Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Andover, MA: $54,016 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Andover, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,016 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Andover's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,784 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($74,290) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Pursuing an entry-level school counselor position in Andover, Massachusetts, typically begins with a starting salary around $54,016 in 2026. This figure, while on the lower end of the scale, is a stepping stone toward the city’s median annual salary of $74,290. Over time, new graduates can expect to progress from the lower salary range toward more competitive earning potential, with opportunities to rise to the 25th percentile salary of $59,860 within a few years. The local educational landscape is generally favorable for fresh graduates, especially given the increasing emphasis on mental health support in schools, which creates a demand for emerging counselors eager to make an impact on student well-being.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Andover
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 Andover
Entry-level school counselors in Andover, MA typically start between $54,016 and $59,860 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,134 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $74,290 — 15.47% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Massachusetts of $75,000 represents just 138.85% of the starting school counselor pay ($54,016/year) in Andover. 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 Andover
- 1Research the Andover market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $54,016 to $59,860, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Andover, 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 Andover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Andover'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 Andover is $61,134 ( 113.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,016, experienced hygienists can earn up to $115,150.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,421
2025 BLS Actual
$52,931
2026 Current Est.
$54,016
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,421 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,879 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,148 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,007 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,193 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,145 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,931 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,016 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,123 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Andover, MA grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,421 in 2019 to $52,931 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,123. New graduates entering the Andover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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 Andover
Several employers within Andover actively hire newly graduated school counselors, predominantly public school districts that utilize a pay structure aligned with step-and-lane placement, offering stable pay increases as counselors gain experience. Charter schools may provide unique opportunities as they often have slightly higher initial salaries but lack tenure benefits inherent in traditional districts, while overseas placements with DoDEA schools can be enticing due to their cost of living adjustments. To bolster starting pay in Massachusetts, acquiring credentials such as a Master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program, obtaining state certification, and passing required exams can be invaluable. Future strategies for new counselors should emphasize mentorship and professional development, especially in light of the community-focused initiatives prompted by recent mental health crisis funding. Overall, a trajectory of salary growth is likely in the initial years as districts remain focused on maintaining lower counselor-to-student ratios and meeting the demand for qualified professionals in the field.
More salary data for Andover, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Andover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover 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