verified BLS-Verified
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
May 2025 release
School Counselor Salary in California
Median Annual in California
$86,500/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$41.59/hr
▲ 34% above U.S. median
groups Employed in CA
45,140
public U.S. Median
$64,330
trending_up National Outlook
+5%
School Counselor pay in California, explained
School counselors in California earn a median of $86,500 per year ($41.59 per hour), which is 34% above the national median of $64,330. Entry-level workers earn around $51,890, while the most experienced school counselors reach about $136,660. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.
School Counselor in California: FAQ
How much do school counselors make in California?
School counselors in California earn a median of $86,500 per year ($41.59 per hour), compared with $64,330 nationally.
Does California pay school counselors well?
At $86,500, California pays 34% above the national median for school counselors. An estimated 45,140 work in the state.