Creative & Education Silver Spring, MD Pop. 81,015

School Counselor Salary in Silver Spring, Maryland

The median school counselor salary in Silver Spring, MD is $73,371 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 10.9% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$73,371
vs State Avg
+$7,217
vs National
+$13,231
Cost of Living
122%

School Counselor Pay in Silver Spring: What to Expect (2026)

Silver Spring offers a median school counselor salary of $73,371, which is $7,217 above the Maryland state average of $66,154. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Silver Spring pays above average for this role.

However, Silver Spring's cost of living index is 122%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $73,371 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,140. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Silver Spring should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for school counselors in Silver Spring spans from $46,604 at the 10th percentile to $115,656 at the 90th percentile — a $69,052 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,700. Silver Spring is a smaller market (pop. 81,015), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Silver Spring by Experience

In Silver Spring, an entry-level school counselor earns around $48,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,800
+$8,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,200
+$13,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,700
+$18,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Silver Spring, MD

Percentile Silver Spring
10th Percentile $46,604
25th Percentile $57,340
Median (50th) $73,371
75th Percentile $92,964
90th Percentile $115,656

School Counselor Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD
$70,965
Pop. 104,681
Germantown, MD
$69,161
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$64,951
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$63,147
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a School Counselor in Silver Spring

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Silver Spring

Browse open school counselor positions in Silver Spring, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Silver Spring

How much does a School Counselor make in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Silver Spring, Maryland is $73,371 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $46,604 (10th percentile) to $115,656 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Silver Spring? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,371, a school counselor in Silver Spring earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Silver Spring compare to the Maryland state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Silver Spring's median school counselor salary of $73,371 is 10.9% above the Maryland state average of $66,154. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
Silver Spring has a cost of living index of 122% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $73,371 in Silver Spring has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Silver Spring? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Silver Spring 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.