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School Counselor Salary in Scranton, PA

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

Median Salary
$56,030
per year in Scranton
Entry Level
$37,660
Starting salary
Senior Level
$77,156
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
89
11% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$37,660$56,030$77,156
Monthly$3,138$4,669$6,430
Biweekly$1,448$2,155$2,968
Weekly$724$1,078$1,484
Hourly$18$27$37

Scranton vs National Average

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

Scranton Salary
$56,030
COL Index: 89
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$20,340
Lower in Scranton

Cost of Living in Scranton

1-Bedroom Rent
$900
per month
Median Income
$38,920
per year
Population
77,182
residents
Rent % of Income
27.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 89 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Scranton 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
+39%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
+53%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
+14%
Houston, TX
$75,160
+34%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
+8%

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School Counselor Salary in Scranton, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Scranton, PA is $56,030 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 89. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Scranton's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Scranton can expect to earn around $37,660 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $77,156 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Scranton's cost of living index of 89 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Scranton 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 Scranton typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $900 per month, housing represents about 19.3% 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 Scranton, 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.