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School Counselor Salary in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

How much does a school counselor make in Carmel-by-the-Sea? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Carmel-by-the-Sea's cost of living.

Median Salary
$161,293
per year in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Entry Level
$108,411
Starting salary
Senior Level
$222,108
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
165
65% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how school counselor salaries break down across different pay periods in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$108,411$161,293$222,108
Monthly$9,034$13,441$18,509
Biweekly$4,170$6,204$8,543
Weekly$2,085$3,102$4,271
Hourly$52$78$107

Carmel-by-the-Sea vs National Average

How Carmel-by-the-Sea's school counselor salaries compare to national figures.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Salary
$161,293
COL Index: 165
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$84,923
Higher in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Cost of Living in Carmel-by-the-Sea

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,500
per month
Median Income
$82,234
per year
Population
3,920
residents
Rent % of Income
36.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 165 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Carmel-by-the-Sea have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About School Counselor

Overview

Provide counseling and guidance services to students.

Education

Master's degree in School Counseling; Certification required

Key Skills

CounselingStudent SupportCrisis InterventionCollege/Career Guidance

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +13% over the next decade

Compare Cities: School Counselor Salary

See School Counselor salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$77,970
-52%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
-47%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
-60%
Houston, TX
$75,160
-53%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
-63%

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School Counselor Salary in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA is $161,293 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 165. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Carmel-by-the-Sea's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Carmel-by-the-Sea can expect to earn around $108,411 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $222,108 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Carmel-by-the-Sea's cost of living index of 165 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Carmel-by-the-Sea are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $76,370, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a school counselor's salary in Carmel-by-the-Sea typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,500 per month, housing represents about 18.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

School Counselors are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 13% over the next decade. In Carmel-by-the-Sea, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.