Creative & Education Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

School Counselor Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median school counselor salary in Boston, MA is $91,413 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$91,413
vs State Avg
+$10,224
vs National
+$31,273
Cost of Living
152%

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

Boston offers a median school counselor salary of $91,413, which is $10,224 above the Massachusetts state average of $81,189. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $91,413 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,140. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for school counselors in Boston spans from $58,064 at the 10th percentile to $144,096 at the 90th percentile — a $86,032 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $129,200. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

School Counselor Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level school counselor earns around $60,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $129,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,800
+$20,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,200
+$31,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$129,200
+$44,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $58,064
25th Percentile $71,440
Median (50th) $91,413
75th Percentile $115,824
90th Percentile $144,096

School Counselor Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$96,224
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$66,154
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$63,147
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$58,937
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a School Counselor in Boston

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Boston

Browse open school counselor positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Boston

How much does a School Counselor make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $91,413 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $58,064 (10th percentile) to $144,096 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,413, a school counselor in Boston earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Boston's median school counselor salary of $91,413 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $81,189. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $91,413 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Boston? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Boston 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.