School Counselor Salary in Rochester, NY: $54,126 (2026)

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

Rochester offers a median school counselor salary of $54,126, which is $19,245 below the New York state average of $73,371. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 90% 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 Rochester spans from $34,380 at the 10th percentile to $85,320 at the 90th percentile — a $50,940 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,500. With a population of 211,328, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level school counselor earns around $36,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,000

$-4,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$54,000

$-6,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$76,500

$-8,500 vs national

Percentile	Rochester	NY State	National
10th Percentile	$34,380	$46,604	$38,200
25th Percentile	$42,300	$57,340	$47,000
Median (50th)	$54,126	$73,371	$60,140
75th Percentile	$68,580	$92,964	$76,200
90th Percentile	$85,320	$115,656	$94,800

Percentile

Rochester

10th Percentile

$34,380

25th Percentile

$42,300

Median (50th)

$54,126

75th Percentile

$68,580

90th Percentile

$85,320

How to Become a School Counselor in Rochester

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Rochester

How much does a School Counselor make in Rochester, NY? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Rochester, New York is $54,126 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $34,380 (10th percentile) to $85,320 (90th percentile).

How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Rochester? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,126, a school counselor in Rochester earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Rochester's median school counselor salary of $54,126 is 26.2% below the New York state average of $73,371. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Rochester, NY? ▼

Rochester has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $54,126 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Rochester? ▼

Most school counselor positions in Rochester 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.

School Counselor Salary in Rochester, New York