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Salary

How much does a School Counselor make?

The average salary for a School Counselor is $66,177 per year in the US.

School counselors help students with personal and educational issues. They work in schools and help students choose classes and plan for their future. This job is important and can be rewarding.

The average yearly salary for a school counselor is $66,177. This means that most school counselors earn close to this amount each year. The salary can change based on experience, education, and location. For example, those with more years of experience may earn more. Also, counselors in larger cities may earn more than those in smaller towns.

Here is a look at the salary breakdown for school counselors:

  • 10% of school counselors earn less than $42,727.
  • 25% earn between $42,727 and $49,455.
  • 50% earn between $49,455 and $62,909.
  • 75% earn between $62,909 and $76,364.
  • 90% earn between $76,364 and $89,818.
  • 100% earn between $89,818 and $110,000 or more.
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What are the highest paying cities for a School Counselor?

School Counselors can find high-paying jobs in several cities across the U.S. San Francisco, CA, tops the list with an average salary of $97,652. Other cities like San Jose, CA, and San Diego, CA, also offer high salaries over $90,000. These cities provide great opportunities for School Counselors looking for a lucrative career.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for School Counselor jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $97,652 and Portland, OR with the lowest at $75,316.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $97,652
    San Francisco offers diverse opportunities for those in educational support roles. With a range of schools and programs, professionals can make a significant impact on students' lives. Many top employers include large school districts and private institutions.
    Find School Counselor jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $96,721
    In San Jose, educational support staff enjoy a vibrant community. The tech-heavy area provides unique resources and support for student development. Key employers include public school districts and tech-focused private schools.
    Find School Counselor jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $94,258
    San Diego presents a supportive environment for those in educational roles. The city's many school districts offer diverse opportunities. Major employers include both public and private education institutions.
    Find School Counselor jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $90,163
    Sacramento provides a stable setting for educational professionals. The city's numerous school districts and educational programs allow for impactful work. Notable employers include public schools and educational nonprofits.
    Find School Counselor jobs in Sacramento, CA


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $89,771
    Seattle's dynamic schools offer a wealth of opportunities for educational support staff. The city’s progressive environment encourages innovative programs. Key employers range from public districts to private schools.
    Find School Counselor jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $89,311
    Los Angeles presents a bustling environment for educational support workers. The city's vast school districts provide numerous chances to make a difference. Major employers include large public school systems and private educational institutions.
    Find School Counselor jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Richmond, VA
    Average Salary: $82,935
    Richmond offers a welcoming atmosphere for those in educational roles. The city's various school districts provide diverse opportunities. Major employers include public school systems and local private schools.
    Find School Counselor jobs in Richmond, VA


  8. Birmingham, AL
    Average Salary: $79,196
    Birmingham provides a supportive community for educational professionals. The city’s many schools offer varied roles and responsibilities. Key employers include public districts and private educational institutions.
    Find School Counselor jobs in Birmingham, AL


  9. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $75,476
    Albany offers a rich environment for those in educational support. The city’s schools provide a variety of opportunities. Major employers include public districts and educational organizations.
    Find School Counselor jobs in Albany, NY


  10. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $75,316
    Portland provides a progressive setting for educational staff. The city’s diverse schools offer numerous opportunities. Major employers include public school districts and private educational institutions.
    Find School Counselor jobs in Portland, OR

What are the best companies a School Counselor can work for?

School counselors play a key role in supporting students. Seattle Public Schools offer one of the highest salaries for these professionals, with an average of $112,354. Other top-paying companies include AB Staffing Solutions and Focused Staffing Group. These companies provide competitive salaries and benefits to attract the best candidates. Richmond Public Schools and Prince William County Public Schools also offer strong compensation packages. The Stepping Stones Group, Stafford County Public Schools, and Los Angeles County Office of Education follow closely in salary offerings.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for School Counselor jobs, highlighting Seattle Public Schools with the highest at $112,354 and Care Options For Kids with the lowest at $91,333.
  1. Seattle Public Schools
    Average Salary: $112,354
    Seattle Public Schools offer rewarding School Counselor roles. These positions provide support to students in various Seattle locations. Counselors work in schools across the city, helping students succeed.


  2. AB Staffing Solutions
    Average Salary: $110,551
    AB Staffing Solutions is known for offering competitive salaries for School Counselors. They place counselors in schools across multiple states. This role requires flexibility and a commitment to student support.


  3. Focused Staffing Group
    Average Salary: $110,000
    Focused Staffing Group provides excellent opportunities for School Counselors. They place counselors in schools in several regions. Counselors here work closely with students to support their growth and well-being.


  4. Richmond Public Schools
    Average Salary: $102,611
    Richmond Public Schools offer promising roles for School Counselors. These positions help students in Richmond. Counselors here work to create a supportive school environment.


  5. Prince William County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $97,019
    Prince William County Public Schools provide a stable environment for School Counselors. They place counselors in schools across the county. Counselors here focus on student success and well-being.


  6. The Stepping Stones Group
    Average Salary: $95,523
    The Stepping Stones Group offers School Counselor positions in various schools. They place counselors in multiple states. These roles require dedication to student support and development.


  7. Stafford County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $93,672
    Stafford County Public Schools provide School Counselor positions with a competitive salary. They place counselors in schools throughout Stafford County. Counselors here focus on helping students achieve their goals.


  8. Los Angeles County Office of Education
    Average Salary: $92,960
    Los Angeles County Office of Education offers School Counselor roles in several schools. Counselors work to support students in Los Angeles. This role requires a commitment to student success.


  9. Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
    Average Salary: $92,545
    Montgomery County Public Schools offer rewarding School Counselor positions. They place counselors in schools across Montgomery County, Maryland. Counselors here focus on supporting student well-being and success.


  10. Care Options For Kids
    Average Salary: $91,333
    Care Options For Kids provides School Counselor roles in various locations. They place counselors in schools across multiple regions. Counselors here work to support students' growth and development.

How to earn more as a School Counselor?

Increasing your earnings as a School Counselor can open up new possibilities both professionally and personally. Many School Counselors find that with the right steps, they can increase their salary and improve their job satisfaction. By focusing on professional development, specialization, and networking, you can boost your earning potential.

Consider these factors to help increase your salary as a School Counselor:

  1. Continuing Education: Attending workshops and obtaining advanced certifications can make you more valuable to employers. These skills can lead to higher-paying positions.
  2. Specialization: Gaining expertise in areas like college counseling, crisis intervention, or career guidance can make you an attractive candidate for schools seeking specific skills.
  3. Networking: Building connections with other professionals in the field can lead to job opportunities and higher salaries. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with peers on LinkedIn.
  4. Leadership Roles: Taking on leadership positions such as department head or counselor-in-charge can lead to higher pay. These roles often come with salary increases and added responsibilities.
  5. Additional Responsibilities: Volunteering to take on extra duties, such as coordinating school events or student programs, can impress employers and lead to salary increases.

Currently 556 School Counselor job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a School Counselor in the US?

Learn what a School Counselor does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a School Counselor today.
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School Counselor
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