Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Haverhill, MA: $53,551 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Haverhill, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,551 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Haverhill's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,356 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,700) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the school counseling profession in Haverhill, Massachusetts, realistic expectations for starting pay are crucial. In 2026, entry-level positions are projected to offer a salary starting at approximately $53,551, a significant gap compared to the city's median salary of $78,700. As new counselors gain experience over the first three to five years, they can anticipate increases, with potential earnings reaching about $61,231 at the 25th percentile. Given the current job market conditions and expanding demand for mental health support in schools, Haverhill presents a favorable environment for new graduates seeking opportunities in this field.
About the Haverhill Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Haverhill
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 Haverhill
Entry-level school counselors in Haverhill, MA typically start between $53,551 and $61,231 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $68,433 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,700 — 22.33% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Massachusetts of $75,000 represents just 140.05% of the starting school counselor pay ($53,551/year) in Haverhill. 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 Haverhill
- 1Research the Haverhill market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $53,551 to $61,231, 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 Haverhill, 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 Haverhill for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Haverhill'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 Haverhill is $68,433 ( 127.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,551, experienced hygienists can earn up to $121,984.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,073
2025 BLS Actual
$52,475
2026 Current Est.
$53,551
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Haverhill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,073 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,518 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,768 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,619 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,787 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,559 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,475 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,551 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,649 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Haverhill, MA grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,073 in 2019 to $52,475 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,649. New graduates entering the Haverhill job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Haverhill 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 Haverhill
Employers in Haverhill predominantly hire entry-level counselors in local public school districts, which typically offer a structured step-and-lane salary system based on education and experience. Experienced counselors, particularly in districts benefiting from increased funding for mental health services post-COVID, often see enhanced marketability when they possess credentials like a master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program, state certification, and prior supervised internship hours. Those considering a position at charter schools may find higher entry-level salaries, although these often lack the security of tenure. Over the first few years, counselors can realistically expect salary growth as they gain experience and navigate the often challenging student-to-counselor ratios, which currently stand at an average of 1:385 compared to ASCA's recommended 1:250. By investing in ongoing education and obtaining additional certifications, new grad school counselors in MA can strategically position themselves for maximum impact and growth in their early careers.
More salary data for Haverhill, 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 Haverhill. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Haverhill 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