Creative & Education Cleveland, OH Pop. 372,624

School Counselor Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

The median school counselor salary in Cleveland, OH is $51,720 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$51,720
vs State Avg
$-2,406
vs National
$-8,420
Cost of Living
86%

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

Cleveland offers a median school counselor salary of $51,720, which is $2,406 below the Ohio state average of $54,126. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $51,720 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Cleveland spans from $32,852 at the 10th percentile to $81,528 at the 90th percentile — a $48,676 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,400, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,100. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, an entry-level school counselor earns around $34,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,100
$-11,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cleveland, OH

Percentile Cleveland
10th Percentile $32,852
25th Percentile $40,420
Median (50th) $51,720
75th Percentile $65,532
90th Percentile $81,528

School Counselor Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$57,133
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$54,126
Pop. 309,317
Akron, OH
$50,518
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$49,315
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a School Counselor in Cleveland

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Cleveland

Browse open school counselor positions in Cleveland, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Cleveland

How much does a School Counselor make in Cleveland, OH? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Cleveland, Ohio is $51,720 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $32,852 (10th percentile) to $81,528 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Cleveland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,720, a school counselor in Cleveland earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Cleveland's median school counselor salary of $51,720 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $54,126. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼
Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $51,720 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Cleveland? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Cleveland 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.