Creative & Education Portland, ME Pop. 68,408

School Counselor Salary in Portland, Maine

The median school counselor salary in Portland, ME is $64,951 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 10.2% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$64,951
vs State Avg
+$6,014
vs National
+$4,811
Cost of Living
108%

School Counselor Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median school counselor salary of $64,951, which is $6,014 above the Maine state average of $58,937. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Portland pays above average for this role.

Portland's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for school counselors in Portland spans from $41,256 at the 10th percentile to $102,384 at the 90th percentile — a $61,128 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,200, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $91,800. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level school counselor earns around $43,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,200
+$3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,800
+$4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,800
+$6,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $41,256
25th Percentile $50,760
Median (50th) $64,951
75th Percentile $82,296
90th Percentile $102,384

School Counselor Salary in Other Maine Cities

South Portland, ME
$63,147
Pop. 25,665
Bangor, ME
$55,329
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$54,126
Pop. 37,121
Auburn, ME
$53,525
Pop. 23,926

How to Become a School Counselor in Portland

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Portland

Browse open school counselor positions in Portland, ME:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Portland

How much does a School Counselor make in Portland, ME? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Portland, Maine is $64,951 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $41,256 (10th percentile) to $102,384 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,951, a school counselor in Portland earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Maine state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Portland's median school counselor salary of $64,951 is 10.2% above the Maine state average of $58,937. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, ME? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $64,951 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Portland? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Portland 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.