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 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
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.