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School Counselor Salary in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Median Salary
$60,280
per year in Pittsburgh
Entry Level
$40,516
Starting salary
Senior Level
$83,008
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
96
4% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$40,516$60,280$83,008
Monthly$3,376$5,023$6,917
Biweekly$1,558$2,318$3,193
Weekly$779$1,159$1,596
Hourly$19$29$40

Pittsburgh vs National Average

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

Pittsburgh Salary
$60,280
COL Index: 96
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$16,090
Lower in Pittsburgh

Cost of Living in Pittsburgh

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,250
per month
Median Income
$51,688
per year
Population
302,971
residents
Rent % of Income
29.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 96 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Pittsburgh 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
+29%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
+42%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
+6%
Houston, TX
$75,160
+25%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
+0%

Financial Tools to Explore

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School Counselor Salary in Pittsburgh, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Pittsburgh, PA is $60,280 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Pittsburgh's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Pittsburgh can expect to earn around $40,516 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $83,008 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Pittsburgh's cost of living index of 96 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,250 per month, housing represents about 24.9% 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 Pittsburgh, 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.