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School Counselor Salary in San Rafael, CA

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

Median Salary
$151,518
per year in San Rafael
Entry Level
$101,841
Starting salary
Senior Level
$208,647
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
155
55% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$101,841$151,518$208,647
Monthly$8,487$12,627$17,387
Biweekly$3,917$5,828$8,025
Weekly$1,958$2,914$4,012
Hourly$49$73$100

San Rafael vs National Average

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

San Rafael Salary
$151,518
COL Index: 155
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$75,148
Higher in San Rafael

Cost of Living in San Rafael

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,200
per month
Median Income
$82,234
per year
Population
61,450
residents
Rent % of Income
32.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 155 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in San Rafael 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
-49%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
-43%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
-58%
Houston, TX
$75,160
-50%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
-60%

Financial Tools to Explore

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School Counselor Salary in San Rafael, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in San Rafael, CA is $151,518 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 155. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering San Rafael's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in San Rafael can expect to earn around $101,841 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $208,647 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

San Rafael's cost of living index of 155 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in San Rafael 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 Rafael typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,200 per month, housing represents about 17.4% 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 Rafael, 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.