School Counselor Salary in Fort Lauderdale, FL: $69,161 (2026)

School Counselor Pay in Fort Lauderdale: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Lauderdale offers a median school counselor salary of $69,161, which is $10,224 above the Florida state average of $58,937. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Fort Lauderdale pays above average for this role.

However, Fort Lauderdale's cost of living index is 115%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $69,161 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,140. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fort Lauderdale should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for school counselors in Fort Lauderdale spans from $43,930 at the 10th percentile to $109,020 at the 90th percentile — a $65,090 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $97,750. With a population of 182,760, Fort Lauderdale is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Fort Lauderdale by Experience

In Fort Lauderdale, an entry-level school counselor earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$46,000

+$6,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$69,000

+$9,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$97,750

+$12,750 vs national

Percentile	Fort Lauderdale	FL State	National
10th Percentile	$43,930	$37,436	$38,200
25th Percentile	$54,050	$46,060	$47,000
Median (50th)	$69,161	$58,937	$60,140
75th Percentile	$87,630	$74,676	$76,200
90th Percentile	$109,020	$92,904	$94,800

Percentile

Fort Lauderdale

10th Percentile

$43,930

25th Percentile

$54,050

Median (50th)

$69,161

75th Percentile

$87,630

90th Percentile

$109,020

How to Become a School Counselor in Fort Lauderdale

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding Florida 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 Fort Lauderdale may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Fort Lauderdale

How much does a School Counselor make in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is $69,161 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $43,930 (10th percentile) to $109,020 (90th percentile).

How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Fort Lauderdale? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $69,161, a school counselor in Fort Lauderdale earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Lauderdale compare to the Florida state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Fort Lauderdale's median school counselor salary of $69,161 is 17.3% above the Florida state average of $58,937. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼

Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 115% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $69,161 in Fort Lauderdale has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Fort Lauderdale? ▼

Most school counselor positions in Fort Lauderdale 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.

School Counselor Salary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida