School Counselor Salary in Rialto, CA: $98,513 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Rialto, CA earns a median $98,513/year (≈ $47.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Rialto's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $87,103 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Rialto, California, will earn a median annual salary of $98,513, reflecting a substantial increase compared to other regions. The salary range for this position spans from $65,372 at the 10th percentile to $152,695 for those at the 90th percentile, providing a robust earning potential depending on experience and educational attainment. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, highlight the competitive compensation landscape in Rialto. Those placed on the district's step-and-lane scale, particularly counselors with advanced degrees such as a master's +30, will find themselves positioned favorably within this salary framework, indicative of education levels influencing pay.
About the Rialto Market
Salary estimated from California average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,372 | $31.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,329 | $36.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,513 | $47.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,097 | $60.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $152,695 | $73.41 |
Median Salary Position
53.13% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rialto
In Rialto, CA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,323 (2026 est.). At $98,513, the local median is 53.13% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rialto: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rialto School Counselor Pay Compares
Rialto median: $98,513/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rialto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $96,771 | +1.80% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | +53.13% more |
School Counselors in Rialto, CA earn a median of $98,513 per year (2026 est.), which is 53.13% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.80% above the California state average of $96,771.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rialto has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rialto, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $98,513 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $87,103 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,595
2025 BLS Actual
$96,534
2026 Current Est.
$98,513
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Rialto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,595 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,215 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,802 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,246 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,602 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,364 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,534 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,513 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,532 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rialto metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $85,595 (2019) to $96,534 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,532 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,937 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rialto 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) | $65,372 – $75,329 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,329 – $98,513 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,513 – $126,097 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,097 – $152,695 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Rialto
The job market for school counselors in Rialto is promising, with 17 professionals currently employed in the area. Given the cost of living index at 113.1, which exceeds the national average, it's essential for school counselors to consider how their salaries translate into actual purchasing power. Employers within the local K-12 public school districts generally offer the most competitive pay, particularly for counselors who navigate the district's step-and-lane pay structure based on experience and advanced degrees. The variance in salaries often stems from educational qualifications, contract specifics, and additional stipends for roles like department head or club advisor. Therefore, to enhance earning potential, counselors should seek positions that offer higher pay scales, pursue further education, and consider extended contracts or supplemental opportunities during school breaks, aligning with trends in mental health funding and increased hiring following the COVID-19 pandemic.
More salary data for Rialto, 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 $96,534 for school counselorsin the Rialto 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 Rialto 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