Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Concord, NH: $47,535 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Concord, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,535 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Concord's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,301 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,464) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Concord, New Hampshire, those looking to begin their careers as school counselors can expect an entry-level salary starting at around $47,535 in 2026. This figure is notably below the city's median annual salary of $64,464, indicating a potential gap that new graduates might need to navigate early in their careers. However, there is growth potential in this field, with starting salaries progressing through the range of $52,433 to the median as professionals accumulate experience over the first few years. For newly minted counselors in 2026, Concord represents a solid market as demand for school counselors continues to rise, driven in part by increased funding for mental health resources in schools, which is crucial given the challenging student-to-counselor ratios that currently exist.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Concord
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 Concord
Entry-level school counselors in Concord, NH typically start between $47,535 and $52,433 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,384 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,464 — 0.2% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in New Hampshire of $65,000 represents just 136.74% of the starting school counselor pay ($47,535/year) in Concord. 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 Concord
- 1Research the Concord market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $47,535 to $52,433, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Concord, 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 Concord for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Concord'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 Concord is $52,384 ( 110.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,535, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,919.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,571
2025 BLS Actual
$46,580
2026 Current Est.
$47,535
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,571 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,854 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,851 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,606 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,531 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,059 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,535 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,509 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Concord, NH grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,571 in 2019 to $46,580 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,509. New graduates entering the Concord job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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 Concord
To break into the profession, graduates should consider the local hiring landscape, which predominantly includes public school districts that often employ school counselors through established step-and-lane salary structures aligned with education levels. While charter networks might offer competitive entry pay, they usually lack tenure benefits that public schools provide. For those aiming to enhance their starting pay in New Hampshire, acquiring credentials such as a master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program, obtaining state certification, and passing requisite exams are fundamental. In light of the post-COVID emphasis on mental health, districts are actively seeking additional counselors, creating promising avenues for recent graduates. Counselors entering the field should anticipate salary increases as they gain experience; however, they must also remain mindful of the existing high student-to-counselor ratios, which the American School Counselor Association recommends should be 1:250, versus the national average of 1:385.
More salary data for Concord, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Concord in 2026?
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Is school counseling school worth it in Concord?
What do new school counselors make right out of school in Concord?
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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 Concord. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord 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