School Counselor Salary in Fairfield, CT: $72,683 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Fairfield, CT earns a median $72,683/year (≈ $34.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Fairfield's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $67,361 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfield, CT, the anticipated median school counselor salary for 2026 is projected at $72,683, surpassing the national median of $64,335 by about 12.98%. This salary is set against a range where the lowest 10% earn approximately $53,178 and the highest 90% can make up to $112,659. Notably, Fairfield's school counselor-to-student ratio is a factor worth examining, particularly in light of the American School Counselor Association's (ASCA) recommendation of 1:250. This ratio highlights the need for adequate resources in the district, suggesting that the competitive salary landscape may be driven by the increasing demand for school counselors, fueled by expanded mental health funding in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,178 | $25.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,174 | $28.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,683 | $34.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,813 | $44.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,659 | $54.17 |
Median Salary Position
12.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfield
In Fairfield, CT, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,481 (2026 est.). At $72,683, the local median is 12.98% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfield School Counselor Pay Compares
Fairfield median: $72,683/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $73,940 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +12.98% more |
School Counselors in Fairfield, CT earn a median of $72,683 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.98% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.70% below the Connecticut state average of $73,940.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfield has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfield, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,683 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,361 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,152
2025 BLS Actual
$71,223
2026 Current Est.
$72,683
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,152 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,348 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,994 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,584 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,322 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,757 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,223 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,683 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,173 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfield metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $63,152 (2019) to $71,223 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,173 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,021 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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) | $53,178 – $59,174 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,174 – $72,683 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,683 – $91,813 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,813 – $112,659 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Fairfield
The local job market for school counselors in Fairfield currently employs nine individuals, indicating a small yet stable environment for prospective applicants. With a cost-of-living index of 107.9, living in Fairfield may affect take-home purchasing power, making the salary incentives for counselors even more critical. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer the most competitive salaries, but variations exist depending on educational credentials and experience. Factors such as the step-and-lane pay scale, which factors years of experience and educational attainment into compensation, along with potential stipends for roles like department head or club advisor, create notable pay differences. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in the Fairfield market, pursuing advanced credentials beyond a master’s degree and taking advantage of extended contracts or summer programs can significantly enhance total compensation.
More salary data for Fairfield, CT:
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 $71,223 for school counselorsin the Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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