School Counselor Salary in Shaker Heights, OH: $58,814 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Shaker Heights, OH earns a median $58,814/year (≈ $28.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Shaker Heights's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $64,845 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The projected median annual school counselor salary in Shaker Heights for 2026 is $58,814, reflecting the area's commitment to enhancing mental health services through expanded funding in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a salary range spanning from $44,443 to $91,162, this compensation indicates a competitive local market for counseling professionals. These local estimates are derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price variations, underscoring the importance of understanding both local economic conditions and mental health initiatives. As Shaker Heights continues to invest in its educational support systems, job opportunities for school counselors are anticipated to grow.
About the Shaker Heights Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,443 | $21.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,679 | $23.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,814 | $28.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,222 | $35.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,162 | $43.83 |
Median Salary Position
8.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shaker Heights
In Shaker Heights, OH, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,719 (2026 est.). At $58,814, the local median is 8.58% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Shaker Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Shaker Heights School Counselor Pay Compares
Shaker Heights median: $58,814/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Shaker Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $61,011 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -8.58% less |
School Counselors in Shaker Heights, OH earn a median of $58,814 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.58% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 3.60% below the Ohio state average of $61,011.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Shaker Heights has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Shaker Heights, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $58,814 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,845 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,102
2025 BLS Actual
$57,633
2026 Current Est.
$58,814
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Shaker Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,102 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,069 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,211 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,879 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,286 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,972 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,633 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,814 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,020 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Shaker Heights metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $51,102 (2019) to $57,633 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,020 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,918 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shaker Heights 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) | $44,443 – $48,679 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,679 – $58,814 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,814 – $73,222 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,222 – $91,162 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Shaker Heights
In evaluating the local job market, it’s notable that there are currently seven school counselors employed in Shaker Heights, a figure that highlights the relatively small but specialized workforce in this area. With a cost-of-living index of 90.7, the take-home purchasing power for school counselors is relatively strong compared to the national average. The highest-paying positions are typically found within K-12 public school districts, where the step-and-lane pay structure based on years of experience and education plays a significant role. Factors such as advanced degrees and additional responsibilities in summer programs or as department heads can impact overall earnings. For those aiming to maximize their pay, pursuing further education and taking on leadership roles can be effective strategies in the Shaker Heights market.
More salary data for Shaker Heights, OH:
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 $57,633 for school counselorsin the Shaker Heights 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 Shaker Heights 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