School Counselor Salary in Brea, CA: $91,775 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Brea, CA earns a median $91,775/year (≈ $44.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Brea's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $81,145 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Brea, CA, can anticipate a median annual salary of $91,775, reflecting the post-COVID expansion in mental health funding that has bolstered local hiring efforts. The salary range for this profession spans from $66,935 at the 10th percentile to $142,251 at the 90th percentile, indicating a solid market with variations in pay based on factors such as experience and qualifications. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data with projections adjusted for regional price disparities, showcasing how Brea's school counselor pay exceeds the national median by approximately 42.65%. This elevated compensation relative to the national average exemplifies the city's commitment to addressing pressing mental health needs in its school systems, positioning it as an appealing option for school counselors.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,935 | $32.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,173 | $35.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,775 | $44.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,472 | $56.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $142,251 | $68.39 |
Median Salary Position
42.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brea
In Brea, CA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $75,316 (2026 est.). At $91,775, the local median is 42.65% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brea School Counselor Pay Compares
Brea median: $91,775/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $96,707 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +42.65% more |
School Counselors in Brea, CA earn a median of $91,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 42.65% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 5.10% below the California state average of $96,707.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brea has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brea, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $91,775 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $81,145 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,740
2025 BLS Actual
$89,931
2026 Current Est.
$91,775
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,591 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,074 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,268 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,931 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,775 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,656 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brea metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $79,740 (2019) to $89,931 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,656 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,916 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brea 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $66,935 – $74,173 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,173 – $91,775 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,775 – $117,472 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,472 – $142,251 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Brea
Brea's job market currently employs 10 school counselors, reflecting a stable demand in a city where the cost of living index stands at 113.1, above the national average. This higher cost of living influences the overall purchasing power of counselors, making competitive salaries essential. Among various educational institutions, K-12 public school districts typically offer the most lucrative positions, relying on a step-and-lane pay structure that rewards experience and advanced degrees. Factors such as extended contracts for summer programs, additional stipends for department heads, and the levels of educational attainment contribute to disparities in compensation. For counselors aiming to maximize their earning potential in Brea, pursuing higher credentials, leveraging summer employment opportunities, and engaging in additional roles can be strategic ways to enhance their school counselor salary in Brea. Understanding these dynamics can empower professionals to make informed career decisions in this evolving educational landscape.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $89,931 for school counselorsin the Brea metropolitan area. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brea 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