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School Counselor Salary in Fresno, CA

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

Median Salary
$120,237
per year in Fresno
Entry Level
$80,816
Starting salary
Senior Level
$165,572
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
123
23% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$80,816$120,237$165,572
Monthly$6,735$10,020$13,798
Biweekly$3,108$4,625$6,368
Weekly$1,554$2,312$3,184
Hourly$39$58$80

Fresno vs National Average

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

Fresno Salary
$120,237
COL Index: 123
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$43,867
Higher in Fresno

Cost of Living in Fresno

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$56,234
per year
Population
535,007
residents
Rent % of Income
36.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 123 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Fresno 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
-35%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
-29%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
-47%
Houston, TX
$75,160
-37%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
-50%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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School Counselor Salary in Fresno, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Fresno, CA is $120,237 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 123. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Fresno's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Fresno can expect to earn around $80,816 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $165,572 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Fresno's cost of living index of 123 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Fresno 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 Fresno typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 17.0% 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 Fresno, 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.