School Counselor Salary in the United States
Based on 353K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$64,937
$31.22/hr
▼ 0.1% vs 2024Salary Range
$45K – $95K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
353K
workers nationwide
The median School Counselor salary in the United States is $64,937 per year, or approximately $31 per hour. This figure reflects the earnings of a significant number of professionals dedicated to supporting student academic, social, and emotional development across the nation, with a reported total employment of 353,290.
Several factors influence a School Counselor's earning potential. Experience level plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions typically falling towards the lower end of the $45,358 to $94,673 salary range. Location is also a major determinant, as illustrated by California's top median salary of $86,500, while other states may offer considerably less.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,358 |
| 25th percentile | $52,818 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,937 |
| 75th percentile | $80,436 |
| 90th percentile | $94,673 |
School Counselor Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for School Counselor
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $86,500 | +33.2% | 45K |
| 2 | Alaska | $82,900 | +27.7% | 540 |
| 3 | Washington | $82,670 | +27.3% | 7K |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $80,470 | +23.9% | 2K |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $79,930 | +23.1% | 11K |
| 6 | New Jersey | $77,910 | +20.0% | 8K |
| 7 | New Mexico | $77,880 | +19.9% | 2K |
| 8 | Maryland | $75,820 | +16.8% | 7K |
| 9 | Rhode Island | $75,000 | +15.5% | 1K |
| 10 | Delaware | $74,070 | +14.1% | 2K |
School Counselor Salary by Industry
How much School Counselors earn across industries nationwide — Educational Services pays the most ($66,180 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Educational Services | $66,180 | +1.9% | 319K |
| 2 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $63,160 | -2.7% | 8K |
| 3 | Finance and Insurance | $62,640 | -3.5% | 90 |
| 4 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $58,570 | -9.8% | 2K |
| 5 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $56,030 | -13.7% | 1K |
| 6 | Information | $55,830 | -14.0% | 140 |
| 7 | Administrative and Support Services | $52,650 | -18.9% | 2K |
| 8 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $52,290 | -19.5% | 4K |
| 9 | Retail Trade | $50,430 | -22.3% | 60 |
| 10 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $48,820 | -24.8% | 16K |
| 11 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $36,010 | -44.5% | 190 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for School Counselor
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for School Counselor roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University Of Iowa | $53,518 | 4 |
| 2 | Michigan State University | $66,234 | 3 |
Historical Salary Trend — School Counselor
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,937 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $52,818 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $64,937 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $80,436 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $94,673 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a School Counselor in the US?
- The median School Counselor salary in the United States is $64,937 annually. This means half of School Counselors earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for School Counselors?
- School Counselors in the United States can expect to earn a salary between $45,358 and $94,673 per year. The specific amount within this range depends on various factors like experience and location.
Which state pays School Counselors the most?
- California currently offers the highest median salary for School Counselors, with professionals in that state earning an average of $86,500 per year. This is significantly above the national median.
How many School Counselors are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 353,290 School Counselors employed across the United States. This large number indicates a substantial demand for these vital support professionals.