Home / City Job Salaries / School Counselor in Columbus

School Counselor Salary in Columbus, OH

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

Median Salary
$62,550
per year in Columbus
Entry Level
$42,042
Starting salary
Senior Level
$86,134
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
99
1% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$42,042$62,550$86,134
Monthly$3,504$5,213$7,178
Biweekly$1,617$2,406$3,313
Weekly$809$1,203$1,656
Hourly$20$30$41

Columbus vs National Average

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

Columbus Salary
$62,550
COL Index: 99
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$13,820
Lower in Columbus

Cost of Living in Columbus

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$56,102
per year
Population
898,553
residents
Rent % of Income
28.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Columbus 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
+25%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
+37%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
+2%
Houston, TX
$75,160
+20%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
-4%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a school counselor salary in Columbus.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Columbus.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Columbus.

School Counselor Salary in Columbus, OH — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Columbus, OH is $62,550 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Columbus's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Columbus can expect to earn around $42,042 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $86,134 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Columbus's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Columbus 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 Columbus typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 25.9% 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 Columbus, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.