As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a School Counselor in the United States is $48,034 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:
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School Counselor Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $54,728 | $4,561 | $1,052 | $26 |
| Average | $48,034 | $4,003 | $924 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,173 | $3,598 | $830 | $21 |
ACCEL Schools - Cleveland, OH
CommQuest Services Inc - Canton, OH
Glass City Behavioral Healthcare Inc - Toledo, OH
Adara Home Health - HUTCHINSON, MN
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| School Counselor | 0-2 years | $48,034 |
| Student Psychologist - Higher Ed. | 10+ years | $61,140 |
| Academic Advising Director | 10+ years | $76,280 |
What Am I Worth?
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:
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:
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $54,728 | $4,561 | $1,052 | $26 |
| Average | $48,034 | $4,003 | $924 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,173 | $3,598 | $830 | $21 |
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. | $50,405 | 5% |
| Student Psychologist - Higher Ed. | $61,140 | 27% |
| Foreign Studies Advisor | $48,780 | 2% |
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for School Counselor and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current School Counselor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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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 $60,585.
The highest pay for School Counselor is $60,823.
The lowest pay for School Counselor is $38,747.
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.
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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