School Counselor Salary in New Jersey
Based on 8K+ workers in New Jersey
Median Annual Salary (NJ)
$77,910
$37.46/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
+20.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $109K
8K employed in New Jersey
Understanding the School Counselor salary in New Jersey reveals a median annual earning of $77,910. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with most professionals falling within the $57,850 to $108,500 range. Notably, this compensation is approximately 20% higher than the national average, indicating a strong market for these vital educational professionals across the state, which employs over 8,190 such workers.
Several factors influence a School Counselor salary in New Jersey. Experience levels are a primary driver, with more seasoned professionals commanding higher salaries. Additionally, the specific school district or educational institution, its funding, and the cost of living in that particular New Jersey locale can significantly impact earning potential. The presence of advanced degrees or specialized certifications may also lead to increased compensation.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,850 |
| 25th percentile | $64,160 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $77,910 |
| 75th percentile | $98,490 |
| 90th percentile | $108,500 |
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Jersey) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $74,960 |
| 2023 | $76,270 |
| 2024 | $77,940 |
| 2025 | $77,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,910 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Jersey Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $74,960 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $76,270 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $77,940 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $77,910 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,910 | $64,937 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,160 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $77,910 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $98,490 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $108,500 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in New Jersey
How other high-demand occupations in New Jersey compare to School Counselor ($77,910 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in NJ | $96,090 | +23.3% | $46.20/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in NJ | $82,200 | +5.5% | $39.52/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in NJ | $78,770 | +1.1% | $37.87/hr |
| Librarian in NJ | $78,380 | +0.6% | $37.68/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in NJ | $78,200 | +0.4% | $37.60/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in NJ | $74,210 | -4.7% | $35.68/hr |
| Tutor in NJ | $53,780 | -31.0% | $25.86/hr |
| Plumber in NJ | $78,240 | +0.4% | $37.62/hr |
| Electrician in NJ | $77,250 | -0.8% | $37.14/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in NJ | $77,020 | -1.1% | $37.03/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in NJ | $79,210 | +1.7% | $38.08/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in NJ | $80,130 | +2.8% | $38.52/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in New Jersey?
- The median salary for school counselors in New Jersey is $77,910 per year, which breaks down to about $37 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, by approximately 20.0%.
What is the typical salary range for a school counselor in New Jersey?
- In New Jersey, school counselors can expect to earn within a range of $57,850 to $108,500 annually. The median salary sits comfortably in the middle of this range at $77,910 per year.
How does the school counselor salary in New Jersey compare to the national average?
- School counselors in New Jersey earn considerably more than their national counterparts, with salaries being approximately 20.0% higher than the national average. This means the median New Jersey salary of $77,910 per year is a strong indicator of higher earning potential in the state.
What is the total number of school counselors employed in New Jersey?
- There are an estimated 8,190 school counselors currently employed in New Jersey. This significant number reflects the demand for these professionals within the state's educational system.