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 | # Employed | Mean Salary |
---|
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | 350 | $65,472 |
Charlottesville, VA | 400 | $70,933 |
Harrisonburg, VA | 220 | $68,331 |
Lynchburg, VA | 210 | $61,336 |
Richmond, VA | 1,380 | $74,849 |
Roanoke, VA | 270 | $69,063 |
Staunton-Waynesboro, VA | 80 | $63,915 |
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | 1,600 | $75,918 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
School Counselors Salaries in rural areas of Virginia
Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
---|
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area | 250 | $68,005 |
Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area | 180 | $66,146 |
Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area | 80 | $70,224 |
Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area | 220 | $65,658 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |