Creative & Education Pittsburgh, PA Pop. 302,971

School Counselor Salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The median school counselor salary in Pittsburgh, PA is $55,930 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$55,930
vs State Avg
$-1,804
vs National
$-4,210
Cost of Living
93%

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

Pittsburgh offers a median school counselor salary of $55,930, which is $1,804 below the Pennsylvania state average of $57,734. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Pittsburgh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Pittsburgh's cost of living is 93% 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 Pittsburgh spans from $35,526 at the 10th percentile to $88,164 at the 90th percentile — a $52,638 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,200, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,050. With a population of 302,971, Pittsburgh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Pittsburgh by Experience

In Pittsburgh, an entry-level school counselor earns around $37,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,800
$-4,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,050
$-5,950 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Pittsburgh, PA

Percentile Pittsburgh
10th Percentile $35,526
25th Percentile $43,710
Median (50th) $55,930
75th Percentile $70,866
90th Percentile $88,164

School Counselor Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$61,343
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$56,532
Pop. 126,092
Reading, PA
$52,923
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$50,518
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a School Counselor in Pittsburgh

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Pittsburgh

Browse open school counselor positions in Pittsburgh, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Pittsburgh

How much does a School Counselor make in Pittsburgh, PA? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is $55,930 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $35,526 (10th percentile) to $88,164 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Pittsburgh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,930, a school counselor in Pittsburgh earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Pittsburgh compare to the Pennsylvania state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Pittsburgh's median school counselor salary of $55,930 is 3.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $57,734. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Pittsburgh, PA? ▼
Pittsburgh has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $55,930 in Pittsburgh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Pittsburgh? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Pittsburgh 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.