School Counselor Salary in Arizona
Based on 7K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$58,250
$28.00/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-10.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $82K
7K employed in Arizona
The median school counselor salary in Arizona is $58,250 per year, approximately 10% below the national average. With around 7,330 school counselors currently employed in the state, Arizona offers a competitive education job market. Salaries for this position typically range from $46,400 to $82,240 annually, reflecting variations based on experience and location.
Several factors influence school counselor salary in Arizona, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific school district's budget. Urban districts and those serving larger student populations often offer higher compensation packages. Additionally, specialized certifications and advanced degrees can positively impact earning potential, as can seniority within a district.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,400 |
| 25th percentile | $49,590 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,250 |
| 75th percentile | $68,390 |
| 90th percentile | $82,240 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,030 |
| 2023 | $52,280 |
| 2024 | $57,940 |
| 2025 | $58,250 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,562 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,030 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $52,280 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $57,940 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $58,250 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,562 | $65,284 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,590 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,250 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $68,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $82,240 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to School Counselor ($58,250 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in AZ | $62,620 | +7.5% | $30.11/hr |
| Librarian in AZ | $60,500 | +3.9% | $29.09/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in AZ | $59,710 | +2.5% | $28.71/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in AZ | $58,360 | +0.2% | $28.06/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in AZ | $56,590 | -2.8% | $27.21/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in AZ | $52,830 | -9.3% | $25.40/hr |
| Tutor in AZ | $44,110 | -24.3% | $21.21/hr |
| Truck Driver in AZ | $58,080 | -0.3% | $27.92/hr |
| Graphic Designer in AZ | $58,510 | +0.4% | $28.13/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in AZ | $58,780 | +0.9% | $28.26/hr |
| Firefighter in AZ | $59,280 | +1.8% | $28.50/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in AZ | $60,170 | +3.3% | $28.93/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a school counselor make in Arizona?
- The median salary for a school counselor in Arizona is $58,250 per year, or approximately $28 per hour. This is about 10.3% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for school counselors in Arizona?
- School counselors in Arizona earn between $46,400 and $82,240 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific school district. This range represents entry-level to senior-level positions in the state.
How many school counselors are employed in Arizona?
- There are approximately 7,330 school counselors currently employed in Arizona, making it a stable profession with consistent job opportunities across the state.
Is the school counselor salary in Arizona competitive compared to the US average?
- Arizona school counselors earn about 10.3% less than the national average, with a median of $58,250 compared to higher-paying states. However, this salary is competitive within Arizona's cost of living and education sector standards.