Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Weymouth, MA: $52,960 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Weymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,960 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Weymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,811 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,302) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates eager to start their careers in school counseling, Weymouth, Massachusetts, offers a pragmatic salary outlook. The entry-level school counselor salary in Weymouth projects to begin at around $52,960, which is notably below the city's median annual salary of $78,302. This gap emphasizes the common experience of starting at a lower tier and the potential for salary growth to $63,425 as they gain experience within the first few years. Given the 2.05% annual growth rate projected for this profession, new counselors can reasonably expect to progress in their earnings as they build their skills and gain tenure. Weymouth remains an attractive market for recent graduates, particularly in the wake of increased hiring linked to mental health initiatives following the pandemic.
About the Weymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Weymouth
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 Weymouth
Entry-level school counselors in Weymouth, MA typically start between $52,960 and $63,425 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $68,408 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,302 — 21.71% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Massachusetts of $75,000 represents just 141.62% of the starting school counselor pay ($52,960/year) in Weymouth. 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 Weymouth
- 1Research the Weymouth market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $52,960 to $63,425, 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 Weymouth, 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 Weymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Weymouth'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 Weymouth is $68,408 ( 129.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,960, experienced hygienists can earn up to $121,368.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,631
2025 BLS Actual
$51,896
2026 Current Est.
$52,960
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Weymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,631 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,060 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,285 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,127 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,271 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,918 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,896 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,960 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,046 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Weymouth, MA grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,631 in 2019 to $51,896 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,046. New graduates entering the Weymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Weymouth 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 Weymouth
Job opportunities for recent graduates typically arise in public school districts throughout Weymouth, where most positions follow the structured K-12 step-and-lane pay system, similar to teaching roles. The majority of these schools will hire master's-level counselors who possess relevant credentials, like a CACREP-accredited degree and a state school counselor certification. Additionally, the Pursuit of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification can further enhance starting pay and career prospects. Retaining a competitive edge in the first three years often correlates with how well an early-career counselor navigates the high counselor-to-student ratios—currently averaging 1:385, far from the ideal recommendation of 1:250 by the ASCA. With growing mental health funding fueling increased hiring, initial salaries may grow steadily in Weymouth as counselors gain experience and actively contribute to their educational environments. Focused professional development and networking in community and state organizations can also facilitate advancements in their careers.
More salary data for Weymouth, 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 Weymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Weymouth 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