Creative & Education Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

School Counselor Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median school counselor salary in Columbia, SC is $54,126 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$54,126
vs State Avg
+$601
vs National
$-6,014
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median school counselor salary of $54,126, which is $601 above the South Carolina state average of $53,525. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $34,380 at the 10th percentile to $85,320 at the 90th percentile — a $50,940 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,500. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level school counselor earns around $36,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,000
$-6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,500
$-8,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $34,380
25th Percentile $42,300
Median (50th) $54,126
75th Percentile $68,580
90th Percentile $85,320

School Counselor Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$63,147
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$60,140
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$57,133
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$55,329
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a School Counselor in Columbia

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Columbia

Browse open school counselor positions in Columbia, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Columbia

How much does a School Counselor make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $54,126 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $34,380 (10th percentile) to $85,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,126, a school counselor in Columbia earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Columbia's median school counselor salary of $54,126 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $53,525. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $54,126 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Columbia? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Columbia 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.