California School Counselor Salary Guide - 2025

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: November 1st, 2024

The quality of salary for school counselors in California is generally competitive, with the state offering some of the highest wages for this profession in the United States. The median salary is $99,713 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023) and projected to grow 10.5% from 2022 to 2032, depending on several key factors.

Factors affecting salaries positively:

  • Location: Urban areas and school districts with higher funding, like those in Los Angeles and San Francisco, often offer higher salaries.
  • Experience and Education: Counselors with advanced degrees, certifications, and years of experience tend to earn more.
  • Demand: In schools with high student-to-counselor ratios or where there is a growing need for mental health support, salaries may increase.

Factors affecting salaries negatively:

  • Budget Constraints: Schools in lower-income areas or districts facing budget cuts may offer lower pay.
  • District Size: Smaller, rural districts may have limited financial resources, impacting salaries.
  • State or Local Education Policies: Shifts in funding or policy can also affect salary scales, sometimes leading to freezes or reductions.

Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering a career as a school counselor. Being aware of salary expectations, regional differences, and the impact of education levels helps individuals make informed decisions about where to work, how to advance in their career, and what additional qualifications might be needed for higher pay. It also helps with realistic planning for long-term career satisfaction and financial stability.

California School Counselor Salaries – Visualized

School Counselors Salaries in urban areas of California

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Bakersfield, CA650$101,514
Chico, CA320$90,778
El Centro, CA260$125,333
Fresno, CA950$98,795
Hanford-Corcoran, CA100$105,871
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA14,840$97,331
Madera, CA150$97,215
Merced, CA340$91,394
Modesto, CA590$101,096
Napa, CA150$111,855
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA640$109,880
Redding, CA170$84,458
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA3,050$107,649
Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA2,630$91,394
Salinas, CA460$100,004
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA3,890$96,878
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA5,510$106,754
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA2,080$110,983
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA390$87,734
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA370$90,035
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA650$104,674
Santa Rosa, CA420$104,337
Stockton-Lodi, CA510$101,491
Vallejo-Fairfield, CA260$97,471
Visalia-Porterville, CA430$101,038
Yuba City, CA170$94,717
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023

School Counselors Salaries in rural areas of California

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area440$91,650
Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area110$94,043
North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area270$91,777
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023