How much does a school counselor make?
Answer: A typical school counselor in the United States makes $64,330 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 353,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
School counselor pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $45,020 | $64,330 | $104,770 | about 353,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $86,500 | about 45,000 |
| Alaska | $82,900 | about 540 |
| Washington | $82,670 | about 7,000 |
| District of Columbia | $80,470 | about 2,000 |
| Massachusetts | $79,930 | about 11,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can vary with experience and credentials; experienced workers and people with sought-after licenses may earn more. Pay also differs by location and employer, such as a school district, college, or private career service.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a school counselor do?
Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.
What's a typical day like?
A school counselor meets students one-on-one or in groups to talk about classes, study habits, worries, and plans after graduation. They check student records and work with teachers and families to connect students with help.
How to get this job
Earn a master’s in school counseling or a related field, with supervised practice. In the United States, public-school counselors need a state credential, often involving an internship and test; some states also require teaching experience.
Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)
Good for people who like helping and teaching and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
In the U.S. in 2024–25, there were 372 students per school counselor on average—more than the 250 recommended by the counselors’ professional association.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Community and Social Service jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/21-1012.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.schoolcounselor.org/about-school-counseling/school-counselor-roles-ratios
- www.schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-St
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY