Creative & Education Santa Fe, NM Pop. 87,505

School Counselor Salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico

The median school counselor salary in Santa Fe, NM is $66,154 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 18.3% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$66,154
vs State Avg
+$10,224
vs National
+$6,014
Cost of Living
110%

School Counselor Pay in Santa Fe: What to Expect (2026)

Santa Fe offers a median school counselor salary of $66,154, which is $10,224 above the New Mexico state average of $55,930. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Santa Fe pays above average for this role.

Santa Fe's cost of living is 110% 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 Santa Fe spans from $42,020 at the 10th percentile to $104,280 at the 90th percentile — a $62,260 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,500. Santa Fe is a smaller market (pop. 87,505), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Santa Fe by Experience

In Santa Fe, an entry-level school counselor earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,500 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Santa Fe, NM

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

School Counselor Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Albuquerque, NM
$57,133
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$55,329
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$52,923
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$49,315
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a School Counselor in Santa Fe

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Santa Fe

Browse open school counselor positions in Santa Fe, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Santa Fe

How much does a School Counselor make in Santa Fe, NM? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico 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 Santa Fe? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,154, a school counselor in Santa Fe earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Santa Fe compare to the New Mexico state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Santa Fe's median school counselor salary of $66,154 is 18.3% above the New Mexico state average of $55,930. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Santa Fe, NM? ▼
Santa Fe has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $66,154 in Santa Fe has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Santa Fe? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Santa Fe 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.