Creative & Education Arizona (AZ) Rank #19 of 50

School Counselor Salary in Arizona

The median school counselor salary in Arizona is $58,336 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $60,140.

Median Salary
$58,336
vs National
$-1,804
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

School Counselor Salary Overview in Arizona (2026)

Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for school counselor compensation. Arizona falls in the middle of the pack for school counselor pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $58,336 per year, school counselors in Arizona earn $1,804 less than the national median of $60,140.

Arizona's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning school counselor salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Arizona is significant: school counselors at the 10th percentile earn $37,054, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $91,956 — a $54,902 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arizona for this role is Scottsdale, where the median reaches $67,357.

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 Arizona by Experience

In Arizona, an entry-level school counselor earns around $38,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,450 per year. The cost of living index in Arizona is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,800
$-1,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,200
$-1,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,450
$-2,550 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arizona

Percentile AZ Salary
10th Percentile $37,054
25th Percentile $45,590
Median (50th) $58,336
75th Percentile $73,914
90th Percentile $91,956

School Counselor Salary by City in Arizona

The largest employment areas for school counselors in Arizona include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a School Counselor in Arizona

Education

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

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook in Arizona

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Arizona

How much does a School Counselor make in Arizona? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Arizona is $58,336 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $37,054 (10th percentile) to $91,956 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Arizona? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,336, a school counselor in Arizona earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arizona a good state for school counselors? ▼
Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for school counselor pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level school counselors earn $38,800, while senior professionals earn $82,450.
How does Arizona compare to other states for school counselor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for school counselors is Hawaii at $102,238. Arizona's median of $58,336 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Florida ($58,937) and Maine ($58,937).
What is the entry-level school counselor salary in Arizona? ▼
An entry-level school counselor in Arizona earns approximately $38,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $82,450.
What city in Arizona pays school counselors the most? ▼
Scottsdale is the highest paying city in Arizona for school counselors, with a median salary of $67,357. Other cities include Phoenix and Tucson.