School Counselor Salary in South Carolina
Based on 6K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$60,340
$29.01/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-7.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$40K – $86K
6K employed in South Carolina
The median School Counselor salary in South Carolina is $60,340 per year, falling 7% below the national average for the profession. With approximately 6,460 individuals employed in this role across the state, understanding the earning potential within this vital sector is crucial for aspiring and current professionals alike.
Several factors influence a School Counselor salary in South Carolina, including years of experience, specific school district budgets, and the counselor's level of education or any specialized certifications held. Geographic location within the state and the size and type of school also contribute to the salary range, which typically falls between $39,800 and $86,250 annually.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,800 |
| 25th percentile | $47,970 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,340 |
| 75th percentile | $75,780 |
| 90th percentile | $86,250 |
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 South 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 South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,050 |
| 2023 | $52,330 |
| 2024 | $57,400 |
| 2025 | $60,340 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,431 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,050 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $52,330 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $57,400 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $60,340 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,431 | $68,263 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,970 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,340 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $75,780 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $86,250 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to School Counselor ($60,340 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in SC | $65,460 | +8.5% | $31.47/hr |
| Librarian in SC | $62,640 | +3.8% | $30.12/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in SC | $62,580 | +3.7% | $30.09/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in SC | $60,890 | +0.9% | $29.27/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in SC | $60,820 | +0.8% | $29.24/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in SC | $60,810 | +0.8% | $29.24/hr |
| Tutor in SC | $39,800 | -34.0% | $19.13/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in SC | $61,350 | +1.7% | $29.50/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in SC | $61,820 | +2.5% | $29.72/hr |
| Electrician in SC | $58,740 | -2.7% | $28.24/hr |
| Editor in SC | $62,000 | +2.8% | $29.81/hr |
| Police Officer in SC | $58,070 | -3.8% | $27.92/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a school counselor make in South Carolina?
- The median salary for a school counselor in South Carolina is $60,340 per year, which averages out to about $29 per hour. The salary range can vary significantly, from $39,800 on the lower end to $86,250 for top earners.
What is the average hourly wage for a school counselor in South Carolina?
- School counselors in South Carolina earn an average of $29 per hour. This is based on a median annual salary of $60,340, with typical earnings falling between $39,800 and $86,250 annually.
Is the salary for school counselors in South Carolina lower than the national average?
- Yes, school counselor salaries in South Carolina are 7.1% lower than the national average. The median annual salary in the state is $60,340, compared to the national median.
How many school counselors are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 6,460 school counselors employed in South Carolina. These professionals earn a median salary of $60,340 per year, with salaries typically ranging from $39,800 to $86,250.