By: All Psychology Schools Staff
Updated: October 13, 2026
School Counseling Degree and Career Guide
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How much do school counselors make? (2026 salary guide)
Learn what you may be able to earn as a school counselor.
School counselors help and encourage students develop the skills they’ll need to succeed in school and in their lives beyond graduation. They also assist students in selecting careers and programs that best fit their skills and ambitions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school counselors have a median annual salary of $64,330.
Key takeaways
- Most school counselors earn between $45,020 (10th percentile) and $104,770 (90th percentile) according to data from the BLS.
- School counselor salaries vary significantly by location, with California, Alaska, Washington and Massachusetts among the states reporting some of the highest median annual salaries.
- Employment for school counselors is projected to grow 2.9% through 2035.
Median annual school counselor salary by state
How does a school counselor’s salary compare to other counseling careers?
Highest-paying metro areas for school counselors in the U.S.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2025 Occupational Employment Statistics
What is the job growth for the field?
Employment of school counselors is expected to grow 2.9% through 2035, about as fast as average across all occupations. Take a look at how some of the other counseling occupations compare as far as job growth through 2035:
- Mental health counselors—18.4%
- Marriage and family therapists—13.5%
- Social workers—6.2%
- Rehabilitation counselors—2.2%
National long-term projections of employment growth may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.
How much competition will I face for a job?
Despite steady job growth reports and the vital role that school counselors’ play in maximizing student success, competition may be strong for school counselor jobs as growth may be offset by school budgets. Counseling programs are often some of the first programs that are reduced when school budgets are cut, and counselors are often tasked with additional duties other than helping students. These and other challenges can lead to burnout within the profession which can result in high turnover for roles.
In fact, according to their 2025 State of the Profession report, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) said that 22% of survey respondents anticipate leaving their jobs within five years, primarily due to retirement or burnout.
How do I advance in my school counselor career?
With advanced degrees and continuing education and experience, some school counselors may advance to positions such as head counselor, director of pupil services or school psychologist. College-level school counselors may advance to dean of students, dean of placement or personnel, financial aid director or supervisor of testing.
Professional development is an important factor for advancement in a school counseling career. The ASCA is the authorized provider for continuing education units (CEUs), and the ASCA stresses the importance of professional development to advance your career and stay effective in the field.
Another way to advance is to get certified. There are two certification organizations available:
- The National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates Inc. (NBCC)
- The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)
These boards recognize accomplished school counselors and assess knowledge, skills and abilities considered vital to provide effective counseling services. Earning these certificates shows potential employers that you are a qualified and accomplished professional in your chosen career, and may play a role in employment decisions or promotions.