School Counselor Salary in San Diego, CA
School Counselor salary data for San Diego, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
School Counselor Salary in San Diego, CA — 2026
The median School Counselor salary in San Diego, CA is $104,000 per year ($8,667/month, $50/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 160, which is 60% above the national average.
School Counselor Take-Home Pay in San Diego
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $104,000 |
| Federal Tax | -$14,494 |
| State Tax (9.3%) | -$9,672 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$7,956 |
| Annual Take-Home | $71,878 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $5,990 |
Living Cost Comparison
School Counselor Requirements
Key Skills
San Diego Job Market Overview
San Diego, California has a population of 1,386,932 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. The top industries are Military, Biotech, Tourism. The local job growth rate is 2.2%, and the average commute time is 25 minutes.
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School Counselor Salary in Nearby California Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average School Counselor salary in San Diego, CA?
How much does a School Counselor take home in San Diego after taxes?
Is San Diego a good city for School Counselors?
What skills are needed for a School Counselor in San Diego?
How does School Counselor salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average School Counselor salary in San Diego, CA?
The median School Counselor salary in San Diego, CA is $104,000 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 160. Entry-level School Counselors earn around $75,200, while senior-level professionals can earn $128,000 or more.
How much does a School Counselor take home in San Diego after taxes?
A School Counselor earning the median salary of $104,000 in San Diego, CA takes home approximately $71,878 per year ($5,990/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 30.9%.
Is San Diego a good city for School Counselors?
San Diego, CA has a cost of living index of 160 (above national average). School Counselors here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Military, Biotech, Tourism.
What skills are needed for a School Counselor in San Diego?
Key skills for School Counselors include Counseling, College Advising, Crisis Intervention, SEL Programs, Student Assessment. Typical education requirement is Master's Degree. Valuable certifications include State School Counselor License, NCC, NBPTS.
How does School Counselor salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
The national median School Counselor salary is $65,000. In San Diego, the adjusted salary is $104,000, which is 60.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.