School Counselor Salary in West Virginia
Based on 1K+ workers in West Virginia
Median Annual Salary (WV)
$55,520
$26.69/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-14.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $73K
1K employed in West Virginia
Understanding the School Counselor salary in West Virginia reveals a median annual income of $55,520. This figure sits 15% below the national average, with the majority of the 1,260 employed professionals earning between $37,940 and $73,090 annually. These insights provide a foundational understanding of compensation within this vital educational role across the state.
Several factors can influence a School Counselor salary in West Virginia. Experience level, educational attainment (e.g., Master's degree vs. Bachelor's), and the specific school district or type of institution, whether public or private, often play a significant role. Additionally, the demand for counselors in particular regions of the state can also impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in West Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,940 |
| 25th percentile | $44,700 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $55,520 |
| 75th percentile | $62,220 |
| 90th percentile | $73,090 |
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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (West Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,850 |
| 2023 | $50,630 |
| 2024 | $55,420 |
| 2025 | $55,520 |
| 2026 (projected) | $55,620 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | West Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,850 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $50,630 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $55,420 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $55,520 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $55,620 | $65,054 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in West Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $44,700 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $55,520 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $62,220 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $73,090 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in West Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in West Virginia compare to School Counselor ($55,520 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in WV | $69,600 | +25.4% | $33.46/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in WV | $58,790 | +5.9% | $28.26/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in WV | $57,210 | +3.0% | $27.50/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in WV | $56,610 | +2.0% | $27.22/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in WV | $55,630 | +0.2% | $26.75/hr |
| Tutor in WV | $45,010 | -18.9% | $21.64/hr |
| Librarian in WV | $42,980 | -22.6% | $20.66/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in WV | $55,360 | -0.3% | $26.62/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in WV | $55,350 | -0.3% | $26.61/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in WV | $54,860 | -1.2% | $26.38/hr |
| Editor in WV | $56,630 | +2.0% | $27.23/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in WV | $56,730 | +2.2% | $27.27/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in West Virginia?
- The median salary for school counselors in West Virginia is $55,520 per year, which averages out to about $27 per hour. The salary range for these professionals typically falls between $37,940 and $73,090 annually.
What is the average hourly wage for a school counselor in West Virginia?
- School counselors in West Virginia earn a median hourly wage of $27. This is part of an annual median salary of $55,520. The full salary range for this role can vary, with potential earnings from $37,940 to $73,090 per year.
How does the average school counselor salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?
- School counselors in West Virginia earn 14.5% less than the national average. While the median salary in West Virginia is $55,520 annually, the national median is higher, making West Virginia a less lucrative state for this profession.
What is the total number of school counselors employed in West Virginia?
- There are approximately 1,260 school counselors employed in West Virginia. These professionals have a median annual salary of $55,520, with earnings generally ranging from $37,940 to $73,090.