Creative & Education San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

School Counselor Salary in San Francisco, California

The median school counselor salary in San Francisco, CA is $109,455 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$109,455
vs State Avg
+$26,462
vs National
+$49,315
Cost of Living
182%

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

San Francisco offers a median school counselor salary of $109,455, which is $26,462 above the California state average of $82,993. Compared to the national median of $60,140, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $109,455 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,140. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for school counselors in San Francisco spans from $69,524 at the 10th percentile to $172,536 at the 90th percentile — a $103,012 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $154,700. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

School Counselor Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level school counselor earns around $72,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,800
+$32,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,200
+$49,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$154,700
+$69,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $69,524
25th Percentile $85,540
Median (50th) $109,455
75th Percentile $138,684
90th Percentile $172,536

School Counselor Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$101,035
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$87,804
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$85,399
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$70,965
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a School Counselor in San Francisco

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. San Francisco 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 Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find School Counselor Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open school counselor positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in San Francisco

How much does a School Counselor make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median school counselor salary in San Francisco, California is $109,455 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $69,524 (10th percentile) to $172,536 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,455, a school counselor in San Francisco earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for school counselor pay? ▼
San Francisco's median school counselor salary of $109,455 is 31.9% above the California state average of $82,993. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $109,455 in San Francisco 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 Francisco? ▼
Most school counselor positions in San Francisco 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.