Virginia School Counselor Salary Guide - 2025

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: November 1st, 2024

School Counselor Salaries in Virginia: A Competitive Perspective

While school counselors in Virginia can earn a decent salary, it’s important to consider the broader context.

Factors Affecting Salary:

  • Experience: More experienced counselors typically command higher salaries.
  • Education: Advanced degrees, such as a Master’s in School Counseling, can increase earning potential.
  • Location: Salaries may vary based on the specific region within Virginia. Urban areas might offer higher pay compared to rural areas.
  • School District: The size, resources, and reputation of the school district can impact salary levels.
  • Role and Responsibilities: Counselors with additional duties, like college counseling or career development, might earn more.

Comparing to Other Professions:

  • Relative to Teachers: School counselors generally earn more than teachers, especially those with advanced degrees.
  • Compared to Other Professions: However, when compared to other professions requiring similar levels of education and experience, school counselor salaries may not be as competitive.

Cost of Living:

  • Virginia’s Cost of Living: Virginia’s cost of living can vary significantly between regions. In areas with a higher cost of living, the salary may need to be higher to maintain a comparable standard of living.

While school counselors in Virginia can earn a reasonable salary, it’s essential to consider factors like experience, education, location, and the specific role to get a more accurate picture of earning potential.

Virginia School Counselor Salaries – Visualized

School Counselors Salaries in urban areas of Virginia

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA350$65,472
Charlottesville, VA400$70,933
Harrisonburg, VA220$68,331
Lynchburg, VA210$61,336
Richmond, VA1,380$74,849
Roanoke, VA270$69,063
Staunton-Waynesboro, VA80$63,915
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC1,600$75,918
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023

School Counselors Salaries in rural areas of Virginia

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area250$68,005
Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area180$66,146
Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area80$70,224
Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area220$65,658
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023