School Counselor Salary in Irvington, NJ: $72,386 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Irvington, NJ earns a median $72,386/year (≈ $34.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Irvington's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $62,835 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Across Irvington, NJ, the school counselor salary landscape is evolving, particularly in light of increased funding for mental health initiatives post-COVID. According to 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data, the median annual salary for school counselors is projected to be $72,386, notably higher than the national median of $64,335. The local salary range extends from $48,727 at the lowest end to $112,199 at the highest. These figures reflect the demand for qualified counselors who are increasingly vital in addressing the mental wellness of students. This heightened need has fueled job opportunities in the area, contributing to competitive compensation as school districts strive to meet ASCA's recommended ratios of counselors to students.
About the Irvington Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,727 | $23.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,514 | $28.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,386 | $34.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,654 | $44.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,199 | $53.94 |
Median Salary Position
12.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Irvington
In Irvington, NJ, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,472 (2026 est.). At $72,386, the local median is 12.51% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Irvington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Irvington School Counselor Pay Compares
Irvington median: $72,386/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Irvington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $72,604 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +12.51% more |
School Counselors in Irvington, NJ earn a median of $72,386 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.51% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.30% below the New Jersey state average of $72,604.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Irvington has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Irvington, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,386 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,835 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,894
2025 BLS Actual
$70,932
2026 Current Est.
$72,386
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Irvington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,894 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,085 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,720 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,312 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,043 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,144 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,932 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,386 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,870 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Irvington metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $62,894 (2019) to $70,932 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,870 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,976 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Irvington 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) | $48,727 – $58,514 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,514 – $72,386 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,386 – $92,654 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,654 – $112,199 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Irvington
The job market for school counselors in Irvington is characterized by a solid foundation, with approximately 10 professionals currently employed in the field. However, prospective counselors should consider the local cost of living, which has a significant impact on take-home pay, as evidenced by a cost-of-living index of 115.2. Public school districts typically offer competitive salaries, driven by the K-12 step-and-lane pay structure that rewards experience and education level, alongside factors like master's degree placements and additional stipends for extended contracts or leadership roles. Understanding the nuances of this pay structure and actively seeking opportunities for advanced degrees or certifications can greatly enhance earning potential. In the context of a market that values and compensates counselors well, those entering the field in Irvington must also remain informed about employer preferences and benefits to fully leverage their compensation.
More salary data for Irvington, NJ:
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 $70,932 for school counselorsin the Irvington 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 Irvington 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