New York School Counselor Salary Guide - 2025

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: November 1st, 2024

Do School Counselors in New York Earn a Good Salary?

School counselors in New York typically earn a competitive salary, especially when compared to the national average for the profession – median salary of $84,736 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023) and projected to grow 20.4% from 2022 to 2032.

Cost of Living and Salary

One of the main reasons school counselors in New York earn higher wages is the state’s high cost of living, particularly in major urban areas like New York City. To account for this, salaries are generally higher to help professionals maintain a reasonable standard of living.

Factors Affecting Salary

Salaries for school counselors in New York can vary based on experience, education, and location within the state. Those working in urban or affluent areas tend to earn more than counselors in rural or less populated regions. Additionally, counselors with advanced degrees or years of experience typically see higher pay.

Competitive Pay in Education

On average, school counselors in New York can expect to earn between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, with some earning even more depending on their qualifications and seniority. This makes the role of a school counselor in New York financially rewarding and competitive within the education sector.

New York School Counselor Salaries – Visualized

School Counselors Salaries in urban areas of New York

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY1,270$74,953
Binghamton, NY290$66,181
Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY1,530$73,129
Elmira, NY110$62,672
Glens Falls, NY120$69,458
Ithaca, NY270$71,514
Kingston, NY170$93,787
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA19,390$92,614
Rochester, NY1,550$71,700
Syracuse, NY950$75,581
Utica-Rome, NY360$72,711
Watertown-Fort Drum, NY140$68,586
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023

School Counselors Salaries in rural areas of New York

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area490$73,210
Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area670$67,831
Central East New York nonmetropolitan area490$71,317
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023