Entertainment, tech, aerospace — sprawling and high-paying. Here's how School Counselors in Los Angeles get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Los Angeles metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $64,700 | $49,200 | $84,100 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $80,400 | $61,100 | $104,500 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $92,500 | $70,300 | $120,200 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $111,000 | $84,300 | $144,200 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $125,800 | $95,600 | $163,400 |
Highest-paying metros for School Counselors — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Los Angeles metro economy.
The average School Counselor salary in the Los Angeles metro is $92,500 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $70,300 to $120,200 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $152,600 or more.
Yes — Los Angeles pays -5% relative to the California state median for School Counselors. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Los Angeles vs. national: +34%. That puts Los Angeles among the stronger US markets for School Counselors — though cost of living in Los Angeles is also typically elevated.
In Los Angeles, the median School Counselor salary of $92,500 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level School Counselors in Los Angeles start around $64,700, while seniors (10+ years) reach $111,000 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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