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School Counselor Salary in Clifton, NJ

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

Median Salary
$114,555
per year in Clifton
Entry Level
$76,997
Starting salary
Senior Level
$157,748
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
125
25% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how school counselor salaries break down across different pay periods in Clifton.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$76,997$114,555$157,748
Monthly$6,416$9,546$13,146
Biweekly$2,961$4,406$6,067
Weekly$1,481$2,203$3,034
Hourly$37$55$76

Clifton vs National Average

How Clifton's school counselor salaries compare to national figures.

Clifton Salary
$114,555
COL Index: 125
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$38,185
Higher in Clifton

Cost of Living in Clifton

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,550
per month
Median Income
$62,340
per year
Population
90,296
residents
Rent % of Income
29.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 125 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Clifton 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
-32%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
-25%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
-44%
Houston, TX
$75,160
-34%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
-47%

Financial Tools to Explore

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School Counselor Salary in Clifton, NJ — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Clifton, NJ is $114,555 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 125. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Clifton's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Clifton can expect to earn around $76,997 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $157,748 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Clifton's cost of living index of 125 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Clifton 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 Clifton typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,550 per month, housing represents about 16.2% 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 Clifton, 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.