Pharma, education, healthcare — historic East Coast hub. Here's how School Counselors in Philadelphia get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Philadelphia metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $51,900 | $39,400 | $67,500 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $64,500 | $49,000 | $83,900 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $74,200 | $56,400 | $96,500 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $89,000 | $67,600 | $115,800 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $100,900 | $76,700 | $131,200 |
Highest-paying metros for School Counselors — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Philadelphia metro economy.
The average School Counselor salary in the Philadelphia metro is $74,200 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $56,400 to $96,500 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $122,400 or more.
Yes — Philadelphia pays +3% relative to the Pennsylvania 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.
Philadelphia vs. national: +7%. Philadelphia pays roughly in line with the national average for School Counselors. Whether that's a 'good' deal depends on local cost of living and your career stage.
In Philadelphia, the median School Counselor salary of $74,200 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level School Counselors in Philadelphia start around $51,900, while seniors (10+ years) reach $89,000 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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