Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Scarborough, ME: $43,819 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Scarborough, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,819 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Scarborough's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,995 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,915) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Scarborough, ME, those seeking entry-level positions in school counseling should brace for a starting salary of approximately $43,819 in 2026. While this is considerably lower than the median annual salary of $59,915 for all school counselors in the city, it’s essential for new graduates to recognize this as a foundation upon which they can build their careers. Over the first few years, with experience and obtaining further qualifications, salaries can see a progression toward the 25th percentile, which is $50,572. Given the current demand for counselors, spurred by increased mental health funding post-COVID, Scarborough presents a viable opportunity for recent graduates to enter the profession, especially compared to other markets across Maine.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Scarborough
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scarborough
Entry-level school counselors in Scarborough, ME typically start between $43,819 and $50,572 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,469 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,915 — 6.87% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Maine of $50,000 represents just 114.11% of the starting school counselor pay ($43,819/year) in Scarborough. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CACREP-accredited master's programs in school counseling. In-state public institutions are the lowest-cost option; private universities carry higher tuition. Totals reflect tuition and required fees; practicum and internship hours are typically unpaid and add opportunity cost. State licensure requirements may mandate additional coursework.
SC, LSC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Scarborough
- 1Research the Scarborough market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $43,819 to $50,572, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the school counseling field — employers in ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Scarborough, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Scarborough for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Scarborough's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
School Counselor Compensation Range
The school counselor wage spread in Scarborough is $45,469 ( 103.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,819, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,288.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,791
2025 BLS Actual
$42,939
2026 Current Est.
$43,819
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Scarborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,791 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,974 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,814 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,511 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,285 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,159 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,939 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,819 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,718 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Scarborough, ME grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,791 in 2019 to $42,939 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,718. New graduates entering the Scarborough job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scarborough metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.05% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your school counseling Career in Scarborough
Various employers in Scarborough hire new graduates, primarily within public school districts that adhere to a step-and-lane pay structure akin to that of teachers. These districts typically recognize the master's degree in school counseling from accredited programs, which can elevate starting salaries significantly. For added credentials, achieving state certification and passing relevant examinations is advantageous. The high school counselor-to-student ratio remains a concern, as the ASCA recommends a 1:250 ratio, while many schools experience much higher numbers. Over the initial years, entry-level school counselors can expect realistic salary growth through these established pathways, encouraging newcomers to stay engaged with ongoing professional development and networking while navigating their early careers in Scarborough.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Scarborough in 2026?
How fast do school counselor salaries grow in Scarborough?
Is school counseling school worth it in Scarborough?
What do new school counselors make right out of school in Scarborough?
How do I become a school counselor in Maine?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new school counseling graduates. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Scarborough. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Scarborough is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.05%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for school counselors (SOC 21-1012).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov