If you want to be a camp counselor for the first time, you want to know how much you’re going to earn right? Well, no one works at camp in America for the money, let’s get that straight. On average you’re looking at about a grand a summer, and that’s a grand in dollars not pounds or euros.

I’ve taken a look at how much each of the big camp agencies – BUNAC, Camp America, CCUSA, AmeriCamp and BUNAC – pay, and if they give any more for special skills. All prices are for summer camp season 2012.

You should also check out What it Costs to be a Camp Counselor to get a clear picture of the company you want to go with.

The following figures are based on your age on 1 June 2012 and a 9-week contract. You can work for 12 weeks on some camps, which can sometimes as much as double your salary.

BUNAC

• Camp Counselors 18-20 $900 (£560)
• Camp Counselors 21+ $1100 (£684)
• You can get another $100 (£62) if you work at a special needs camp or have a valid RLSS NPLQ Award and are placed in a swimming role.

CCUSA

• Camp Counselors 18 $700 (£435)
• Camp Counselors 19-20 $850 (£528)
• Camp Counselors 21+ $1000 (£622)
• A lifeguarding certificate gets you an extra $100 (£62). And if you have a lifeguarding certificate and a Water Safety Instructor Certificate you’ll get $200 extra.

Camp America

• Camp Counselors 18 $600 (£373)
• Camp Counselors 19-20 $750 (£466)
• Camp Counselors 21+ $850 (£528)
• Lifeguards and special needs counselors can earn $100 (£62) more.

Camp Leaders

• Camp Counselors 18 $600 (£373)
• Camp Counselors 19-20 $750 (£466)
• Camp Counselors 21+ $850 (£528)
• Lifeguards and special needs counselors can earn $100 (£62) more.

So, looks like AmeriCamp are offering the most money for your time, but how does this balance with the cost of camp in America?