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School Counselor Salary in San Jose, CA

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

Median Salary
$99,570
per year in San Jose
Entry Level
$66,925
Starting salary
Senior Level
$137,112
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
182
82% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$66,925$99,570$137,112
Monthly$5,577$8,298$11,426
Biweekly$2,574$3,830$5,274
Weekly$1,287$1,915$2,637
Hourly$32$48$66

San Jose vs National Average

How San Jose's school counselor salaries compare to national figures.

San Jose Salary
$99,570
COL Index: 182
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$23,200
Higher in San Jose

Cost of Living in San Jose

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,800
per month
Median Income
$95,634
per year
Population
1,021,795
residents
Rent % of Income
35.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 182 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in San Jose 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
-22%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
-14%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
-36%
Houston, TX
$75,160
-25%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
-39%

Financial Tools to Explore

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School Counselor Salary in San Jose, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in San Jose, CA is $99,570 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 182. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering San Jose's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in San Jose can expect to earn around $66,925 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $137,112 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

San Jose's cost of living index of 182 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in San Jose 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 San Jose typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,800 per month, housing represents about 33.7% 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 San Jose, 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.