What's Here? - Table of Contents
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.
Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
---|---|---|
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 640 | $85,515 |
Altoona, PA | 100 | $72,269 |
Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA | 40 | $80,414 |
Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | 60 | $79,822 |
East Stroudsburg, PA | 90 | $84,597 |
Erie, PA | 150 | $70,829 |
Gettysburg, PA | 90 | $84,748 |
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 430 | $77,219 |
Johnstown, PA | 110 | $64,775 |
Lancaster, PA | 270 | $82,912 |
Lebanon, PA | 60 | $76,499 |
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 5,160 | $83,470 |
Pittsburgh, PA | 1,650 | $80,856 |
Reading, PA | 250 | $79,032 |
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA | 400 | $68,458 |
State College, PA | 300 | $69,504 |
Williamsport, PA | 70 | $76,022 |
York-Hanover, PA | 240 | $82,901 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
---|---|---|
Western Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area | 250 | $71,456 |
Northern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area | 190 | $74,558 |
Southern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area | 310 | $75,290 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |