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Salary

How much does a School Counselor make?

The average salary for a School Counselor is $65,840 per year in the US.

A School Counselor plays a vital role in supporting students' academic and personal growth. This rewarding career comes with a fair salary, offering stability and benefits. On average, a School Counselor makes about $65,840 per year. This amount can vary based on experience, location, and the school district.

Here are some common salary ranges for School Counselors:

  1. Entry-level: $36,000 - $42,727
  2. Mid-level: $49,455 - $62,909
  3. Experienced: $69,636 - $83,091
  4. Senior: $89,818 - $110,000
These figures show how experience and skills can lead to higher earnings. School Counselors with more experience often get higher salaries.

Factors affecting salary include the state, city, and type of school. Urban areas might offer higher pay due to the cost of living. Private schools may also offer better compensation than public schools. Keeping these factors in mind can help job seekers make informed career choices.

View School Counselor jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a School Counselor?

Job seekers looking for top-paying roles as school counselors can find excellent opportunities in several major cities. San Jose, CA, offers an average salary of $97,726, while San Francisco, CA, closely follows with $97,652. San Diego, CA, also provides strong compensation at $92,534 annually. In the Pacific Northwest, Seattle, WA, pays school counselors an average of $89,682, and Los Angeles, CA, offers $86,639. Other promising cities include Richmond, VA, with $81,950; Birmingham, AL, with $79,113; Portland, OR, with $74,938; Washington, DC, with $74,119; and Boston, MA, with $73,977. These cities present strong potential for those seeking rewarding careers in school counseling.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for School Counselor jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $97,726 and Boston, MA with the lowest at $73,977.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $97,726
    In San Jose, counseling professionals enjoy a thriving educational environment. Silicon Valley companies often collaborate with local schools, offering unique experiences. Career opportunities are abundant in both public and private institutions.
    Find School Counselor jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $97,652
    San Francisco offers a diverse and dynamic setting for those in education. The city's commitment to innovation and technology creates exciting avenues for student growth. Employment options span across various reputable school districts.
    Find School Counselor jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $92,534
    San Diego's mild climate and strong community ties provide a welcoming atmosphere for educational counselors. The city's focus on military and naval presence offers distinct challenges and opportunities. Many schools are part of large, well-funded districts.
    Find School Counselor jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $89,682
    Seattle's progressive outlook and strong emphasis on technology make it an excellent place for counseling professionals. The city's tech companies often engage with schools, providing rich resources. Diverse student populations add depth to counseling experiences.
    Find School Counselor jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $86,639
    Los Angeles offers a vibrant and multicultural environment for those in education. The city's large and diverse student body provides varied challenges and learning opportunities. Numerous school districts offer extensive career paths for counselors.
    Find School Counselor jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Richmond, VA
    Average Salary: $81,950
    Richmond combines historical charm with modern opportunities in education. The city's growing tech sector offers new avenues for school-business partnerships. Public and private institutions present a range of employment options for counselors.
    Find School Counselor jobs in Richmond, VA


  7. Birmingham, AL
    Average Salary: $79,113
    Birmingham's rich history and growing economy create a unique setting for educational counselors. The city's dedication to improving public education provides many opportunities. Counselors work in diverse environments, from urban to suburban schools.
    Find School Counselor jobs in Birmingham, AL


  8. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $74,938
    Portland's vibrant culture and commitment to education make it a great place for counseling professionals. The city's focus on sustainability and innovation enriches student experiences. Many schools benefit from strong community involvement.
    Find School Counselor jobs in Portland, OR


  9. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $74,119
    Washington, DC offers a unique blend of political and educational opportunities. The city's diverse student population and numerous institutions provide rich experiences. Many schools have strong ties to government and non-profits, offering unique challenges.
    Find School Counselor jobs in Washington, DC


  10. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $73,977
    Boston's historic and academic environment provides a stimulating place for counselors. The city's many top-tier universities and research institutions offer rich resources. Employment options abound in both public and private sectors.
    Find School Counselor jobs in Boston, MA

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

School Counselors looking for a good salary can consider Seattle Public Schools, which offers the highest average pay at $112,354. Focused Staffing Group and AB Staffing Solutions also provide competitive salaries around $110,000. Highline Public Schools and Richmond Public Schools follow closely with averages above $100,000, making them attractive options for those seeking a rewarding career. Exploring further, Prince William County Public Schools and The Stepping Stones Group offer salaries near $100,000, providing solid financial benefits. Los Angeles County Office of Education and Montgomery County Public Schools, MD, both offer average salaries just above $90,000, while Care Options For Kids rounds out the list with a competitive average of $91,118. These companies demonstrate a commitment to supporting School Counselors financially.
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 $91,118.
  1. Seattle Public Schools
    Average Salary: $112,354
    Seattle Public Schools is a top choice for School Counselor jobs. They offer a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment. They operate many schools across Seattle, providing a diverse range of opportunities for School Counselors.


  2. Focused Staffing Group
    Average Salary: $110,000
    Focused Staffing Group values their School Counselors highly. They offer competitive salaries and professional development opportunities. They work with various school districts across the country, making it easy to find a job close to home.


  3. AB Staffing Solutions
    Average Salary: $109,103
    AB Staffing Solutions provides great School Counselor positions with excellent benefits. They focus on creating a positive workplace culture and offer jobs in multiple states, including Texas and California.


  4. Highline Public Schools
    Average Salary: $103,769
    Highline Public Schools offer rewarding School Counselor roles with a strong emphasis on student support. They operate in the Seattle area, providing many job opportunities within a short commute.


  5. Richmond Public Schools
    Average Salary: $102,210
    Richmond Public Schools provide School Counselor positions with a balanced workload and a supportive community. They operate in Richmond, Virginia, offering a range of educational environments for professionals to thrive.


  6. Prince William County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $96,139
    Prince William County Public Schools offer competitive School Counselor salaries and a strong educational focus. They serve the Northern Virginia area, providing excellent career growth opportunities.


  7. The Stepping Stones Group
    Average Salary: $94,938
    The Stepping Stones Group provides School Counselor jobs with a focus on student success. They have placements in various states, offering flexibility and a chance to make a significant impact in students’ lives.


  8. Los Angeles County Office of Education
    Average Salary: $92,960
    Los Angeles County Office of Education offers School Counselor positions with a chance to work in a vibrant educational setting. They operate across Los Angeles County, providing diverse job opportunities.


  9. Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
    Average Salary: $92,847
    Montgomery County Public Schools, MD, provides School Counselor roles with a strong commitment to student achievement. They serve the Montgomery area, offering a range of opportunities for professional growth.


  10. Care Options For Kids
    Average Salary: $91,118
    Care Options For Kids offers School Counselor positions with a focus on student care and development. They work with various school districts, providing a chance to make a difference in children’s lives.

How to earn more as a School Counselor?

School counselors can improve their earning potential by considering various strategies. A successful counselor often leverages professional development opportunities, which can lead to higher positions or more responsibilities. These advancements can result in a salary increase. Additionally, gaining experience in different school districts or educational environments can open doors to better-paying roles.

Furthering education is another effective method. Obtaining advanced degrees, such as a master's or doctorate in counseling, can increase earning potential. Specializations, such as in college counseling or student mental health, also tend to command higher salaries. Participation in professional organizations and attending workshops can keep skills sharp and credentials up-to-date.

School counselors can also look into these factors to earn more:

  1. Advanced Degrees: Earning a master's or doctorate can lead to higher-paying jobs.
  2. Specializations: Areas like college counseling often offer higher salaries.
  3. Professional Development: Attend workshops and conferences to improve skills and knowledge.
  4. Experience: Working in various districts can lead to better job opportunities.
  5. Networking: Join professional organizations to connect with others in the field.

Currently 380 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
380 Job Openings