How Much Money Do School Guidance Counselors Make?

School guidance counselors hold a lot of importance, but depending on where you live, the salary may not match up to the expectations. According to Resilient Educator, the amount of money you earn as a counselor varies greatly by the state you work in. Overall, the average salary for a school counselor is between $46,458 and $65,301. There are a few counselors, though, that can make up to $96,000, but that only accounts for the top 10%, per The Balance Careers.

If you do want to be paid that higher salary range, consider moving to California. According to U.S. News & World Report, the highest reported counselor salaries are for those who work in five specific California cities: Riverside, El Centro, Fresno, Stockton, and Napa. Of course, not all of us have the ability to live or move to the west coast. On the east coast, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Maryland are the top paying states for school guidance counselors. But, while the salary ranges may not be the highest, it is still not easy to become a counselor.