School Counselor Salary in 2026
School counselors support students' academic, career, and social-emotional development through individual and group counseling. They help with college planning and crisis intervention.
Median Salary
$65,000
$5,417/mo
Entry Level
$47,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$80,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
School Counselor Overview
School counselors support students' academic, career, and social-emotional development through individual and group counseling. They help with college planning and crisis intervention.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
0-3 years
Industry
Education
Total Jobs (US)
330K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Education
Hourly Rate
$31.25/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,417
School Counselor Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated School Counselor salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated School Counselor Salary
$69,000
$5,750/month · $2,654/biweekly · $33.17/hr
School Counselor Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the School Counselor field.
Entry-level School Counselors earn around $47,000, while the top 10% earn $85,000 or more.
Top Paying States for School Counselors
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $77,000 | +$12,000 |
| New York | $75,000 | +$10,000 |
| New Jersey | $72,000 | +$7,000 |
| Texas | $64,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $64,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for School Counselors
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $77,000 | +$12,000 |
| Los Angeles | $73,000 | +$8,000 |
| Newark | $70,000 | +$5,000 |
| Miami | $66,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $64,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
School Counselor Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a School Counselor from entry level to expert.
$47,000
0-2 years
$64,000
3-7 years
$80,000
8-14 years
$90,000
15+ years
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School Counselor Salary FAQ
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