School Counselor Salary in Aspen Hill, MD: $69,869 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Aspen Hill, MD earns a median $69,869/year (≈ $33.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Aspen Hill's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $63,924 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aspen Hill, Maryland, the school counselor salary is projected to reach a median of $69,869 in 2026, reflecting a notable increase when compared to the national median of $64,335. The salary range for school counselors in the area extends from $48,767 at the 10th percentile to $108,296 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse range of pay reflective of experience and education levels. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and account for regional cost adjustments that highlight the area's unique economic environment. The substantial increase in funding for mental health services post-COVID has fueled demand for counselors, prompting schools in Aspen Hill to increase hiring efforts and enhance their support networks for students and families.
About the Aspen Hill Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,767 | $23.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,279 | $26.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,869 | $33.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,264 | $42.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,296 | $52.07 |
Median Salary Position
8.60% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aspen Hill
In Aspen Hill, MD, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,529 (2026 est.). At $69,869, the local median is 8.6% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aspen Hill: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aspen Hill School Counselor Pay Compares
Aspen Hill median: $69,869/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aspen Hill Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $68,904 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | +8.60% more |
School Counselors in Aspen Hill, MD earn a median of $69,869 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.60% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.40% above the Maryland state average of $68,904.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aspen Hill has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aspen Hill, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,869 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,924 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,706
2025 BLS Actual
$68,465
2026 Current Est.
$69,869
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Aspen Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,706 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,856 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,399 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,006 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,677 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,437 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,465 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,869 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,301 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aspen Hill metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $60,706 (2019) to $68,465 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,301 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,595 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aspen Hill 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) | $48,767 – $55,279 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,279 – $69,869 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,869 – $89,264 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,264 – $108,296 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Aspen Hill
The local job market for school counselors consists of about eight professionals, presenting both opportunities and challenges in Aspen Hill. The area's cost-of-living index of 109.3 suggests that while salaries may appear competitive, the higher living expenses impact overall purchasing power when compared to the national average. In terms of employer diversity, K-12 public school districts generally offer the most competitive pay packages, leveraging step-and-lane salary structures that reward experience and advanced education. Variability in compensation is influenced by factors such as additional responsibilities, including summer programs, club advising, and the potential for stipends. For aspiring school counselors, positioning oneself for higher pay in Aspen Hill requires strategic career decisions, including pursuing advanced certifications and taking advantage of opportunities within the expanding mental health framework in schools.
More salary data for Aspen Hill, MD:
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 $68,465 for school counselorsin the Aspen Hill 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 Aspen Hill 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