Creative & Education Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

School Counselor Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median school counselor salary in Chesapeake, VA is $58,937 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$58,937
vs State Avg
$-3,609
vs National
$-1,203
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median school counselor salary of $58,937, which is $3,609 below the Virginia state average of $62,546. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $37,436 at the 10th percentile to $92,904 at the 90th percentile — a $55,468 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,200, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,300. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level school counselor earns around $39,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,200
$-800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,800
$-1,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,300
$-1,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $37,436
25th Percentile $46,060
Median (50th) $58,937
75th Percentile $74,676
90th Percentile $92,904

School Counselor Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$79,385
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$61,343
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$60,140
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$57,734
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a School Counselor in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open school counselor positions in Chesapeake, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a School Counselor make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $58,937 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $37,436 (10th percentile) to $92,904 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,937, a school counselor in Chesapeake earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median school counselor salary of $58,937 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $62,546. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $58,937 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Chesapeake? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Chesapeake 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.