Silicon Valley proper — Apple, Google, Nvidia, Adobe. Here's how School Counselors in San Jose get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Jose metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $78,600 | $59,700 | $102,200 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $97,700 | $74,200 | $127,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $112,400 | $85,400 | $146,100 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $134,800 | $102,400 | $175,300 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $152,800 | $116,100 | $198,600 |
Highest-paying metros for School Counselors — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Jose metro economy.
The average School Counselor salary in the San Jose metro is $112,400 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $85,400 to $146,100 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $185,500 or more.
Yes — San Jose pays +16% 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.
San Jose vs. national: +62%. That puts San Jose among the stronger US markets for School Counselors — though cost of living in San Jose is also typically elevated.
In San Jose, the median School Counselor salary of $112,400 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level School Counselors in San Jose start around $78,600, while seniors (10+ years) reach $134,800 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.
Get my personal salary report →