School Counselor Salary in San Rafael, CA: $98,140 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in San Rafael, CA earns a median $98,140/year (≈ $47.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in San Rafael's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $86,773 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Significant mental health funding expansions in the post-COVID reality have led to an increased demand for school counselors in San Rafael, CA, influencing the compensation landscape for this critical role. In 2026, the projected median salary stands at $98,140, offering a competitive edge compared to national averages. The local salary range is notably pronounced, with entry-level positions starting at $68,915 and top-tier roles potentially reaching up to $152,118, reflecting a strong local market for school counseling professionals within the K-12 sector. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price disparities, and signal an ongoing commitment to mental health support in the school system and its associated financial implications.
About the San Rafael Market
Salary estimated from California average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,915 | $33.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,733 | $37.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,140 | $47.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $125,507 | $60.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $152,118 | $73.13 |
Median Salary Position
52.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Rafael
In San Rafael, CA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,203 (2026 est.). At $98,140, the local median is 52.55% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Rafael: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Rafael School Counselor Pay Compares
San Rafael median: $98,140/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Rafael Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $96,690 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | +52.55% more |
School Counselors in San Rafael, CA earn a median of $98,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 52.55% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.50% above the California state average of $96,690.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Rafael has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Rafael, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $98,140 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $86,773 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,271
2025 BLS Actual
$96,169
2026 Current Est.
$98,140
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,271 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,885 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,458 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,905 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,252 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,169 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,140 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,152 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Rafael metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $85,271 (2019) to $96,169 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,152 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,881 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Rafael 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) | $68,915 – $77,733 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,733 – $98,140 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,140 – $125,507 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $125,507 – $152,118 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in San Rafael
The local job market shows a solid presence, with 11 school counselors working in San Rafael, CA, highlighting a unique blend of employment opportunities. However, the cost of living remains a significant factor, with a cost-of-living index standing at 113.1, which can impact the taking-home pay for school counselors when compared to their salaries. High compensation can be found among K-12 public school districts, which follow a step-and-lane pay structure influenced by experience and education levels, further differentiated by summer programs and stipend opportunities. The spread in salaries is driven by this pay structure, including master's-plus placements and extended school year contracts, which align with the distinct 1:250 ratio recommendation from ASCA. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in San Rafael, seeking positions in districts offering robust mental health initiatives and pursuing additional certifications can be powerful strategies to enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for San Rafael, 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 $96,169 for school counselorsin the San Rafael 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 San Rafael 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