Creative & Education North Carolina (NC) Rank #29 of 50

School Counselor Salary in North Carolina

The median school counselor salary in North Carolina is $55,329 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $60,140.

Median Salary
$55,329
vs National
$-4,811
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

School Counselor Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level school counselor earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,200 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $35,144
25th Percentile $43,240
Median (50th) $55,329
75th Percentile $70,104
90th Percentile $87,216

Major Cities for School Counselors in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for school counselors in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Charlotte, NC
Metro area for school counselor employment
Raleigh, NC
Metro area for school counselor employment
Durham, NC
Metro area for school counselor employment
Greensboro, NC
Metro area for school counselor employment
Winston-Salem, NC
Metro area for school counselor employment

How to Become a School Counselor in North Carolina

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. North Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook in North Carolina

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). North Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.