School Counselor Salary in North Carolina
Based on 9K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$57,630
$27.71/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-11.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$40K – $74K
9K employed in North Carolina
Understanding the School Counselor salary in North Carolina reveals a median annual earning of $57,630. This figure sits within a broader salary range of $40,400 to $74,070, indicating considerable variation in compensation for this vital role within the state's educational system.
Several factors influence a School Counselor salary in North Carolina. Experience levels, the specific school district's funding and location, and any advanced certifications or specializations held by the counselor can all contribute to differences in pay. It's also noteworthy that this median salary is approximately 11% below the national average.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $40,400 |
| 25th percentile | $46,820 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $57,630 |
| 75th percentile | $63,460 |
| 90th percentile | $74,070 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,820 |
| 2023 | $51,920 |
| 2024 | $57,100 |
| 2025 | $57,630 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,165 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,820 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $51,920 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $57,100 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $57,630 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,165 | $65,540 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,820 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $57,630 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $63,460 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $74,070 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to School Counselor ($57,630 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in NC | $63,340 | +9.9% | $30.45/hr |
| Librarian in NC | $61,420 | +6.6% | $29.53/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in NC | $57,650 | +0.0% | $27.72/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in NC | $54,930 | -4.7% | $26.41/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in NC | $53,180 | -7.7% | $25.57/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in NC | $52,010 | -9.8% | $25.00/hr |
| Tutor in NC | $41,710 | -27.6% | $20.05/hr |
| Paralegal in NC | $57,500 | -0.2% | $27.64/hr |
| Plumber in NC | $57,080 | -1.0% | $27.44/hr |
| Social Worker in NC | $58,210 | +1.0% | $27.99/hr |
| Graphic Designer in NC | $58,450 | +1.4% | $28.10/hr |
| Electrician in NC | $56,800 | -1.4% | $27.31/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a school counselor in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a school counselor in North Carolina is $57,630 per year, which breaks down to about $28 per hour. This means half of school counselors in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How does the school counselor salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
- School counselors in North Carolina earn 11.3% less than the national average salary. The median salary in North Carolina is $57,630 annually, while the national median is higher.
What is the salary range for school counselors in North Carolina?
- The salary range for school counselors in North Carolina is between $40,400 and $74,070 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and specific school districts.
How many school counselors are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 9,430 school counselors employed across North Carolina. This indicates a significant number of professionals dedicated to student support in the state's educational system.