School Counselor Salary in California
Based on 45K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$86,500
$41.59/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
+33.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$52K – $137K
45K employed in California
School counselors in California earn a median salary of $86,500 per year, positioning the state as a significantly higher-paying market compared to most of the country. With approximately 45,140 school counselors employed throughout California, this figure represents 33 percent above the national average, reflecting the state's robust investment in student support services and higher cost of living.
Several factors influence school counselor salary in California, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific district or region where counselors work. Urban districts and those serving affluent communities typically offer higher compensation packages than rural areas. Additionally, the type of school—whether public, charter, or private—and a counselor's specialized certifications can impact earning potential within the state's competitive education job market.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,890 |
| 25th percentile | $63,910 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $86,500 |
| 75th percentile | $119,790 |
| 90th percentile | $136,660 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,240 |
| 2023 | $77,640 |
| 2024 | $94,320 |
| 2025 | $86,500 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,500 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,240 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $77,640 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $94,320 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $86,500 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,500 | $64,937 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,910 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $86,500 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $119,790 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $136,660 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to School Counselor ($86,500 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher in CA | $101,370 | +17.2% | $48.74/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in CA | $99,650 | +15.2% | $47.91/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in CA | $98,950 | +14.4% | $47.57/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in CA | $97,010 | +12.2% | $46.64/hr |
| Librarian in CA | $89,790 | +3.8% | $43.17/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in CA | $82,550 | -4.6% | $39.69/hr |
| Tutor in CA | $49,570 | -42.7% | $23.83/hr |
| Writer and Author in CA | $86,480 | -0.0% | $41.58/hr |
| Firefighter in CA | $85,120 | -1.6% | $40.92/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in CA | $85,030 | -1.7% | $40.88/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in CA | $83,500 | -3.5% | $40.14/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in CA | $82,720 | -4.4% | $39.77/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in California?
- School counselors in California earn a median salary of $86,500 per year, or approximately $42 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 33.2% premium for working in California.
What is the salary range for school counselors in California?
- School counselor salaries in California range from $51,890 at the lower end to $136,660 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, location, and school district funding.
How many school counselors are employed in California?
- There are currently 45,140 school counselors employed in California, making it a substantial profession within the state's education system.
Is the school counselor salary in California above the national average?
- Yes, California school counselors earn 33.2% more than the national average, with a median of $86,500 annually compared to lower national figures, making it one of the more lucrative states for this profession.