School Counselor Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 11K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$79,930
$38.43/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
+23.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$59K – $118K
11K employed in Massachusetts
School counselors in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $79,930 per year, positioning the state as an attractive market for education professionals. With approximately 11,460 school counselors employed across the state, Massachusetts offers competitive compensation that reflects the region's cost of living and strong educational funding infrastructure.
School counselor salary in Massachusetts varies significantly based on several factors, including years of experience, district size, and educational credentials. Advanced degrees and specialized certifications can boost earning potential, while urban districts typically offer higher salaries than rural areas. The state's above-average wages, sitting 23 percent higher than the national average, reflect regional demand for qualified counseling professionals and competitive public education budgets.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $59,460 |
| 25th percentile | $65,810 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,930 |
| 75th percentile | $100,580 |
| 90th percentile | $117,630 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,500 |
| 2023 | $76,880 |
| 2024 | $78,840 |
| 2025 | $79,930 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,035 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,500 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $76,880 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $78,840 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $79,930 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,035 | $65,835 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,810 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,930 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $100,580 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $117,630 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to School Counselor ($79,930 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in MA | $95,320 | +19.3% | $45.83/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in MA | $95,260 | +19.2% | $45.80/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in MA | $94,000 | +17.6% | $45.19/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in MA | $89,450 | +11.9% | $43.00/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in MA | $84,100 | +5.2% | $40.43/hr |
| Librarian in MA | $78,540 | -1.7% | $37.76/hr |
| Tutor in MA | $49,430 | -38.2% | $23.76/hr |
| Interior Designer in MA | $80,110 | +0.2% | $38.51/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in MA | $79,660 | -0.3% | $38.30/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in MA | $80,220 | +0.4% | $38.57/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in MA | $80,270 | +0.4% | $38.59/hr |
| Electrician in MA | $79,420 | -0.6% | $38.18/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Massachusetts?
- School counselors in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $79,930 per year, or approximately $38 per hour. This is 23.1% higher than the national average, making Massachusetts one of the better-paying states for this profession.
What is the salary range for school counselors in Massachusetts?
- School counselor salaries in Massachusetts range from $59,460 at the lower end to $117,630 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education level, and school district location.
Is school counselor pay in Massachusetts above the national average?
- Yes, school counselors in Massachusetts earn 23.1% more than the national average. With a median salary of $79,930, Massachusetts significantly outpaces most other states in compensation for this position.
How many school counselors work in Massachusetts?
- There are approximately 11,460 school counselors employed in Massachusetts. This represents a substantial workforce supporting student mental health and academic guidance across the state's schools.