Creative & Education Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

School Counselor Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median school counselor salary in Charleston, SC is $60,140 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$60,140
vs State Avg
+$6,615
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Charleston offers a median school counselor salary of $60,140, which is $6,615 above the South Carolina state average of $53,525. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% 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 Charleston spans from $38,200 at the 10th percentile to $94,800 at the 90th percentile — a $56,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level school counselor earns around $40,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $38,200
25th Percentile $47,000
Median (50th) $60,140
75th Percentile $76,200
90th Percentile $94,800

School Counselor Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$63,147
Pop. 94,171
North Charleston, SC
$57,133
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$55,329
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$54,126
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a School Counselor in Charleston

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Charleston

Browse open school counselor positions in Charleston, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Charleston

How much does a School Counselor make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $60,140 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $38,200 (10th percentile) to $94,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,140, a school counselor in Charleston earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Charleston's median school counselor salary of $60,140 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $53,525. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $60,140 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Charleston? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Charleston 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.