School Counselor Salary in Kearny, NJ: $70,264 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Kearny, NJ earns a median $70,264/year (≈ $33.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Kearny's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $60,993 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearny, NJ, school counselor salaries reflect a competitive landscape, with a projected median annual salary of $70,264 for 2026. This figure not only surpasses the national median of $64,335 by 9.22% but also highlights the growing value placed on counseling roles within the educational system, particularly as districts respond to a heightened demand for mental health support post-COVID. The salary range for school counselors in the area spans from $53,472 at the 10th percentile to $108,910 at the 90th percentile, indicating notable variability in compensation potentially related to experience, educational attainment, and specific roles within Kearny's schools. Given the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) recommended 1:250 counselor-to-student ratio and the national average standing at 1:385, Kearny's ratio and salary reflect a commitment to providing adequate support while also signaling ample opportunities for growth and development in this profession.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,472 | $25.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,432 | $28.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,264 | $33.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,729 | $42.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,910 | $52.36 |
Median Salary Position
9.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearny
In Kearny, NJ, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,438 (2026 est.). At $70,264, the local median is 9.22% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kearny: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearny School Counselor Pay Compares
Kearny median: $70,264/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearny Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $72,662 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +9.22% more |
School Counselors in Kearny, NJ earn a median of $70,264 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.22% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $72,662.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearny has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kearny, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,264 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,993 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,050
2025 BLS Actual
$68,853
2026 Current Est.
$70,264
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,050 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,206 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,764 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,368 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,049 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,385 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,853 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,264 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,705 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearny metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $61,050 (2019) to $68,853 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,705 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,655 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearny 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) | $53,472 – $58,432 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,432 – $70,264 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,264 – $87,729 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,729 – $108,910 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Kearny
Analyzing the job market in Kearny reveals a nuanced picture of school counselor pay dynamics. With only 11 school counselors currently employed in the area, the competition for positions is relatively limited, which can influence salary offers. The local cost-of-living index sits at 115.2, above the national average, making take-home purchasing power an essential consideration for prospective counselors. Kearny's K-12 public school districts generally offer the most competitive salaries, although factors such as extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specific roles can create disparities within the pay scale. School counselors looking to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing additional qualifications, seeking positions that include extended contracts or stipends, and negotiating based on the robust demand for mental health services in schools following the pandemic.
More salary data for Kearny, 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 $68,853 for school counselorsin the Kearny 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 Kearny 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