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High School Counselor Salary in California

How much does a High School Counselor make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a High School Counselor in California is $69,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $88,757
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,389 to $79,623
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53,922
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence High School Counselor Salaries

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

How Do High School Counselor 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 High School Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $69,855.
  • California: $69,590.
  • Massachusetts: $68,663.

Top Paying Cities for High School Counselors

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:

  • Los Angeles: $69,710
  • West Hollywood: $69,659
  • Dodgertown: $69,709

High School Counselor Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For High School Counselor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Government, offers compensation 12% above the average. Conversely, High School Counselor positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view High School Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a High School Counselor

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Government$78,289$38.012%
Education$73,070$35.05%

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

Understanding how a High 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 September 01, 2026
$61,389
Average $69,590/year
$79,623
$5,116
Average $5,799/month
$6,635
$1,181
Average $1,338/week
$1,531
$30
Average $33/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $79,623 $6,635 $1,531 $38
Average $69,590 $5,799 $1,338 $33
25th Percentile $61,389 $5,116 $1,181 $30

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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