Creative & Education Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

School Counselor Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median school counselor salary in Erie, PA is $50,518 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$50,518
vs State Avg
$-7,216
vs National
$-9,622
Cost of Living
84%

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

Erie offers a median school counselor salary of $50,518, which is $7,216 below the Pennsylvania state average of $57,734. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $50,518 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Erie spans from $32,088 at the 10th percentile to $79,632 at the 90th percentile — a $47,544 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,600, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $71,400. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level school counselor earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
$-6,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,400
$-13,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $32,088
25th Percentile $39,480
Median (50th) $50,518
75th Percentile $64,008
90th Percentile $79,632

School Counselor Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$61,343
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$56,532
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$55,930
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$52,923
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a School Counselor in Erie

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Erie

Browse open school counselor positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Erie

How much does a School Counselor make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $50,518 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $32,088 (10th percentile) to $79,632 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,518, a school counselor in Erie earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Erie's median school counselor salary of $50,518 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $57,734. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $50,518 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Erie? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Erie 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.