Pennsylvania School Counselor Salary Guide - 2025

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: November 1st, 2024

School counselors in Pennsylvania generally earn a decent salary, but whether it is considered “good” can vary based on factors like location, experience, and education level. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for school counselors in Pennsylvania is $79,601 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023) and projected to grow 3.7% from 2022 to 2032.

In urban areas, such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, salaries tend to be higher due to a higher cost of living. Rural areas may offer lower salaries but often come with a lower cost of living. Additionally, school districts with larger budgets or higher funding may offer better compensation. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and job stability further enhance the value of the salary. However, some may argue that school counselors are underpaid given the level of responsibility and emotional labor involved in their role.

Pennsylvania School Counselor Salaries – Visualized

School Counselors Salaries in urban areas of Pennsylvania

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ640$85,515
Altoona, PA100$72,269
Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA40$80,414
Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA60$79,822
East Stroudsburg, PA90$84,597
Erie, PA150$70,829
Gettysburg, PA90$84,748
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA430$77,219
Johnstown, PA110$64,775
Lancaster, PA270$82,912
Lebanon, PA60$76,499
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD5,160$83,470
Pittsburgh, PA1,650$80,856
Reading, PA250$79,032
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA400$68,458
State College, PA300$69,504
Williamsport, PA70$76,022
York-Hanover, PA240$82,901
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023

School Counselors Salaries in rural areas of Pennsylvania

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Western Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area250$71,456
Northern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area190$74,558
Southern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area310$75,290
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023