School Counselor Salary in Alaska
Based on 540+ workers in Alaska
Median Annual Salary (AK)
$82,900
$39.86/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
+27.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $103K
540 employed in Alaska
School counselors in Alaska earn a median salary of $80,020 per year, which is approximately 23% above the national average. With roughly 660 school counselors currently employed across the state, this compensation reflects the competitive wages Alaska offers for education professionals. Salaries in the field range from $49,700 to $97,800 annually, indicating significant variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence school counselor salary in Alaska, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific school district's funding levels. Rural versus urban school locations, district size, and specialized certifications can all impact earning potential. Additionally, Alaska's geographic location and cost of living contribute to the state's relatively higher compensation compared to national benchmarks for this profession.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Alaska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,870 |
| 25th percentile | $63,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $82,900 |
| 75th percentile | $97,820 |
| 90th percentile | $103,420 |
Top-Paying Industries for School Counselor (U.S.)
Which industries pay School Counselors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). School Counselors in Alaska tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Services | $66,180 | 319K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $63,160 | 8K |
| Finance and Insurance | $62,640 | 90 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $58,570 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $56,030 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — School Counselor in Alaska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alaska) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,240 |
| 2023 | $66,650 |
| 2024 | $80,020 |
| 2025 | $82,900 |
| 2026 (projected) | $85,884 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alaska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,240 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $66,650 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $80,020 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $82,900 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $85,884 | $67,274 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $82,900 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $97,820 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $103,420 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Alaska
How other high-demand occupations in Alaska compare to School Counselor ($82,900 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher in AK | $79,650 | -3.9% | $38.29/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in AK | $79,260 | -4.4% | $38.11/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in AK | $78,940 | -4.8% | $37.95/hr |
| Librarian in AK | $78,810 | -4.9% | $37.89/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in AK | $72,320 | -12.8% | $34.77/hr |
| Tutor in AK | $47,710 | -42.4% | $22.94/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in AK | $83,460 | +0.7% | $40.13/hr |
| Accountant in AK | $83,460 | +0.7% | $40.13/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in AK | $81,860 | -1.3% | $39.36/hr |
| Data Scientist in AK | $84,110 | +1.5% | $40.44/hr |
| Credit Analyst in AK | $81,340 | -1.9% | $39.11/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in AK | $80,800 | -2.5% | $38.85/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Alaska?
- School counselors in Alaska earn a median salary of $80,020 per year, or approximately $38 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 23.1% increase compared to school counselors across the United States.
What is the salary range for school counselors in Alaska?
- School counselor salaries in Alaska range from $49,700 at the lower end to $97,800 at the upper end. This range reflects differences based on experience, education level, and specific school district locations throughout the state.
How many school counselors are employed in Alaska?
- There are approximately 660 school counselors currently employed in Alaska. This represents the total workforce of professionals in this role across the state's public and private schools.
Is being a school counselor in Alaska better paid than the national average?
- Yes, school counselors in Alaska are paid 23.1% more than the national average, with a median salary of $80,020 compared to lower national figures. This makes Alaska one of the more competitive states for school counselor compensation.