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Elementary school counselor salary
Average elementary school counselor salary
$16.82
Average Salary for Elementary School Counselors
As of October 2025, the average salary for an elementary school counselor is approximately $34,984 per year or around $17 per hour. This figure can vary based on several factors, including geographic location, years of experience, and the specific school district. For instance, counselors in urban areas typically earn more due to higher living costs.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level counselors can expect to earn closer to the lower end of the scale, while those with several years of experience may see salaries significantly increase. Experienced counselors often take on additional responsibilities, which can further enhance their earning potential.
Highest Paying States
According to recent data, states like California and New York offer some of the highest salaries for elementary school counselors. Additionally, factors such as school funding and demand for counseling services in local districts also play a crucial role in salary variations.
Job Opportunities
With a growing emphasis on mental health and student support in education, the demand for qualified elementary school counselors continues to rise. This profession offers numerous opportunities for advancement, including roles in administration or specialized counseling.
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Where can an Elementary School Counselor earn more?
Elementary school counselor salaries by experience level
Elementary school counselor salary estimates from across the web
Average elementary school counselor salary by state
The average elementary school counselor salary in California, Virginia, and Hawaii are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average elementary school counselor salary states are Oklahoma, Montana, and Maine.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for elementary school counselors
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pennsylvania | $41,694 | $20.05 |
| 2 | California | $47,119 | $22.65 |
| 3 | New York | $42,097 | $20.24 |
| 4 | Arizona | $39,030 | $18.76 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $41,040 | $19.73 |
| 6 | District of Columbia | $46,275 | $22.25 |
| 7 | Washington | $38,975 | $18.74 |
| 8 | Texas | $42,236 | $20.31 |
| 9 | Nevada | $37,071 | $17.82 |
| 10 | Virginia | $45,615 | $21.93 |
| 11 | Rhode Island | $36,694 | $17.64 |
| 12 | New Mexico | $35,762 | $17.19 |
| 13 | Louisiana | $36,643 | $17.62 |
| 14 | Tennessee | $38,174 | $18.35 |
| 15 | Alaska | $34,287 | $16.48 |
| 16 | Delaware | $36,692 | $17.64 |
| 17 | Arkansas | $35,214 | $16.93 |
| 18 | Maryland | $36,119 | $17.36 |
| 19 | Connecticut | $35,129 | $16.89 |
| 20 | Hawaii | $43,414 | $20.87 |
| 21 | Minnesota | $33,677 | $16.19 |
| 22 | Colorado | $34,766 | $16.71 |
| 23 | Florida | $34,863 | $16.76 |
| 24 | Georgia | $35,624 | $17.13 |
| 25 | Oregon | $34,026 | $16.36 |
| 26 | Mississippi | $34,290 | $16.49 |
| 27 | Nebraska | $32,968 | $15.85 |
| 28 | Indiana | $33,293 | $16.01 |
| 29 | Massachusetts | $32,424 | $15.59 |
| 30 | Michigan | $31,713 | $15.25 |
| 31 | Illinois | $31,821 | $15.30 |
| 32 | Wisconsin | $32,106 | $15.44 |
| 33 | Wyoming | $30,650 | $14.74 |
| 34 | Missouri | $31,162 | $14.98 |
| 35 | Ohio | $30,740 | $14.78 |
| 36 | New Hampshire | $29,370 | $14.12 |
| 37 | Kansas | $30,513 | $14.67 |
| 38 | Alabama | $30,908 | $14.86 |
| 39 | Vermont | $31,295 | $15.05 |
| 40 | Montana | $25,661 | $12.34 |
| 41 | North Carolina | $31,088 | $14.95 |
| 42 | South Carolina | $30,061 | $14.45 |
| 43 | Maine | $24,727 | $11.89 |
| 44 | North Dakota | $29,375 | $14.12 |
| 45 | Utah | $29,961 | $14.40 |
| 46 | Iowa | $28,117 | $13.52 |
| 47 | Oklahoma | $27,164 | $13.06 |
| 48 | Idaho | $24,237 | $11.65 |
| 49 | Kentucky | $28,370 | $13.64 |
| 50 | West Virginia | $23,367 | $11.23 |
| 51 | South Dakota | $22,714 | $10.92 |
Highest paying cities for elementary school counselors
The highest-paying cities for elementary school counselors are Daly City, CA, Maricopa, AZ, and Marysville, WA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daly City, CA | $49,661 | $23.88 |
| 2 | Maricopa, AZ | $39,217 | $18.85 |
| 3 | Marysville, WA | $38,929 | $18.72 |
| 4 | Silver Spring, MD | $35,911 | $17.26 |
| 5 | Danbury, CT | $35,158 | $16.90 |
| 6 | Santa Fe, NM | $34,858 | $16.76 |
| 7 | Castle Rock, CO | $34,839 | $16.75 |
| 8 | Cottage Grove, MN | $33,743 | $16.22 |
| 9 | Boston, MA | $32,158 | $15.46 |
| 10 | Oshkosh, WI | $32,147 | $15.46 |
| 11 | Edmond, OK | $27,170 | $13.06 |
| 12 | Portland, ME | $24,873 | $11.96 |
Elementary school counselor salary details
An elementary school counselor's salary ranges from $18,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $64,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is an elementary school counselor's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $64,000 | $5,333 | $31 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,000 | $4,000 | $23 |
| Average | $34,984 | $2,915 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 | $12 |
| 10th Percentile | $18,000 | $1,500 | $9 |
Highest paying elementary school counselor jobs
The highest paying types of elementary school counselors are lead counselor, school social worker, and elementary school teacher.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Social Worker | $54,856 | $4,571 | $26.37 | 122,376 |
| Guidance Counselor | $48,154 | $4,013 | $23.15 | 75,740 |
| School Coordinator | $48,327 | $4,027 | $23.23 | 54,132 |
| Counselor | $36,225 | $3,019 | $17.42 | 77,536 |
| Substance Abuse Counselor | $43,069 | $3,589 | $20.71 | 78,643 |
| Program Counselor | $43,820 | $3,652 | $21.07 | 133,491 |
Top companies hiring elementary school counselors now:
Which companies pay elementary school counselors the most?
Elementary school counselor salaries at Success Academy Charter Schools and Jefferson Elementary School District are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average elementary school counselor salary at companies like Visalia Unified School District and Chicago Public Schools are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Success Academy Charter Schools | $73,682 | $35.42 |
| 2 | Jefferson Elementary School District | $63,925 | $30.73 |
| 3 | Visalia Unified School District | $61,202 | $29.42 |
| 4 | Chicago Public Schools | $59,204 | $28.46 |
| 5 | Santa Rosa City Schools | $56,686 | $27.25 |
| 6 | Robbinsdale Area Schools | $56,088 | $26.97 |
| 7 | Culver City Unified School District | $55,303 | $26.59 |
| 8 | Cheshire Academy | $55,249 | $26.56 |
| 9 | Aspen School District | $53,159 | $25.56 |
| 10 | Montgomery County Public Schools | $52,548 | $25.26 |
| 11 | Buckeye Union High School District | $51,267 | $24.65 |
| 12 | Hillsboro School District | $50,897 | $24.47 |
| 13 | KIPP Massachusetts | $49,197 | $23.65 |
| 14 | KIPP DC | $49,150 | $23.63 |
| 15 | Charter Schools USA | $49,128 | $23.62 |
| 16 | Brea Olinda Unified School District | $48,979 | $23.55 |
| 17 | Marana Unified School District | $48,360 | $23.25 |
| 18 | Lodi Unified School District | $47,229 | $22.71 |
| 19 | KIPP St. Louis | $46,545 | $22.38 |
| 20 | Denver Public Schools | $45,560 | $21.90 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Elementary school counselor salary trends
The average elementary school counselor salary has risen by $2,402 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average elementary school counselor earned $32,582 annually, but today, they earn $34,984 a year. That works out to a 7% change in pay for elementary school counselors over the last decade.
Compare elementary school counselor salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average elementary school counselor salary over time
Compare elementary school counselor salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Elementary school counselor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,000 | $16.82 | +1.9% |
| 2024 | $34,300 | $16.51 | +1.3% |
| 2023 | $33,900 | $16.30 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $33,400 | $16.03 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | $32,800 | $15.79 | +1.6% |
Recently added elementary school counselor salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD (Tx | Elementary Counselor PK ND Grade) | Coldspring, TX | 06/30/2025 | $52,682 |
| Central Berkshire Regional School District | Head Custodian-Becket Washington Elementary School | Rowe, MA | 06/27/2025 | $47,688 |
| St. Vrain Community Montessori School | ST. Vrain Community Montessori School Seeks Upper Elementary Guide for The School Year | Longmont, CO | 06/27/2025 | $37,566 |
| Henry County Public Schools | School Nutrition Worker-Meadow View Elementary School | Enon, VA | 06/26/2025 | $96,348 |
| Oregon Public Schools | School Counselor-Barnes Butte Elementary | Prineville, OR | 06/26/2025 | $48,092 |
| Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (Tx | Counselor School Year, Wells Elementary School | Houston, TX | 06/25/2025 | $64,645 |
| Discover After School | Before & After School Counselor @ Andover Elementary School | Orlando, FL | 06/25/2025 | $31,305 |
| Laurel Public Schools | Elementary School Counselor | Laurel, MT | 06/21/2025 | $42,300 |
| Plainville Community Schools | Building Substitute-Toffolon Elementary School | Noank, CT | 06/20/2025 | $32,609 |
| Isd 728 | Custodian, 2Nd Shift, DAY;-Parker Elementary School | Nore, MN | 06/20/2025 | $43,827 |
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