School Counselor Salary in Perth Amboy, NJ: $71,143 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Perth Amboy, NJ earns a median $71,143/year (≈ $34.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Perth Amboy's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $61,756 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Perth Amboy, NJ, school counselors can anticipate a median annual salary projected at $71,143 for 2026, reflecting a keen interest in mental health and educational support amplified by recent funding expansions. This salary stands about 10.58% higher than the national median of $64,335. The compensation for school counselors in this locality demonstrates a notable range, with entry-level positions starting around $51,687 and experienced counselors earning up to $110,272. These figures, derived from state-level data and regional economic conditions, indicate that the job market for school counselors is on an upward trajectory as districts prioritize mental health services and maintain a structured step-and-lane salary system, with specific placement determined by educational attainment and years of experience.
About the Perth Amboy Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,687 | $24.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,592 | $27.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,143 | $34.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,063 | $43.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,272 | $53.01 |
Median Salary Position
10.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Perth Amboy
In Perth Amboy, NJ, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,585 (2026 est.). At $71,143, the local median is 10.58% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Perth Amboy: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Perth Amboy School Counselor Pay Compares
Perth Amboy median: $71,143/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Perth Amboy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $72,595 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +10.58% more |
School Counselors in Perth Amboy, NJ earn a median of $71,143 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.58% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $72,595.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Perth Amboy has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Perth Amboy, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,143 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,756 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,814
2025 BLS Actual
$69,714
2026 Current Est.
$71,143
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Perth Amboy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,814 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,984 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,574 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,173 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,875 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,528 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,714 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,143 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,602 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Perth Amboy metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $61,814 (2019) to $69,714 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,602 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,788 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Perth Amboy 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) | $51,687 – $57,592 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,592 – $71,143 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,143 – $91,063 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,063 – $110,272 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Perth Amboy
With only 13 school counselors currently working in Perth Amboy, the market indicates a competitive edge for those pursuing this career path. The cost of living index in the area is marked at 115.2, suggesting that while the salaries may appear substantial, the increasing living costs can significantly influence take-home purchasing power. Major employers, such as K-12 public school districts, typically follow a structured pay scale that rewards additional educational qualifications, particularly for those who hold degrees beyond a master's. The variance in school counselor pay in Perth Amboy often stems from this step-and-lane system, where higher education and extensive experience lead to improved compensation. Embracing opportunities such as summer programs or department leadership roles can also enhance earnings, making it essential for counselors to strategize their career advancements effectively to maximize their school counselor salary in Perth Amboy.
More salary data for Perth Amboy, 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 $69,714 for school counselorsin the Perth Amboy 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 Perth Amboy 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