Creative & Education Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

School Counselor Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median school counselor salary in Cambridge, MA is $96,224 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$96,224
vs State Avg
+$15,035
vs National
+$36,084
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median school counselor salary of $96,224, which is $15,035 above the Massachusetts state average of $81,189. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $96,224 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,140. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for school counselors in Cambridge spans from $61,120 at the 10th percentile to $151,680 at the 90th percentile — a $90,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $64,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level school counselor earns around $64,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,000
+$24,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,000
+$36,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,000
+$51,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $61,120
25th Percentile $75,200
Median (50th) $96,224
75th Percentile $121,920
90th Percentile $151,680

School Counselor Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$91,413
Pop. 675,647
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 Cambridge

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open school counselor positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Cambridge

How much does a School Counselor make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $96,224 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $61,120 (10th percentile) to $151,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,224, a school counselor in Cambridge earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Cambridge's median school counselor salary of $96,224 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $81,189. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $96,224 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Cambridge? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Cambridge 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.