Guidance Counselor Salary in 2026
Help students develop academic goals, career plans, and address personal challenges.
Median Salary
$62,000
$5,167/mo
Entry Level
$45,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$82,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Guidance Counselor Overview
Help students develop academic goals, career plans, and address personal challenges.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Education
Total Jobs (US)
330K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Education
Hourly Rate
$29.81/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,167
Guidance Counselor Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Guidance Counselor salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Guidance Counselor Salary
$69,000
$5,750/month · $2,654/biweekly · $33.17/hr
Guidance Counselor Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Guidance Counselor field.
Entry-level Guidance Counselors earn around $45,000, while the top 10% earn $88,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Guidance Counselors
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $73,000 | +$11,000 |
| New York | $71,000 | +$9,000 |
| Massachusetts | $69,000 | +$7,000 |
| Connecticut | $68,000 | +$6,000 |
| New Jersey | $68,000 | +$6,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Guidance Counselors
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $73,000 | +$11,000 |
| Los Angeles | $69,000 | +$7,000 |
| Boston | $69,000 | +$7,000 |
| Newark | $67,000 | +$5,000 |
| Hartford | $66,000 | +$4,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Guidance Counselor Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Guidance Counselor from entry level to expert.
$45,000
0-2 years
$64,000
3-7 years
$82,000
8-14 years
$95,000
15+ years
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Guidance Counselor Salary FAQ
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