How much does a school counselor make?
a year · about $31 an hour
A typical school counselor in the United States makes $64,330 a year, about $31 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
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.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $45,020 and $104,770How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like helping and teaching and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($86,500), lowest in South Dakota ($51,830).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.
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