School Counselor Salary in North Charleston, SC: $57,133 (2026)

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

North Charleston offers a median school counselor salary of $57,133, which is $3,608 above the South Carolina state average of $53,525. Compared to the national median of $60,140, North Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

North Charleston's cost of living is 95% 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 North Charleston spans from $36,290 at the 10th percentile to $90,060 at the 90th percentile — a $53,770 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,750. With a population of 115,382, North Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in North Charleston by Experience

In North Charleston, an entry-level school counselor earns around $38,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$38,000

$-2,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$57,000

$-3,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$80,750

$-4,250 vs national

Percentile	North Charleston	SC State	National
10th Percentile	$36,290	$33,998	$38,200
25th Percentile	$44,650	$41,830	$47,000
Median (50th)	$57,133	$53,525	$60,140
75th Percentile	$72,390	$67,818	$76,200
90th Percentile	$90,060	$84,372	$94,800

Percentile

North Charleston

10th Percentile

$36,290

25th Percentile

$44,650

Median (50th)

$57,133

75th Percentile

$72,390

90th Percentile

$90,060

How to Become a School Counselor in North Charleston

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in North Charleston

How much does a School Counselor make in North Charleston, SC? ▼

The median school counselor salary in North Charleston, South Carolina is $57,133 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $36,290 (10th percentile) to $90,060 (90th percentile).

How much does a School Counselor make per hour in North Charleston? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $57,133, a school counselor in North Charleston earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does North Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for school counselor pay? ▼

North Charleston's median school counselor salary of $57,133 is 6.7% above the South Carolina state average of $53,525. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in North Charleston, SC? ▼

North Charleston has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $57,133 in North 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 North Charleston? ▼

Most school counselor positions in North 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.

School Counselor Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina