Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Burlington, VT: $51,565 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,565 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 100.9 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,080 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,926) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Burlington, VT, new graduates entering the field of school counseling can expect to start with a salary around $51,565, which falls within the lower range of the projected compensation for this profession in 2026. When comparing this entry-level pay to the overall median annual salary of $62,926 for school counselors in the area, there is a noticeable gap of approximately $11,361 that entry-level counselors must navigate as they gain experience. Over the first few years, starting salaries tend to gradually rise, with new counselors potentially earning around $53,775 within their first three to five years. Given the city's current growth trajectory and ongoing demand for counseling professionals, particularly due to mental health funding increases since the COVID pandemic, Burlington presents itself as a favorable market for new grads pursuing this career path.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level school counselors in Burlington, VT typically start between $51,565 and $53,775 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,804 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,926 — 2.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Vermont of $55,000 represents just 106.66% of the starting school counselor pay ($51,565/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $51,565 to $53,775, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington'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 Burlington is $48,804 ( 94.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,565, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,369.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,330
2025 BLS Actual
$50,529
2026 Current Est.
$51,565
2019–2027 Growth
+57.9%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,330 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,230 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,529 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,565 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,622 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, VT grew 51.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,330 in 2019 to $50,529 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,622. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
In Burlington, various employers actively seek recently qualified school counselors, with public school districts primarily leading the charge with competitive compensation structures aligned with K-12 step-and-lane pay practices. Although charter networks may offer slightly higher initial salaries without the benefits of tenure, they attract talent looking for different opportunities. Additionally, military-affiliated DoDEA schools provide attractive positions overseas, although relocating might be a consideration for those drawn to such roles. New graduates should prioritize obtaining credentials from CACREP-accredited programs and strive for state certification, which includes passing the requisite licensure exams. As the demand for school counselors continues to grow, especially in light of the ASCA-recommended counselor-to-student ratio of 1:250, aspiring professionals can anticipate steady salary increases in their first few years once they secure positions in local schools. Given the supportive community framework in Burlington and the push for enhanced mental health resources, the entry-level school counselor salary in Burlington can evolve positively as one gains experience and demonstrates professional competence.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
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 Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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