Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Billerica, MA: $51,768 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Billerica, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,768 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billerica's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,712 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,983) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the school counseling profession in Billerica, MA, the starting school counselor salary is projected to be around $51,768 in 2026. While this figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, it captures the essential first step into a rewarding career. The median annual salary for school counselors in Billerica is projected to reach $75,983, indicating a significant gap between starting pay and what more experienced counselors earn. However, early-career professionals can expect to see salary growth within their first few years, as they advance from the entry-level starting point to around $63,284 in annual pay at the 25th percentile. Given the current hiring trends and mental health funding expansion, Billerica is a promising market for fresh graduates who are eager to find their place in the education system.
About the Billerica Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billerica
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 Billerica
Entry-level school counselors in Billerica, MA typically start between $51,768 and $63,284 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $66,006 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,983 — 18.11% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Massachusetts of $75,000 represents just 144.88% of the starting school counselor pay ($51,768/year) in Billerica. 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 Billerica
- 1Research the Billerica market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $51,768 to $63,284, 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 Billerica, 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 Billerica for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billerica'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 Billerica is $66,006 ( 127.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,768, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,774.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,739
2025 BLS Actual
$50,728
2026 Current Est.
$51,768
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Billerica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,739 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,136 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,311 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,133 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,229 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,598 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,728 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,768 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,829 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Billerica, MA grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,739 in 2019 to $50,728 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,829. New graduates entering the Billerica job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billerica 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 Billerica
In Billerica, numerous public school districts actively recruit new graduates, often offering positions at step-and-lane pay scales that match their level of experience and education. Charter schools in the area may also be appealing due to potentially higher starting salaries, albeit without the security of tenure. Credentials that can enhance earning potential include a master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program and obtaining state school counselor certification. Additionally, participation in supervised internship hours—often exceeding 600 hours—plays a significant role in securing jobs. With school counselor-to-student ratios favoring higher hiring rates, particularly after the funding increase for mental health initiatives post-COVID, new graduates can strategically position themselves for steady salary increments. In the initial years, counselors may realistically anticipate salary increases aligning with the standard K-12 structure, reflecting their growing expertise and contributions to their respective schools.
More salary data for Billerica, 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 Billerica. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billerica 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