School Counselor Salary in Rancho Cordova, CA: $95,934 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Rancho Cordova, CA earns a median $95,934/year (≈ $46.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Rancho Cordova's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $84,822 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Rancho Cordova, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $95,934. This figure stands significantly higher than the national median salary for school counselors, which is $64,335, reflecting a premium for the local cost of living and recent expansions in mental health funding post-COVID. The salary range for these positions varies widely, with the 10th percentile earning approximately $63,927 and the 90th percentile seeing salaries around $148,698. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected for 2026, taking into account the regional price levels that influence compensation. As districts prioritize mental health services, demand for qualified counselors in Rancho Cordova has grown, creating a robust job market for this vital role.
About the Rancho Cordova Market
Salary estimated from California average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,927 | $30.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,089 | $38.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,934 | $46.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,244 | $58.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $148,698 | $71.49 |
Median Salary Position
49.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rancho Cordova
In Rancho Cordova, CA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $84,771 (2026 est.). At $95,934, the local median is 49.12% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rancho Cordova: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rancho Cordova School Counselor Pay Compares
Rancho Cordova median: $95,934/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rancho Cordova Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $96,708 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +49.12% more |
School Counselors in Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $95,934 per year (2026 est.), which is 49.12% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.80% below the California state average of $96,708.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rancho Cordova has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rancho Cordova, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $95,934 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $84,822 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,354
2025 BLS Actual
$94,007
2026 Current Est.
$95,934
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Rancho Cordova (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,354 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,932 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,425 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,884 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,178 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,007 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,934 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,901 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rancho Cordova metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $83,354 (2019) to $94,007 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,901 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,547 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rancho Cordova 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) | $63,927 – $79,089 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,089 – $95,934 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,934 – $122,244 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,244 – $148,698 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Rancho Cordova
Currently, around 20 school counselors are employed in Rancho Cordova, making the local job market competitive, particularly in light of the high cost-of-living index of 113.1. This means that while salaries may seem attractive, the purchasing power is a critical consideration. Among local employers, K-12 public schools typically offer the most competitive pay structures, influenced by the traditional step-and-lane salary system based on years of experience and educational attainment. Factors contributing to the broad pay range include educational qualifications, such as a master's versus a doctorate, the demand for counselors during extended school years, and stipends for additional responsibilities like department head roles. To maximize earnings in this market, school counselors may pursue advanced certifications, seek out positions in higher-paying districts, or explore summer and after-school program opportunities that can enhance overall compensation in Rancho Cordova.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, 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 $94,007 for school counselorsin the Rancho Cordova 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 Rancho Cordova 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