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 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

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.