School Counselor Salary in Wellesley, MA: $74,540 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Wellesley, MA earns a median $74,540/year (≈ $35.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Wellesley's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $68,700 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Recent investments in mental health support have led to an increase in hiring within the education sector in Wellesley, MA. School counselors are projected to earn a median annual salary of $74,540 in 2026. The overall salary range for this position varies significantly, with entry-level salaries starting at $54,601 and earnings for the most experienced professionals reaching up to $115,538. These figures are local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors. This competitive compensation structure reflects the heightened need for mental health services in schools, aligning with national trends observed post-COVID as districts work to improve student support systems. Wellesley offers a robust job market for school counselors, especially as demand increases for qualified professionals to tackle mental health challenges among students.
About the Wellesley Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,601 | $26.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,360 | $29.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,540 | $35.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,412 | $45.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,538 | $55.55 |
Median Salary Position
15.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wellesley
In Wellesley, MA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,937 (2026 est.). At $74,540, the local median is 15.86% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wellesley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wellesley School Counselor Pay Compares
Wellesley median: $74,540/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wellesley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $78,464 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +15.86% more |
School Counselors in Wellesley, MA earn a median of $74,540 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.86% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 5.00% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,464.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wellesley has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wellesley, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,540 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,700 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,766
2025 BLS Actual
$73,043
2026 Current Est.
$74,540
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Wellesley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,766 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,992 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,706 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,285 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,068 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,462 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,043 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,540 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,068 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wellesley metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $64,766 (2019) to $73,043 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,068 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,302 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wellesley 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) | $54,601 – $60,360 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,360 – $74,540 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,540 – $95,412 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,412 – $115,538 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Wellesley
Within Wellesley, only six school counselors are currently employed, highlighting a localized workforce that provides unique insights into the job market. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, indicating that while salaries are above the national average, they must be carefully managed to support purchasing power in this relatively high-cost area. Public school districts often lead in compensation, particularly for counselors meeting step-and-lane pay scales based on years of experience and advanced degrees. Variations in pay can stem from additional responsibilities, such as leading summer programs or holding stipend roles, which can enhance total compensation. For prospective school counselors looking to maximize their earning potential in Wellesley, pursuing further education beyond a master's degree, engaging in summer programs, and seeking out leadership roles may offer pathways to higher salaries in a competitive environment.
More salary data for Wellesley, MA:
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 $73,043 for school counselorsin the Wellesley 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 Wellesley 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