Creative & Education Maryland (MD) Rank #9 of 50

School Counselor Salary in Maryland

The median school counselor salary in Maryland is $66,154 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $60,140.

Median Salary
$66,154
vs National
+$6,014
State Rank
#9 of 50
Cost of Living
110%

School Counselor Salary Overview in Maryland (2026)

Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for school counselor compensation. This places Maryland in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for school counselors seeking high pay. At $66,154 per year, school counselors in Maryland earn $6,014 more than the national median of $60,140.

It's worth noting that Maryland's cost of living is 110% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $66,154 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $60,140.

The salary spread in Maryland is significant: school counselors at the 10th percentile earn $42,020, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $104,280 — a $62,260 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maryland for this role is Silver Spring, where the median reaches $73,371.

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for school counselors across the country.

School Counselor Salary in Maryland by Experience

In Maryland, an entry-level school counselor earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,500 per year. The cost of living index in Maryland is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
+$4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,000
+$6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,500
+$8,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maryland

Percentile MD Salary
10th Percentile $42,020
25th Percentile $51,700
Median (50th) $66,154
75th Percentile $83,820
90th Percentile $104,280

School Counselor Salary by City in Maryland

The largest employment areas for school counselors in Maryland include Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, and Germantown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a School Counselor in Maryland

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Maryland has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook in Maryland

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Maryland's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Maryland

How much does a School Counselor make in Maryland? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Maryland is $66,154 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $42,020 (10th percentile) to $104,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Maryland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,154, a school counselor in Maryland earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maryland a good state for school counselors? ▼
Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for school counselor pay. The cost of living index is 110% of the national average. Entry-level school counselors earn $44,000, while senior professionals earn $93,500.
How does Maryland compare to other states for school counselor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for school counselors is Hawaii at $102,238. Maryland's median of $66,154 ranks #9 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($69,161) and Connecticut ($67,357).
What is the entry-level school counselor salary in Maryland? ▼
An entry-level school counselor in Maryland earns approximately $44,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $66,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $93,500.
What city in Maryland pays school counselors the most? ▼
Silver Spring is the highest paying city in Maryland for school counselors, with a median salary of $73,371. Other cities include Baltimore and Columbia.