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School Counselor Salary in the United States

How much does a School Counselor make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a School Counselor in the United States is $48,022 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

However, a School Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $60,897
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,159 to $54,761
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,731
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence School Counselor Salaries

A School Counselor's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects School Counselor Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a School Counselor's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • School Counselor (0-2 years): $48,022
  • Student Psychologist - Higher Ed. (10+ years): $61,156
  • Academic Advising Director (10+ years): $76,333
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
School Counselor0-2 years$48,022
Student Psychologist - Higher Ed.10+ years$61,156
Academic Advising Director10+ years$76,333
View as Graph

How Do School Counselors Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract School Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $53,170.
  • California: $52,968.
  • Massachusetts: $52,262.

Top Paying Cities for School Counselor

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $60,570
  • San Francisco: $59,907
  • Oakland: $58,644

School Counselor Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

School Counselor salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $49,559. While startup companies pay approximate $42,347.

School Counselor Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $42,347
Growth Stage 51~500 $44,679
Established 501~5000 $47,976
Enterprise 5000+ $49,559

School Counselor Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For School Counselor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 0% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, School Counselor positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view School Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a School Counselor

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$52,824$25.010%

School Counselor Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a School Counselor's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$43,159
Average $48,022/year
$54,761
$3,597
Average $4,002/month
$4,563
$830
Average $924/week
$1,053
$21
Average $23/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $54,761 $4,563 $1,053 $26
Average $48,022 $4,002 $924 $23
25th Percentile $43,159 $3,597 $830 $21

School Counselor Salary Growth & Career Path

School Counselor

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a School Counselor, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Career Counselor - Higher Ed. $50,407 5%
Student Psychologist - Higher Ed. $61,156 27%
Foreign Studies Advisor $48,776 2%

Most common benefits for School Counselor

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for School Counselor

Here are companies hiring for School Counselor and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about School Counselor

1. Where can a School Counselor earn the most?

A School Counselor's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a School Counselor earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a School Counselor is $60,570.

2. What is the highest pay for School Counselor?

The highest pay for School Counselor is $60,897.

3. What is the lowest pay for School Counselor?

The lowest pay for School Counselor is $38,731.

4. What are the responsibilities of School Counselor?

Provides guidance to students in an educational setting. Encourages and supports academic achievement through classroom lessons and individual sessions. Counsels students regarding educational issues such as course and program selection, school adjustment, study habits, and career planning. Analyzes student data and develops data-driven action plans. Provides short-term counseling to students and gives referrals for long-term support. Refers and connects students to appropriate resources to enhance learning and personal development. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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