School Counselor Salary in Lakewood, CA: $94,272 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Lakewood, CA earns a median $94,272/year (≈ $45.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $83,353 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Lakewood, California, will earn a median annual salary of $94,272, reflecting a significant increase compared to the national median of $64,335. The salary range for these professionals in Lakewood is projected to span from $67,743 at the 10th percentile to $146,121 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and take into account the regional cost adjustments that influence local compensation. With a strong focus on education, the district offers placements on a step-and-lane scale that is influenced by both educational attainment and years of experience, allowing master's-level counselors and those with additional graduate credits to optimize their earnings.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,743 | $32.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,690 | $35.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $94,272 | $45.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,668 | $58.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $146,121 | $70.25 |
Median Salary Position
46.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,378 (2026 est.). At $94,272, the local median is 46.53% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood School Counselor Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $94,272/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $96,689 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +46.53% more |
School Counselors in Lakewood, CA earn a median of $94,272 per year (2026 est.), which is 46.53% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 2.50% below the California state average of $96,689.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $94,272 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $83,353 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,910
2025 BLS Actual
$92,378
2026 Current Est.
$94,272
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,460 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,892 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,361 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,616 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,378 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,272 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,204 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $81,910 (2019) to $92,378 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,204 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,294 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $67,743 – $73,690 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,690 – $94,272 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $94,272 – $120,668 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,668 – $146,121 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Lakewood
In Lakewood, the job market for school counselors shows stability, with 19 currently employed in local educational institutions. However, while the salaries seem competitive, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating higher living expenses, which can affect disposable income. Among various employers, K-12 public school districts generally offer the most lucrative packages, influenced by nearby charter networks and private institutions. The variance in pay often arises from the established step-and-lane structures, where experience and advanced degrees can contribute significantly to compensation. In light of the increasing focus on mental health in schools, particularly after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, counselors may find opportunities to enhance earnings through additional responsibilities or roles related to extended school years or summer programs. For those in Lakewood, aligning qualifications with district needs and pursuing professional development can be key strategies for maximizing school counselor pay in Lakewood CA.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 $92,378 for school counselorsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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