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School Counselor salary
School counselors help students develop academic and social skills and plan for careers.
Median annual
$62,000
Median hourly
$30
Top 10% earn
$98,000+
Salary range
Bottom 10%$42,000
Median$62,000
Top 10%$98,000
School Counselor salary by experience level
How pay typically progresses from a first job to a senior role, modelled from the reported national pay distribution.
| Experience | Years | Annual | Hourly | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | 0–2 years | $49,200 | $24 | -21% |
| Early career | 2–5 years | $56,400 | $27 | -9% |
| Mid career | 5–10 years | $66,300 | $32 | +7% |
| Senior / experienced | 10+ years | $82,200 | $40 | +33% |
- Entry level: Starting pay for newly qualified school counselors, before specialisation or overtime.
- Early career: Pay rises quickly once you can work independently and take on harder assignments.
- Mid career: Most workers sit around this level, often with a specialism or a first supervisory role.
- Senior / experienced: Lead, senior or management roles, plus the highest-paying employers and locations.
Career details
Education
Master's degree in school counseling plus state certification.
Job outlook
4% growth through 2033 — mental health focus grows.
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