School Counselor Salary in Hawaii
Based on 2K+ workers in Hawaii
Median Annual Salary (HI)
$61,730
$29.68/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-4.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$49K – $94K
2K employed in Hawaii
School Counselor salary in Hawaii averages $61,730 per year, reflecting the compensation for approximately 1,620 professionals working in the state's schools. This median falls about 5% below the national average, positioning Hawaii's school counselors at a lower earning level compared to their counterparts across the United States despite the state's higher overall cost of living.
Several factors influence School Counselor salary in Hawaii, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific school district's budget and funding levels. Urban districts on Oahu typically offer different compensation packages than rural or outer island schools. Additionally, state-mandated salary schedules, professional certifications, and individual school performance metrics can create variations within the $49,350 to $93,720 salary range.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Hawaii
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,350 |
| 25th percentile | $51,600 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $61,730 |
| 75th percentile | $88,140 |
| 90th percentile | $93,720 |
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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $58,980 |
| 2023 | $61,660 |
| 2024 | $66,720 |
| 2025 | $61,730 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,730 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Hawaii Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $58,980 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $61,660 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $66,720 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $61,730 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,730 | $64,937 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $51,600 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $61,730 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $88,140 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $93,720 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Hawaii
How other high-demand occupations in Hawaii compare to School Counselor ($61,730 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in HI | $96,080 | +55.6% | $46.19/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in HI | $74,310 | +20.4% | $35.73/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in HI | $71,410 | +15.7% | $34.33/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in HI | $69,230 | +12.1% | $33.28/hr |
| Librarian in HI | $68,270 | +10.6% | $32.82/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in HI | $53,160 | -13.9% | $25.56/hr |
| Tutor in HI | $51,960 | -15.8% | $24.98/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in HI | $62,390 | +1.1% | $30.00/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in HI | $60,960 | -1.2% | $29.31/hr |
| Financial Examiner in HI | $62,720 | +1.6% | $30.15/hr |
| Paralegal in HI | $62,840 | +1.8% | $30.21/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in HI | $60,150 | -2.6% | $28.92/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Hawaii?
- School counselors in Hawaii earn a median salary of $61,730 per year, or approximately $30 per hour. This is 4.9% below the national average for the position.
What is the salary range for school counselors in Hawaii?
- School counselor salaries in Hawaii range from $49,350 at the lower end to $93,720 at the higher end, depending on experience and location within the state.
Is the school counselor salary in Hawaii competitive?
- Hawaii's median school counselor salary of $61,730 is slightly below the national average, placing it 4.9% lower than comparable positions across the United States.
How many school counselors work in Hawaii?
- There are approximately 1,620 school counselors currently employed in Hawaii, indicating a substantial job market for this profession in the state.