Creative & Education Elizabeth, NJ Pop. 137,298

School Counselor Salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The median school counselor salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $64,951 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 6.1% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$64,951
vs State Avg
$-4,210
vs National
+$4,811
Cost of Living
108%

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

Elizabeth offers a median school counselor salary of $64,951, which is $4,210 below the New Jersey state average of $69,161. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Elizabeth pays above average for this role.

Elizabeth'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 Elizabeth 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. With a population of 137,298, Elizabeth is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Elizabeth by Experience

In Elizabeth, 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 Elizabeth, NJ

Percentile Elizabeth
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 New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$76,979
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$69,161
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$67,357
Pop. 311,549
Paterson, NJ
$63,147
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a School Counselor in Elizabeth

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Elizabeth

Browse open school counselor positions in Elizabeth, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Elizabeth

How much does a School Counselor make in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey 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 Elizabeth? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,951, a school counselor in Elizabeth earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Elizabeth compare to the New Jersey state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Elizabeth's median school counselor salary of $64,951 is 6.1% below the New Jersey state average of $69,161. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $64,951 in Elizabeth has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Elizabeth? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Elizabeth 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.