | $77,690 |
| Florida | $45,530 |
| Georgia | $51,720 |
| Hawaii | $47,810 |
| Idaho | $42,490 |
| Illinois | $47,290 |
| Indiana | $45,030 |
| Iowa | $43,690 |
| Kansas | $47,910 |
| Kentucky | $44,590 |
| Louisiana | $36,840 |
| Maine | $40,880 |
| Maryland | $47,330 |
| Massachusetts | $57,600 |
| Michigan | $48,340 |
| Minnesota | $51,190 |
| Mississippi | $42,660 |
| Missouri | $53,250 |
| Montana | $44,540 |
| Nevada | $56,510 |
| New Hampshire | $45,850 |
| New Jersey | $68,360 |
| New Mexico | $37,870 |
| New York | $60,520 |
| North Carolina | $54,400 |
| North Dakota | $43,330 |
| Ohio | $51,200 |
| Oklahoma | $42,290 |
| Oregon | $48,090 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,770 |
| Rhode Island | $59,760 |
| South Carolina | $45,320 |
| South Dakota | $38,900 |
| Tennessee | $48,560 |
| Texas | $46,160 |
| Utah | $38,070 |
| Virginia | $50,860 |
| Washington | $48,230 |
| West Virginia | $38,910 |
| Wisconsin | $39,860 |
| Wyoming | $50,960 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Credit Counselors
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Credit Counselors:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- SAP
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- LexisNexis
- Freddie Mac Loan Prospector
- Chat software
Becoming a Credit Counselor
What education is needed to be a Credit Counselor?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Credit Counselors Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Credit Counselors employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: Dave Dugdale via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.