School Counselor Salary in Raleigh, NC: $58,937 (2026)

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

Raleigh offers a median school counselor salary of $58,937, which is $3,608 above the North Carolina state average of $55,329. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Raleigh's cost of living is 98% 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 Raleigh spans from $37,436 at the 10th percentile to $92,904 at the 90th percentile — a $55,468 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,200, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,300. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Raleigh by Experience

In Raleigh, an entry-level school counselor earns around $39,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$39,200

$-800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$58,800

$-1,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$83,300

$-1,700 vs national

Percentile	Raleigh	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$37,436	$35,144	$38,200
25th Percentile	$46,060	$43,240	$47,000
Median (50th)	$58,937	$55,329	$60,140
75th Percentile	$74,676	$70,104	$76,200
90th Percentile	$92,904	$87,216	$94,800

Percentile

Raleigh

10th Percentile

$37,436

25th Percentile

$46,060

Median (50th)

$58,937

75th Percentile

$74,676

90th Percentile

$92,904

How to Become a School Counselor in Raleigh

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Raleigh

How much does a School Counselor make in Raleigh, NC? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Raleigh, North Carolina is $58,937 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $37,436 (10th percentile) to $92,904 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $58,937, a school counselor in Raleigh earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Raleigh compare to the North Carolina state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Raleigh's median school counselor salary of $58,937 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $55,329. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Raleigh, NC? ▼

Raleigh has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $58,937 in Raleigh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most school counselor positions in Raleigh 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 Raleigh, North Carolina