Creative & Education Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

School Counselor Salary in Rhode Island

The median school counselor salary in Rhode Island is $63,147 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $60,140.

Median Salary
$63,147
vs National
+$3,007
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

School Counselor Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for school counselor compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for school counselor pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $63,147 per year, school counselors in Rhode Island earn $3,007 more than the national median of $60,140.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning school counselor salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: school counselors at the 10th percentile earn $40,110, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $99,540 — a $59,430 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $64,951.

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for school counselors across the country.

School Counselor Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level school counselor earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,250 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
+$2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,000
+$3,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,250
+$4,250 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $63,147 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $40,110
25th Percentile $49,350
Median (50th) $63,147
75th Percentile $80,010
90th Percentile $99,540

School Counselor Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for school counselors in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a School Counselor in Rhode Island

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Rhode Island has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Rhode Island's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 354,600 other School Counselors.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to School Counselor Roles in Rhode Island?

Get matched with recruiters hiring school counselors in Rhode Island at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a School Counselor make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Rhode Island is $63,147 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $40,110 (10th percentile) to $99,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,147, a school counselor in Rhode Island earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for school counselors? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for school counselor pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level school counselors earn $42,000, while senior professionals earn $89,250.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for school counselor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for school counselors is Hawaii at $102,238. Rhode Island's median of $63,147 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($63,147) and New Hampshire ($63,147).
What is the entry-level school counselor salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level school counselor in Rhode Island earns approximately $42,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $63,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $89,250.
What city in Rhode Island pays school counselors the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for school counselors, with a median salary of $64,951. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.