School Counselor Salary in Chapel Hill, NC: $58,954 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Chapel Hill, NC earns a median $58,954/year (≈ $28.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Chapel Hill's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $62,985 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chapel Hill, NC, school counselor salary estimates for 2026 indicate a median annual income of $58,954, which falls below the national median of $64,335 for the same year. The compensation range reflects significant variability, with the lowest ten percent earning about $39,904 and the highest ten percent making around $91,380. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data, highlight a competitive local market where most educators, including school counselors, operate within a step-and-lane pay structure that rewards experience and advanced degrees. Graduates with a master's degree typically start on the lower rungs of this scale, while those with additional credits or doctorates may see substantial increases in their earnings. Understanding salary expectations can guide job seekers in assessing offers within Chapel Hill's educational landscape.
About the Chapel Hill Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,904 | $19.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,529 | $21.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,954 | $28.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,462 | $36.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,380 | $43.93 |
Median Salary Position
8.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chapel Hill
In Chapel Hill, NC, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,476 (2026 est.). At $58,954, the local median is 8.36% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chapel Hill: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chapel Hill School Counselor Pay Compares
Chapel Hill median: $58,954/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chapel Hill Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $56,254 | +4.80% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | -8.36% less |
School Counselors in Chapel Hill, NC earn a median of $58,954 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.36% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 4.80% above the North Carolina state average of $56,254.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chapel Hill has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chapel Hill, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $58,954 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,985 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,223
2025 BLS Actual
$57,770
2026 Current Est.
$58,954
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Chapel Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,223 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,193 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,007 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,417 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,194 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,770 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,954 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,163 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chapel Hill metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $51,223 (2019) to $57,770 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,163 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,940 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chapel Hill 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) | $39,904 – $45,529 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,529 – $58,954 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,954 – $75,462 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,462 – $91,380 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Chapel Hill
A closer look at the local job market reveals that there are currently nine school counselors employed in this area, indicating a compact yet stable demand for these professionals. The cost of living index in Chapel Hill sits at 93.6, suggesting that while salaries may be slightly lower than the national average, the overall purchasing power remains relatively strong. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts tend to offer the most competitive pay for school counselors, often aligning closely with the established step-and-lane scale. Factors influencing the wide salary range include years of experience, levels of education, and opportunities for additional pay such as extended contracts or stipends for specialized roles. To enhance earnings in Chapel Hill, school counselors may consider obtaining advanced qualifications, engaging in leadership roles, or seeking additional positions during the summer months to maximize their overall pay.
More salary data for Chapel Hill, NC:
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 $57,770 for school counselorsin the Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill 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