School Counselor Salary in Bridgeport, CT: $76,686 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Bridgeport, CT earns a median $76,686/year (≈ $36.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Bridgeport's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 106.9), that paycheck buys what $71,760 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% above the Connecticut state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bridgeport, CT, school counselors can expect a median annual salary of $76,686 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $64,335. The salary range for this profession in the area extends from $48,915 to $121,931, as derived from projected data based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys. For those seeking stability and growth in their counseling careers, Bridgeport offers a step-and-lane salary structure, where placement on the scale is influenced significantly by educational attainment—specifically between master’s and master’s+30 degrees. Given the high demand for counselors post-COVID and Bridgeport's focus on mental health funding, professionals in this field are well-positioned for prospects in the local job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,915 | $23.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,006 | $29.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,686 | $36.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,469 | $48.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,931 | $58.63 |
Median Salary Position
19.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bridgeport
In Bridgeport, CT, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,016 (2026 est.). At $76,686, the local median is 19.2% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bridgeport: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bridgeport School Counselor Pay Compares
Bridgeport median: $76,686/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bridgeport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $73,950 | +3.70% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | +19.20% more |
School Counselors in Bridgeport, CT earn a median of $76,686 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.20% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 3.70% above the Connecticut state average of $73,950.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bridgeport has a cost of living 6.86% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bridgeport, CT has a cost-of-living index of 106.864 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,686 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,760 — a 6.42% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$54,990
2025 BLS Actual
$75,146
2026 Current Est.
$76,686
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Bridgeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,990 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,080 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,146 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,686 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,259 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bridgeport metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 36.7% from $54,990 (2019) to $75,146 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,259 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,269 (42.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bridgeport 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) | $48,915 – $62,006 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,006 – $76,686 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,686 – $101,469 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,469 – $121,931 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Bridgeport
The employment landscape for school counselors in Bridgeport is robust, with approximately 810 individuals currently serving in this capacity. The local cost of living index of 106.864 indicates that while salaries are competitive, they must be considered alongside living expenses. This reality often affects take-home purchasing power, making it crucial for counselors to understand which employers offer the highest pay. Typically, K-12 public school districts provide salary structures that reflect years of experience and education, but also consider factors like extended contracts and stipends for roles such as department heads. To maximize salary potential in Bridgeport, aspiring counselors should pursue advanced education and actively seek positions within school districts known for progressive compensation practices, as well as stay informed on mental health funding opportunities that could boost hiring and salary levels in the coming years.
More salary data for Bridgeport, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Bridgeport, CT in 2026?
Is Bridgeport, CT a good place to work as a school counselor?
Can school counselors make $100K in Bridgeport?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted school counselor salary in Bridgeport?
How much does a school counselor make per hour in Bridgeport?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Connecticut
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 $75,146 for school counselorsin the Bridgeport 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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