School Counselor Salary in Woodland, CA: $97,972 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Woodland, CA earns a median $97,972/year (≈ $47.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Woodland's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $86,624 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Woodland, CA, school counselors are anticipated to earn a median annual salary of $97,972 in 2026, reflecting a significant premium compared to the national median of $64,335. The estimated salary range spans from $68,520 at the 10th percentile to $151,857 at the 90th percentile, which illustrates the breadth of compensation available in this profession. Current employment stands at just 15 school counselors in the area, a number indicative of the district’s commitment to maintaining a healthy school counselor-to-student ratio amid growing mental health considerations. This competitiveness in salary is essential given that the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) advocates for a 1:250 ratio of counselors to students, which is notably better aligned in Woodland compared to the national average of 1:385.
About the Woodland Market
Salary estimated from California average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,520 | $32.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,392 | $37.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,972 | $47.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $125,404 | $60.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $151,857 | $73.01 |
Median Salary Position
52.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Woodland
In Woodland, CA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,337 (2026 est.). At $97,972, the local median is 52.28% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Woodland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Woodland School Counselor Pay Compares
Woodland median: $97,972/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Woodland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $96,715 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | +52.28% more |
School Counselors in Woodland, CA earn a median of $97,972 per year (2026 est.), which is 52.28% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.30% above the California state average of $96,715.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Woodland has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Woodland, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $97,972 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $86,624 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,125
2025 BLS Actual
$96,004
2026 Current Est.
$97,972
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Woodland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,125 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,736 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,303 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,751 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,094 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,807 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,004 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,972 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,981 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Woodland metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $85,125 (2019) to $96,004 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,981 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,856 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woodland 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) | $68,520 – $77,392 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,392 – $97,972 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,972 – $125,404 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $125,404 – $151,857 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Woodland
Turning to the specific context of school counselor pay in Woodland, the local market remains strong despite a cost-of-living index of 113.1, indicating that expenses are higher than the national average. This reality can impact take-home pay despite competitive salaries. Among the employers in Woodland, K-12 public school districts generally provide better compensation packages, particularly for those with advanced degrees or additional certifications. The spread between lower and higher salaries often hinges on experience levels, educational attainment, and whether counselors engage in extended contracts or hold additional stipends for roles like department heads or club advisors. To maximize earning potential, counselors in Woodland might consider pursuing advanced qualifications beyond a master's degree, such as master's+30 or even a doctorate, which can further elevate their placement on the district's pay scale. Furthermore, participating in summer programs or seeking leadership opportunities can also yield additional financial rewards while enriching their professional experience.
More salary data for Woodland, 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 $96,004 for school counselorsin the Woodland 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 Woodland 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