Master's degree required. Acute shortage driving competitive pay in many districts.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for School Counselors. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $48,400 | $39,300 | $60,500 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $60,200 | $48,800 | $75,200 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $69,200 | $56,200 | $86,500 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $83,000 | $67,400 | $103,800 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $94,100 | $76,400 | $117,600 |
Top 10 states by median School Counselor salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $96,900 | $73,700 | $126,000 | +40% |
| Washington DC | $96,900 | $73,700 | $126,000 | +40% |
| New York | $95,500 | $72,600 | $124,200 | +38% |
| Washington | $90,000 | $68,400 | $117,000 | +30% |
| Massachusetts | $88,600 | $67,300 | $115,200 | +28% |
| New Jersey | $86,500 | $65,800 | $112,500 | +25% |
| Connecticut | $83,800 | $63,700 | $108,900 | +21% |
| Maryland | $83,100 | $63,100 | $108,000 | +20% |
| Colorado | $81,000 | $61,600 | $105,300 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $78,900 | $60,000 | $102,600 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $58,800 | $44,700 | $76,500 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $58,100 | $44,200 | $75,600 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $58,100 | $44,200 | $75,600 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $58,100 | $44,200 | $75,600 | -16% |
| Alabama | $57,500 | $43,700 | $74,700 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $57,500 | $43,700 | $74,700 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $55,400 | $42,100 | $72,000 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $55,400 | $42,100 | $72,000 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $54,000 | $41,000 | $70,200 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $54,000 | $41,000 | $70,200 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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