Creative & Education San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

School Counselor Salary in San Diego, California

The median school counselor salary in San Diego, CA is $85,399 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$85,399
vs State Avg
+$2,406
vs National
+$25,259
Cost of Living
142%

School Counselor Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median school counselor salary of $85,399, which is $2,406 above the California state average of $82,993. Compared to the national median of $60,140, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $85,399 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,140. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for school counselors in San Diego spans from $54,244 at the 10th percentile to $134,616 at the 90th percentile — a $80,372 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,700. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

School Counselor Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level school counselor earns around $56,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,800
+$16,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,200
+$25,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,700
+$35,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $54,244
25th Percentile $66,740
Median (50th) $85,399
75th Percentile $108,204
90th Percentile $134,616

School Counselor Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$109,455
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$101,035
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$87,804
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$70,965
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a School Counselor in San Diego

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find School Counselor Jobs in San Diego

Browse open school counselor positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in San Diego

How much does a School Counselor make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median school counselor salary in San Diego, California is $85,399 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $54,244 (10th percentile) to $134,616 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,399, a school counselor in San Diego earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for school counselor pay? ▼
San Diego's median school counselor salary of $85,399 is 2.9% above the California state average of $82,993. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $85,399 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in San Diego? ▼
Most school counselor positions in San Diego require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.