Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Fall River, MA: $57,157 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Fall River, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,157 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fall River's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,679 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,457) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of school counseling in Fall River, Massachusetts, the starting pay can be pivotal in shaping career expectations. In 2026, the entry-level school counselor salary in Fall River is projected to begin around $57,157. Although this figure is notably lower than the city’s median of $77,457, new graduates can anticipate a potential upward trajectory through their early years. Many will find themselves working towards the $63,424 mark within a few years. For recent graduates, navigating the job market is promising, given the anticipated growth rate of 2.05%. Fall River presents a relatively accessible environment for new counselors, especially with expanding opportunities fueled by increased funding for mental health resources in schools.
About the Fall River Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fall River
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 Fall River
Entry-level school counselors in Fall River, MA typically start between $57,157 and $63,424 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,902 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,457 — 20.4% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Massachusetts of $75,000 represents just 131.22% of the starting school counselor pay ($57,157/year) in Fall River. 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 Fall River
- 1Research the Fall River market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $57,157 to $63,424, 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 Fall River, 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 Fall River for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fall River'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 Fall River is $62,902 ( 110.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,157, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,059.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,772
2025 BLS Actual
$56,009
2026 Current Est.
$57,157
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Fall River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,772 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,315 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,716 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,624 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,938 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,590 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,009 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,157 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,329 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Fall River, MA grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,772 in 2019 to $56,009 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,329. New graduates entering the Fall River job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fall River 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 Fall River
When considering where to apply, aspiring school counselors should focus on public school districts, as they are the primary employers of master's-level counselors, often offering structured salary placements that align with experience and education. Fall River's school systems are increasingly recognizing the need for more counselors, thanks in part to initiatives supported by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). New grads should prioritize acquiring essential credentials, such as a Master's degree from CACREP-accredited programs and state school counseling certification, as these qualifications can significantly enhance starting school counselor pay in MA. Additionally, obtaining national certifications like the NBPTS can provide a competitive edge. Emphasis on supervised internship hours and the understanding of K-12 step-and-lane salary structures will also contribute to a smoother transition into practice. For those in the first few years, maintaining awareness of industry standards, including maintaining recommended student-to-counselor ratios, will be key to fostering career growth in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Fall River, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Fall River in 2026?
How fast do school counselor salaries grow in Fall River?
Is school counseling school worth it in Fall River?
What do new school counselors make right out of school in Fall River?
How do I become a school counselor in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Fall River. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fall River 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