School Counselor Salary in Portsmouth, NH: $64,912 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Portsmouth, NH earns a median $64,912/year (≈ $31.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $60,496 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselor salaries in Portsmouth, NH, are projected to reach a median of $64,912, slightly above the national average of $64,335. This figure, which falls within a salary range between $48,040 at the 10th percentile to $97,242 at the 90th percentile, reflects the post-COVID mental health funding expansion driving increased hiring in local schools. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, indicating that Portsmouth's job market is responding to heightened demand for mental health support in educational settings. Given the high school counselor-to-student ratios, which exceed the ASCA recommended guidelines, the competitive compensation is vital to attract qualified professionals who can address the diverse needs of students.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,040 | $23.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,702 | $25.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,912 | $31.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,176 | $38.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,242 | $46.75 |
Median Salary Position
0.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, NH, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,202 (2026 est.). At $64,912, the local median is 0.9% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portsmouth School Counselor Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $64,912/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $67,617 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +0.90% more |
School Counselors in Portsmouth, NH earn a median of $64,912 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.90% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 4.00% below the New Hampshire state average of $67,617.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,912 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,496 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,010
2025 BLS Actual
$63,608
2026 Current Est.
$64,912
2019–2027 Growth
+12.3%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,480 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,130 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,300 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,608 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,912 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,243 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 7.8% from $59,010 (2019) to $63,608 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,243 by 2027 — a total increase of $7,233 (12.26%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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) | $48,040 – $52,702 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,702 – $64,912 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,912 – $80,176 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,176 – $97,242 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Portsmouth
Currently, there are five school counselors employed in the Portsmouth area, which points to a compact yet focused job market. The cost of living index in Portsmouth is at 107.3, suggesting that while salaries may be competitive, the higher living expenses could impact take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer the most robust pay structures, leveraging step-and-lane salary scales based on years of experience and education level. Other factors contributing to salary variability include district premiums for high cost of living, placement on columns that reward advanced degrees, and additional compensation for extended contracts or leadership roles. To maximize earnings, school counselors in Portsmouth should consider pursuing advanced certifications, actively seeking leadership positions or stipend roles, and negotiating contracts that align with the city's growing emphasis on mental health resources.
More salary data for Portsmouth, NH:
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 $63,608 for school counselorsin the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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