School Counselor Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 14K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$60,880
$29.27/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-6.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $98K
14K employed in Pennsylvania
Exploring the School Counselor salary in Pennsylvania reveals a median annual earning of $60,880. This figure sits 6% below the national average, with current employment for this vital role at 13,570 workers across the state. The salary range for School Counselors in Pennsylvania spans from $46,200 to $97,810, indicating significant variation within the profession.
Several factors influence the School Counselor salary in Pennsylvania. Experience level plays a crucial role, with more seasoned professionals commanding higher salaries. Additionally, the specific school district, its funding, and the counselor's educational qualifications, such as advanced degrees or certifications, can significantly impact earning potential within this important field.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,200 |
| 25th percentile | $51,160 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,880 |
| 75th percentile | $78,460 |
| 90th percentile | $97,810 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,760 |
| 2023 | $64,300 |
| 2024 | $61,460 |
| 2025 | $60,880 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,880 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,760 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $64,300 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $61,460 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $60,880 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,880 | $64,937 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $51,160 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,880 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,460 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $97,810 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to School Counselor ($60,880 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher in PA | $78,800 | +29.4% | $37.88/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in PA | $77,930 | +28.0% | $37.47/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in PA | $77,060 | +26.6% | $37.05/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in PA | $75,580 | +24.1% | $36.34/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in PA | $64,430 | +5.8% | $30.98/hr |
| Librarian in PA | $62,880 | +3.3% | $30.23/hr |
| Tutor in PA | $41,740 | -31.4% | $20.07/hr |
| Graphic Designer in PA | $60,730 | -0.2% | $29.20/hr |
| Interior Designer in PA | $62,400 | +2.5% | $30.00/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in PA | $58,670 | -3.6% | $28.21/hr |
| Truck Driver in PA | $58,580 | -3.8% | $28.16/hr |
| Paralegal in PA | $63,370 | +4.1% | $30.47/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a school counselor make in Pennsylvania?
- The median salary for a school counselor in Pennsylvania is $60,880 per year, which averages out to $29 per hour. This means half of school counselors in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for school counselors in Pennsylvania?
- School counselors in Pennsylvania can expect to earn between $46,200 on the lower end and up to $97,810 annually on the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and specific school district.
How does a school counselor's salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
- School counselors in Pennsylvania earn 6.2% less than the national average. This means if the national median salary is X, a Pennsylvania counselor's median salary would be approximately X - 0.062X.
How many school counselors are employed in Pennsylvania?
- There are approximately 13,570 school counselors employed throughout Pennsylvania. This indicates a significant demand for these professionals within the state's education system.