School Counselor Salary in North Carolina
School Counselor pay in North Carolina, explained
School counselors in North Carolina earn a median of $57,630 per year ($27.71 per hour), which is 10% below the national median of $64,330. Entry-level workers earn around $40,400, while the most experienced school counselors reach about $74,070. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within North Carolina.
Is $57,630 good pay in North Carolina?
Adjusted for North Carolina's cost of living (which runs 94% of the U.S. average), that $57,630 is worth about $61,097 in national buying power — ranking North Carolina #45 for real pay (vs #45 on the sticker number).
School Counselor pay by experience in North Carolina
School Counselor pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs NC |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (here) | $57,630 | $61,097 | — |
| Virginia | $67,660 | $66,921 | −$10,030 |
| Georgia | $63,720 | $66,173 | −$6,090 |
| South Carolina | $60,340 | $64,363 | −$2,710 |
| Tennessee | $59,960 | $65,266 | −$2,330 |
School Counselor in North Carolina: FAQ
How much do school counselors make in North Carolina?
School counselors in North Carolina earn a median of $57,630 per year ($27.71 per hour), compared with $64,330 nationally.
Does North Carolina pay school counselors well?
At $57,630, North Carolina pays 10% below the national median for school counselors. An estimated 9,430 work in the state.