Creative & Education Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

School Counselor Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median school counselor salary in Arlington, VA is $79,385 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$79,385
vs State Avg
+$16,839
vs National
+$19,245
Cost of Living
132%

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

Arlington offers a median school counselor salary of $79,385, which is $16,839 above the Virginia state average of $62,546. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $79,385 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,140. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for school counselors in Arlington spans from $50,424 at the 10th percentile to $125,136 at the 90th percentile — a $74,712 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,200. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level school counselor earns around $52,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,800
+$12,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,200
+$19,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,200
+$27,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $50,424
25th Percentile $62,040
Median (50th) $79,385
75th Percentile $100,584
90th Percentile $125,136

School Counselor Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$61,343
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$60,140
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$58,937
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$57,734
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a School Counselor in Arlington

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Arlington

Browse open school counselor positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Arlington

How much does a School Counselor make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Arlington, Virginia is $79,385 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $50,424 (10th percentile) to $125,136 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,385, a school counselor in Arlington earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Arlington's median school counselor salary of $79,385 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $62,546. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $79,385 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Arlington? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Arlington 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.