School Counselor Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 2K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$80,470
$38.688/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
+23.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $114K
2K employed in District of Columbia
School counselors in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $80,470 per year, positioning the nation's capital as a competitive market for this profession. With approximately 1,690 school counselors employed in the district, positions in DC offer compensation that runs 24% above the national average, reflecting the region's higher cost of living and demand for mental health support services in schools.
Several factors influence school counselor salary in District of Columbia, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific school or district type. Salaries typically range from $50,900 to $113,620 annually, with variations based on whether counselors work in public, charter, or private institutions. Additional factors such as specialized certifications, advanced degrees, and seniority within a school system can significantly impact earning potential in this field.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,900 |
| 25th percentile | $61,710 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,470 |
| 75th percentile | $103,030 |
| 90th percentile | $113,620 |
Historical Salary Trend — School Counselor in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,340 |
| 2023 | $70,590 |
| 2024 | $80,280 |
| 2025 | $80,470 |
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,340 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $70,590 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $80,280 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $80,470 | $64,937 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Washington DC?
- School counselors in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $80,470 per year, or approximately $39 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 23.9% premium for working in DC.
What is the salary range for school counselors in DC?
- School counselor salaries in the District of Columbia range from $50,900 at the lower end to $113,620 at the upper end. The wide range reflects differences in experience, education level, and specific school district assignments.
How many school counselors work in District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 1,690 school counselors employed in the District of Columbia, representing a substantial job market for this profession in the region.
Is the school counselor salary in DC higher than the national average?
- Yes, school counselors in the District of Columbia earn 23.9% more than the national average, with a median salary of $80,470 compared to significantly lower national figures. This makes DC one of the most lucrative locations for school counselor positions.