School Counselor Salary in Maryland
Based on 7K+ workers in Maryland
Median Annual Salary (MD)
$75,820
$36.45/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
+16.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $117K
7K employed in Maryland
School counselors in Maryland earn a median salary of $75,820 per year, with approximately 6,600 professionals employed throughout the state. This figure represents a solid 17% premium over the national average, reflecting Maryland's relatively strong compensation for educational support positions. The salary range spans from $48,460 to $116,650 annually, indicating significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence school counselor salary in Maryland, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific school district's budget and location. Urban and suburban districts, particularly those in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas, tend to offer higher compensation than rural regions. Additionally, advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and leadership roles within counseling departments can lead to increased earning potential over time.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Maryland
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,460 |
| 25th percentile | $61,410 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $75,820 |
| 75th percentile | $97,940 |
| 90th percentile | $116,650 |
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 Maryland 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 Maryland vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Maryland) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,570 |
| 2023 | $73,040 |
| 2024 | $74,970 |
| 2025 | $75,820 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,680 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Maryland Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,570 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $73,040 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $74,970 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $75,820 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,680 | $65,673 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Maryland
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $61,410 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $75,820 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $97,940 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $116,650 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Maryland
How other high-demand occupations in Maryland compare to School Counselor ($75,820 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in MD | $102,220 | +34.8% | $49.14/hr |
| Librarian in MD | $88,570 | +16.8% | $42.58/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in MD | $78,670 | +3.8% | $37.82/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in MD | $78,510 | +3.5% | $37.75/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in MD | $77,680 | +2.5% | $37.35/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in MD | $75,910 | +0.1% | $36.50/hr |
| Tutor in MD | $51,630 | -31.9% | $24.82/hr |
| Editor in MD | $75,550 | -0.4% | $36.32/hr |
| Credit Analyst in MD | $75,390 | -0.6% | $36.25/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in MD | $76,370 | +0.7% | $36.72/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in MD | $76,370 | +0.7% | $36.72/hr |
| Graphic Designer in MD | $75,120 | -0.9% | $36.12/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Maryland?
- School counselors in Maryland earn a median salary of $75,820 per year, or approximately $36 per hour. This is 16.8% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for school counselors in Maryland?
- School counselor salaries in Maryland range from $48,460 at the lower end to $116,650 at the upper end, providing significant earning potential as counselors gain experience and credentials.
How many school counselors work in Maryland?
- There are currently 6,600 school counselors employed throughout Maryland, making it a substantial career field in the state.
Is being a school counselor in Maryland paid more than the national average?
- Yes, school counselors in Maryland earn 16.8% more than the national average, with a median salary of $75,820 compared to lower figures in most other states.