School Counselor Salary
Estimated Pay by Experience Level
Salary by State
Median annual| State | Median / yr | Relative pay |
|---|---|---|
| California | $86,500 | |
| Alaska | $82,900 | |
| Washington | $82,670 | |
| District of Columbia | $80,470 | |
| Massachusetts | $79,930 | |
| New Jersey | $77,910 | |
| New Mexico | $77,880 | |
| Maryland | $75,820 | |
| National Median | $64,330 |
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The highest sticker pay isn't always where school counselors keep the most. See School Counselor pay adjusted for cost of living by state in the Real Pay Index.
How to Become a School Counselor
School counselors help students build the academic and social skills they need to succeed in school and plan their careers.
Meet the education requirement
Most school counselors enter the field with master's degree. Programs are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and universities.
Complete an accredited training program
Hands-on coursework and clinical or field experience prepare you for the work and for certification exams.
Earn the State school counselor license
Most employers expect this credential — and in many states it's required to practice. Entry pay starts near $45,020 and rises toward $104,770 with experience.
School Counselor salary: common questions
How much does a School Counselor make an hour?
The median hourly wage for school counselors is $30.93, which works out to about $64,330 per year for full-time work.
Which state pays school counselors the most?
California has the highest median pay for school counselors at $86,500 per year — 34% above the national median of $64,330.
What is the salary range for school counselors?
Most school counselors earn between $45,020 and $104,770 per year. The middle 50% earn $51,270 to $82,870, with a median of $64,330.
Is becoming a School Counselor a good career?
Employment is projected to grow 5% (faster than average), and the role typically requires master's degree. With a median wage of $64,330 per year, it pays well above the U.S. median for all occupations.