Creative & Education Columbus, OH Pop. 905,748

School Counselor Salary in Columbus, Ohio

The median school counselor salary in Columbus, OH is $57,133 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 5.6% above the Ohio state average.

City Median
$57,133
vs State Avg
+$3,007
vs National
$-3,007
Cost of Living
95%

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

Columbus offers a median school counselor salary of $57,133, which is $3,007 above the Ohio state average of $54,126. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbus's cost of living is 95% 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 Columbus spans from $36,290 at the 10th percentile to $90,060 at the 90th percentile — a $53,770 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,750. As a major metro area with a population of 905,748, Columbus typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

School Counselor Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level school counselor earns around $38,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,000
$-2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,000
$-3,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,750
$-4,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, OH

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $36,290
25th Percentile $44,650
Median (50th) $57,133
75th Percentile $72,390
90th Percentile $90,060

School Counselor Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Cincinnati, OH
$54,126
Pop. 309,317
Cleveland, OH
$51,720
Pop. 372,624
Akron, OH
$50,518
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$49,315
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a School Counselor in Columbus

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Columbus

Browse open school counselor positions in Columbus, OH:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Columbus

How much does a School Counselor make in Columbus, OH? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Columbus, Ohio is $57,133 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $36,290 (10th percentile) to $90,060 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,133, a school counselor in Columbus earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Ohio state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Columbus's median school counselor salary of $57,133 is 5.6% above the Ohio state average of $54,126. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, OH? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $57,133 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Columbus? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Columbus 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.