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School Counselor Salary in Reading, PA

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

Median Salary
$66,747
per year in Reading
Entry Level
$44,863
Starting salary
Senior Level
$91,914
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
92
8% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$44,863$66,747$91,914
Monthly$3,739$5,562$7,660
Biweekly$1,726$2,567$3,535
Weekly$863$1,284$1,768
Hourly$22$32$44

Reading vs National Average

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

Reading Salary
$66,747
COL Index: 92
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$9,623
Lower in Reading

Cost of Living in Reading

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,000
per month
Median Income
$32,856
per year
Population
95,112
residents
Rent % of Income
36.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 92 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Reading 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
+17%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
+28%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
-4%
Houston, TX
$75,160
+13%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
-10%

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School Counselor Salary in Reading, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Reading, PA is $66,747 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 92. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Reading's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Reading can expect to earn around $44,863 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $91,914 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Reading's cost of living index of 92 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Reading 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 Reading typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,000 per month, housing represents about 18.0% 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 Reading, 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.