Creative & Education Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

School Counselor Salary in Alaska

The median school counselor salary in Alaska is $74,574 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $60,140.

Median Salary
$74,574
vs National
+$14,434
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

School Counselor Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for school counselor compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for school counselors seeking high pay. At $74,574 per year, school counselors in Alaska earn $14,434 more than the national median of $60,140.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $74,574 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $60,140.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: school counselors at the 10th percentile earn $47,368, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $117,552 — a $70,184 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $81,189.

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for school counselors across the country.

School Counselor Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level school counselor earns around $49,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,400 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,600
+$9,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,400
+$14,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,400
+$20,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $47,368
25th Percentile $58,280
Median (50th) $74,574
75th Percentile $94,488
90th Percentile $117,552

School Counselor Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for school counselors in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a School Counselor in Alaska

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Alaska

How much does a School Counselor make in Alaska? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Alaska is $74,574 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $47,368 (10th percentile) to $117,552 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,574, a school counselor in Alaska earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for school counselors? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for school counselor pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level school counselors earn $49,600, while senior professionals earn $105,400.
How does Alaska compare to other states for school counselor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for school counselors is Hawaii at $102,238. Alaska's median of $74,574 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($82,993) and Massachusetts ($81,189).
What is the entry-level school counselor salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level school counselor in Alaska earns approximately $49,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $74,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $105,400.
What city in Alaska pays school counselors the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for school counselors, with a median salary of $81,189. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.