School Counselor Salary in the United States
Based on 342K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$65,026
$31.263/hr
▲ 7.1% vs 2023Salary Range
$51K – $149K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
342K
workers nationwide
School counselors play a vital role in supporting student development and well-being across American schools. The median school counselor salary in the United States is $65,026 per year, with approximately 342,300 counselors currently employed nationwide. This compensation reflects the importance of the position within educational institutions, though individual earnings can vary significantly based on multiple factors.
School counselor salary in the United States is influenced by experience level, educational credentials, and geographic location. Advanced degrees and professional certifications typically lead to higher compensation. State funding differences, district size, and regional cost of living also impact pay scales, with salaries ranging from $50,850 to $149,290 annually. Urban districts and states with higher education budgets generally offer more competitive compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,850 |
| 25th percentile | $66,500 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $65,026 |
| 75th percentile | $122,160 |
| 90th percentile | $149,290 |
School Counselor Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for School Counselor
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $94,320 | +45.0% | 44K |
| 2 | Washington | $83,930 | +29.1% | 6K |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $80,280 | +23.5% | 2K |
| 4 | Alaska | $80,020 | +23.1% | 660 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $78,840 | +21.2% | 12K |
| 6 | New Jersey | $77,940 | +19.9% | 8K |
| 7 | New Mexico | $76,490 | +17.6% | 2K |
| 8 | Maryland | $74,970 | +15.3% | 6K |
| 9 | Oregon | $74,000 | +13.8% | 3K |
| 10 | Delaware | $72,450 | +11.4% | 2K |
Historical Salary Trend — School Counselor
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $65,026 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make per hour?
- School counselors earn a median hourly wage of $31/hour in the United States. This translates to an annual median salary of $65,026, though hourly rates can vary significantly based on location and experience.
What is the salary range for school counselors?
- School counselor salaries in the United States range from $50,850 at the lower end to $149,290 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and individual school district budgets.
Which state pays school counselors the most?
- California offers the highest pay for school counselors at $94,320 annually, which is significantly above the national median salary of $65,026. This makes California one of the most lucrative states for counseling professionals.
How many school counselors are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 342,300 school counselors currently employed throughout the United States. This substantial workforce demonstrates the significant demand for counseling professionals in the education sector.